Objectives
VENUS is designed with six specific objectives (SO) to foster environmental and economic prosperity through the cultivation of neglected and underutilized species (NUS). Our vision aligns with the UNCCD’s 15th Conference of the Parties, focusing on sustainable practices and land conservation. Here’s a detailed overview of our objectives:
Objective 1
Evidence-based benefits of NUS. Our aim is to provide concrete evidence of the environmental and economic advantages of NUS cultivation. We will monitor and assess crucial parameters at demonstration sites to showcase the potential for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality and the economic feasibility of NUS farming. These insights will stem from the application of proven best management practices (BMPs), laying the foundation for wider replication and knowledge dissemination.
Objective 2
Establishing mediterranean demonstration sites. We plan to set up 11 demonstration sites across various Mediterranean countries already facing or at risk of land degradation. These sites will serve as real-world examples for replicating NUS BMPs, with thorough monitoring of crop performance and soil quality. Our Farmer to Farmer (F2F) strategy will engage local stakeholders in a collaborative knowledge-sharing process, promoting sustainable, climate-resilient, and profitable land management practices.
Objective 3
Knowledge transfer for market integration. Our third objective revolves around equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge to capitalize on NUS crops. By assisting them in collaborating with corporations and accessing markets, we aim to leverage the multiple marketable attributes of NUS, fostering new business opportunities.
Objective 4
Scalability assessment. We will evaluate the environmental, social, and economic scalability of NUS cultivation at both country and Mediterranean levels. This includes examining the suitability of NUS considering various constraints such as land and water competition, public acceptance, and local business dynamics. Our assessments will produce maps indicating current and projected suitability areas for NUS introduction by 2050.
Objective 5
Raising awareness. An essential part of our mission is to increase awareness about the value of NUS crops among various stakeholders. By disseminating VENUS project outcomes and promoting them at various levels, we hope to catalyze the long-term development of the Mediterranean region. This effort includes establishing Living Laboratories and the operation of the VE-NUS network platform for ongoing collaboration and education.
Objective 6
Fostering gender equality and youth empowerment. Finally, we are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering the youth in all our project activities. By emphasizing these principles in NUS exploitation, training, and implementation, we aim to build a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector.
Methodology
The 13 VENUS partners coming from 8 Mediterranean countries, both European (Italy, Greece, and Spain) and non-European (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia), will develop the project together following the core concepts previously outlined. The overall project methodological approach is based on five main pillars.