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CIHEAM Zaragoza hosts an advanced course on regenerative agriculture for specialists from over ten Mediterranean countries
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > CIHEAM Zaragoza hosts an advanced course on regenerative agriculture for specialists from over ten Mediterranean countries
  • Organised in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and ICARDA, the course was held from 9 to 14 March 2026 at CIHEAM Zaragoza on the Campus of Aula Dei.
  • This initiative brought together forty professionals and researchers to explore regenerative agriculture as a strategic solution to combat soil degradation and the effects of global warming in the region.
Visual comparison of soil structure during a practical session of the regenerative agriculture course in the Mediterranean organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza.

Agroclimatic challenges in the Mediterranean basin

The Mediterranean region currently faces complex challenges that threaten the sustainability of agricultural systems, including soil degradation caused by erosion and salinisation, depletion of essential nutrients, and loss of agrobiodiversity. These factors, together with greater frequency of extreme meteorological events, place traditional agricultural systems under unprecedented pressure, increasing the vulnerability of rural communities in arid regions.

Regenerative agriculture as a transformative model

In this scenario, regenerative agriculture arises as a paradigm that reaches beyond minimisation of environmental impacts. This model is based on holistic principles designed to restore the functionality of agroecosystems, placing soil health at the heart of resilient agricultural production. With the depletion of natural resources, it is essential to transition towards regenerative practices to guarantee a prosperous, sustainable future for the region.

Technical training and practical applications

Throughout the six-day training event held in hybrid modality, participants gained deeper insight into critical areas such as organic carbon dynamics, efficient water management, and the design of diversified cropping systems. The programme combined academic excellence with hands-on learning that included workshops, round table discussions with experts, and technical field visits. Through this integrated focus, participants gathered information about modern tools to enhance soil organic matter, optimise nutrient cycling, and strengthen the capacity of ecosystems to sequester carbon.

Participants in a working session delivered by international experts at CIHEAM Zaragoza.Participants in a technical visit to EEAD-CSIC experimental plots in March 2026.Group photo taken during the advanced course on regenerative agriculture held at CIHEAM Zaragoza and organised in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and ICARDA.

International cooperation and knowledge transfer

Geographic representativity was one of the most enriching parts of the course, with a notable presence of professionals from southern and eastern Mediterranean countries, such as Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Türkiye. This diversity enhanced high-level technical discussions on the adaptation of sustainable practices to a range of socioeconomic contexts. The programme included over fifteen internationally-renowned lectures who analysed strategies ranging from minimum tillage to European agricultural policy, with particular emphasis on the opportunities arising from the European Green Deal for ecological transition.

Participants during the technical vsit o an olive orchard where regenerative techniques are applied in March 2026.