The Balearic Ornithology and Nature Defence Group (GOB Menorca) has carried out the project “Guarding change. Climate resilience in agricultural stewardship”, with the support of the Biodiversity Foundation.

The project has been structured around 4 axes:

1. Increased availability of fresh water.

2. Adaptation and use of habitats.

3. Participation of agents and training.

4. Preparation of a manual with the experiences developed.

In the first axis, various actions have been carried out – installation of gutters for the collection of rainwater, rehabilitation of cisterns and installation of tanks to store water – in 6 farms, which will allow more than 1000 m³ per year to be collected. In all cases, permanent water points adapted to wildlife have been set up.

To prepare agricultural management for climate change, 8800 m2 of wild pastures have been recovered for livestock feed and 17600 m² of abandoned mowing meadows, which will once again produce fodder. Both habitats are listed as priorities at the community level due to the high biodiversity associated with their agricultural use. In addition, 5500 m² of forest areas have been adapted as shade shelters for livestock. Part of the above actions have been carried out thanks to the participation of 139 volunteers in 8 volunteer days (third axis).

The second axis has been complemented by the carrying out of 32 analyses of fallow land on 17 farms, based on which its need for fertilisation can be assessed, with the consequent economic savings, emissions and potential infiltration into the aquifer. To close the chapter on adaptation to climate change, an inventory of crops adapted to conditions of water stress and native breeds highly resilient to the climate scenario of the two areas studied (Menorca and Alt Empordà) has been drawn up. In total, 39 crops and 8 breeds have been inventoried and the consequent files have been prepared with information for their cultivation and management.

In the training section, three days of the Agriculture and Climate Change Seminar have been organized, aimed at farmers and ranchers, with the participation of 154 attendees and 9 speakers. The conference focused on the impact of climate change on agriculture and the role of local crop varieties, the increase in soil fertility, innovation in livestock management and the commitment to products with high added value, as tools for adaptation to this reality.

With the aim of promoting the transfer and replicability of the knowledge generated, a guide entitled Climate resilience in agricultural management has been published. Practical Guide to Measures for Adaptation to Climate Change, which includes the activities carried out in the field of adaptation.