Climate change is increasingly affecting rural regions in Romania through desertification, drought and land degradation, having a direct impact on agriculture, food security and social cohesion, say specialists from the Energy Policy Group (EPG).

“Desertification – a consequence and a cause of climate change – particularly affects the South-West Oltenia and South-East regions. High temperatures, drought and water scarcity reduce agricultural productivity and increase the vulnerability of rural communities, amplifying already existing patterns such as poverty, social exclusion, health risks and food insecurity. Soil degradation also reduces its capacity to store carbon dioxide, affecting both the resilience of ecosystems and the achievement of Romania’s climate objectives (…) In Romania, the response capacity is limited due to the lack of institutional coordination and the absence of a coherent framework based on clear monitoring mechanisms”, the specialists argue.

The EPG analysis presents an integrated perspective on the phenomenon, highlights the systemic risks it entails and proposes recommendations to support the sustainable development of the affected areas. Thus, the authors of the research, Ioana Maria Vasiliu and Ana-Maria Niculicea, emphasize that public policies must be thought out and rethought in a manner that integrates the social, economic and environmental dimensions, through a “bottom-up” approach, adapted to the specific needs of local communities.

The two experts propose, in this regard, a series of recommendations, one of which is the integration of desertification risk into national and local strategic planning, including infrastructure and economic and social policies.

At the same time, there is a need for economic diversification in rural regions affected by desertification, by supporting alternative livelihoods, encouraging the development of local value chains and improving access to financing for adaptation measures.

Another solution refers to increasing local capacity through training and information in sustainable land management practices and efficient use of resources, as well as adaptation to the effects of climate change.

Carbon management policies must also be strengthened through land restoration, afforestation and recognition of the role of soils as natural carbon reservoirs, as well as promoting cooperation between authorities, communities, civil society and the private sector for a coordinated response to combat desertification.

As for the situation at European level, the specialized document shows that the problem of desertification is approached in a fragmented manner, without a dedicated strategy.