Nemesis
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Soil Health Living Lab Network for Combating Desertification in the Mediterranean
Total cost € 11 999 402.47 EU contribution € 11 999 402.47 Funding Programme Horizon Europe - Mission Soil

Nemesis strategically establishes five autonomous yet interconnected user-oriented, sustainable Living Labs (LLs) in Cyprus, France, Italy, North Africa (Tunisia/Algeria), and Spain, to combat desertification and improve soil health across the Mediterranean. These LLs will evolve into a multi-disciplinary virtual LL, with primary goal to incorporate all relevant soil health descriptors across a spectrum of heterogeneous real-life environments. The Nemesis community envisions itself as a potent hub of innovative solutions addressing adverse soil degradation issues in the region and beyond, and supporting the Soil Monitoring Law at multiple levels. Nemesis seeks to promote effective, sustainable land management practices and tackle the various societal challenges associated with soil health deterioration in the region. A comprehensive set of tools and frameworks will be established. These are designed to secure the long-term viability and optimal functionality of the LLs, with the aim to advance LLs’ pilot sites (60 already identified at the proposal stage) into Lighthouses where they can showcase solutions and exemplary achievements. A core principle guiding Nemesis is its commitment to co-creation and co-development. 

Nemesis will also emphasize the active engagement of local communities and citizens, with a special focus on representing future generations to build a foundation of environmentally conscious citizens. Nemesis facilitates the exchange of knowledge and fosters the development of novel and adaptable tools that are essential for informed decision-making and policy shaping. The project recognizes the importance of policy creation in addressing the complex challenges it seeks to tackle. This ensures that the innovative solutions generated within the Nemesis LL network will influence broader policy frameworks, fostering a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating desertification, among other objectives.

HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01

Thematic areas

Awareness and engagement Living Labs Territorial dimension

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Not targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Not targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Not targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Partially targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Partially targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Not targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Not targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Not targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Not targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Partially targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Targeted
  • 4. International
    Not targeted

© European Union, 2024. Image sources: Adobe.Stock.com