The project includes 16 study areas in as many Italian regions characterized by the typical forage and pasture systems of marginal areas. The peculiar feature of this project is the development of a Geographical Information System (GIS) common to all areas concerned; the system will become a useful tool for data synthesis, analysis and elaboration, integration of conceptual and interpretation models of farms and pastures, definition and evaluation of environmental and economic sustainability of farms. A main distinctive feature of the project is the collaboration and exchange network among institutions and administrations to carry out the research activity which allows the sharing of information and data, as well as the realization of training activities and seminars.

Title and acronym: Development of sustainable and multifunctional farm models for the exploitation of pasture resources in marginal areas using GIS - MASOGIS

Dates: from May 2005 to November 2008

Location: Italy

Partnership: University of Turin-Italy, CRPA-Italy, University of Perugia-Italy, University of Sassari-Italy, CONSDABI-Italy, Istiuto Sperimentale Italiano L. Spallanzani-Italy.

Source of Funding: Regione Piemonte

Role of NRD: coordinator

Scientific responsible: Prof. G. Enne

NRD members and staff involved: Dott. C. Zucca, Dott.ssa S. Musinu