Remote rural areas across Europe are increasingly facing abandonment and marginalization due to demographic shifts, socio-economic changes, and declining agricultural viability. Moreover, climate change is threatening agricultural production and ecosystem functions of rural areas. For these reasons, there is a need to investigate the complex socio-ecological dynamics underlying these processes and to assess their impact on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and land management. Different bio-climatic areas can have different responses to these threats and dynamics, allowing for a comparative evaluation of how abandonment and marginalization unfold in various rural settings. Special attention will be given to the role of traditional land-use practices, the resilience of agro-ecosystems, and the governance frameworks that influence land use decisions. By combining spatial analysis, field assessments, and stakeholder engagement, the trade-offs associated with land abandonment, such as potential biodiversity gains from rewilding versus the loss of cultural landscapes and traditional knowledge will be analyzed. Land management strategies will be considered to balance conservation goals with the needs and rights of rural communities. The outcomes will support policymakers and land managers in designing targeted interventions to mitigate negative effects while promoting adaptive strategies for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable provision of ecosystem services.‬‬

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The candidate will need strong interdisciplinary research skills, combining ecological and socio-economic analysis to assess trade-offs linked to rural abandonment. Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing is essential for spatial analysis of land use changes, along with statistical skills for integrating environmental and social data. Knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem service frameworks, experience with stakeholder engagement, and qualitative research methods are also important. Strong communication and writing abilities are required to present findings effectively to both academic and policy audiences.

For this scholarship it is mandatory a period of research abroad of 6 months.

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Il Dipartimento di Agraria possiede (i) laboratori di campo per sperimentazioni di carattere agronomico; (ii) laboratori di ricerca per l’analisi di suoli, alimenti, foraggi, effluenti di allevamento, acqua e aria; (iii) laboratorio di agrometeorologia ed ecofisiologia, specializzato in tecniche micrometeorologiche di monitoraggio.

Il dottorando potrà avvalersi del network di collaborazioni coi centri interdipartimentali “Innovative Agriculture” (su agricoltura di precisione) e “Nucleo di Ricerca sulla Desertificazione” (NRD), e con la Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti (CMCC), ampliando l'opportunità di lavorare in un ambiente internazionale e multidisciplinare.

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