Introduction
Always a cultural crossroads, the Mediterranean Region is attracting increasing international attention for its rich history, unique biodiversity, and socio-economic complexity. These elements are fueling the debate on how to address current and future challenges in the Region and beyond.
The first edition of the International Conference "Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)" in 2024 aims to highlight sustainable development issues related to the cultural landscape in the Mediterranean Region.
The cultural landscape in the Mediterranean Region is the result of the historical combination of the work of man and nature, an essential part of the European heritage and an indispensable element for the quality of life of human communities.
In a global context that is increasingly aware of the need to address complex challenges, the conference aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform characterized by the breadth and depth of its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, attracting the interest and participation of scholars, experts, and academics from different fields of expertise to explore, share and develop innovative and sustainable ideas that will make a significant contribution to understanding this important issue.
This approach is based on the recognition that environmental, social, and economic challenges require an integrated and in-depth understanding, exploring the deep links between cultural history, the natural environment, and social dynamics, and outlining a comprehensive framework that can guide sustainable policies and innovative practices. Through the contribution of a variety of disciplines, the conference aims to lay the foundations for a comprehensive view of Mediterranean landscapes, considering them as interconnected systems that involve both humans and the environment.
The challenge of reconciling development and conservation requires a multi-focal and synergistic approach that involves knowledge sharing and in-depth study of issues related to social sciences, environmental sciences, architecture, economics, information technology, infrastructure, energy, environment, agro-forestry and many other related sectors, capable of offering different and complete perspectives on issues that require an integrated understanding of cultural, environmental and economic dynamics.
Through the presentation of innovative research, the exchange of practical experiences and active collaboration, the conference will seek to define strategies that can guide policies and practices to preserve the cultural and natural richness of Mediterranean landscapes, and to shape a future in which development and conservation coexist harmoniously, allowing Mediterranean landscapes to flourish for generations to come.
The topics of the conference cover issues of global relevance. Climate change, sustainable resource management, cultural heritage conservation and the promotion of equitable economic development are just some of the issues that will be addressed. The conference aims to contribute not only to the well-being of the Mediterranean region, but also to the global debate on how to preserve and responsibly manage Mediterranean landscapes in an increasingly interconnected world.
Aims
The first edition of the International Conference "Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)" aims to foster links between scholars, experts and academics by encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas, according to the following objectives:
- Multidisciplinary Innovation: To provide a platform for the presentation and discussion of innovative research and interdisciplinary projects that contribute to the understanding and resolution of contemporary challenges in Mediterranean landscapes.
- Scientific advancement: To promote scientific progress through the presentation of high-quality research results, stimulating critical reflection and collaboration between the various disciplines involved.
- Sustainable development: To explore sustainable solutions for the management and conservation of Mediterranean landscapes, taking into account social, economic and environmental aspects.
- Training and education: To provide training and educational opportunities through workshops, interactive sessions, and seminars by internationally renowned experts.