Subterranean ecosystems host a broad diversity of specialized and endemic organisms that account for a unique fraction of the global taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity. Furthermore, they deliver crucial nature’s contributions to people—especially the provisioning of potable water to more than half of the world’s population. Yet, these out-of-sight ecosystems are systematically overlooked in post-2020 biodiversity and climate change targets. Only 6.9% of known subterranean ecosystems overlap with the global network of protected areas, with just a few of these areas designed to account for their vertical dimension. Two main impediments are responsible for this lack of protection. First, subterranean biodiversity patterns remain largely unmapped, even in areas with a long speleological tradition such as Europe. Second, we lack a mechanistic understanding of subterranean species' response to human-induced perturbations. The project DarCo aims to map subterranean biodiversity patterns across Europe and develop an explicit plan to incorporate subterranean ecosystems in the European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. To this end, we have established a multidisciplinary team of leading scientists in subterranean biology, macroecology, and conservation science from a broad range of European countries. The project is articulated in three interconnected work packages devoted to direct research (WP2–4), plus a fourth package (WP5) aimed at maximizing the dissemination of results and engagement of stakeholders to implement practical conservation. First, by compiling existing databases and leveraging a capillary network of international collaborators, we will gather distribution data, traits, and phylogenies for all major subterranean animal groups, including crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and vertebrates (WP2). These data will serve to predict species responses to human threats using Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (WP3). Models' predictions of biodiversity change will provide the basis for a first dynamic mapping of subterranean life in Europe. By intersecting maps of diversity patterns, threats, and protected areas, we will design a plan to protect subterranean biodiversity complementing the current EU network of protected areas (Natura 2000), while taking into account climate-driven shifts in subterranean ecoregions (WP4). Finally, through target activities in WP5, we seek to raise societal awareness about subterranean ecosystems and invite stakeholders to incorporate subterranean biodiversity in multilateral agreements. In compliance with the European Plan S, we will make all data open and re-usable by the development of a centralized and open database on subterranean life—the Subterranean Biodiversity Platform. This will ensure that future generations will be able to build upon knowledge accumulated on subterranean biodiversity and monitor the effectiveness of today’s protection measures in the years ahead.

The bioactive compounds of saffron (crocus sativus, L) spice and its floral by-products (mainly crocin, safranal and flavonoids) have potential health benefits particularly regarding cognitive function and mental health. There is a lack of knowledge on their use as a source of bioactive extracts for the development of functional food ingredients. The main objective of the project is to develop new innovative and added-value products from saffron and its floral by-products, improving the saffron quality in the Mediterranean area and turning it into a highly profitable botanical source. Specific project objectives and the approach to achieve them are: -To produce high quality saffron and floral by-products optimizing the cultivation and processing conditions, and their characterization, with contribution of saffron producers and SMEs in Algeria and Spain. -To develop and characterize bioactive extracts and ingredients from saffron and its floral by-products improving functionality and stability, using up-to-date and innovative technologies with involvement of the industry. -To develop innovative healthier food products from the saffron ingredients through traditional recipes, preserving the nutritional and organoleptic quality. -To investigate the antimicrobial and prebiotic potential of the extracts, and their cardiometabolic prospects “in vitro” and “in vivo”. -To test the effect of the bioactive extracts on mood and cognition in humans. The multidisciplinary science-based outputs, technological improvements, and applications of saffron bioactive extracts and ingredients with defined authenticity and functional composition, will lead to new functional foods from the traditional Mediterranean diet, contributing to improve the health of the population. At the same time, saffron production will become more sustainable and profitable taking advantage of a high-value biomass. This will also foster the employment and international market in this industrial sector.

Anticipating a 60% increase in food production, agricultural practices are becoming increasingly crucial to support the growing global population. In response to this pressing need, the ASPmed project takes on the challenge by exploring the potential of agroforestry as a multifaceted solution. Agroforestry involves integrating trees with crops and livestock, offering a holistic approach to bolster efficiency, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable land use. Agroforestry combined with animal farming, (e.g. poultry and sheep) presents opportunities for utilizing marginal lands more effectively. However, despite its potential benefits, the widespread adoption of agroforestry faces obstacles such as knowledge gaps and technical constraints. The ASPmed project sets out to address these challenges by innovating agroforestry practices tailored specifically to poultry and sheep production systems. Central to the ASPmed project are key objectives aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and their impact on the environment and local communities. The project aims to develop an integrated and sustainable agricultural model based on agroforestry, incorporating poultry and sheep production while minimizing environmental impacts, enhancing food quality and safety, and promoting animal health and well-being. This model seeks to strengthen biodiversity, local resilience, and socio-economic growth, with a focus on gender equality in Mediterranean regions. Activities include enhancing ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, soil health preservation, and biodiversity conservation, while promoting local economic development and resilience. Key objectives include developing sustainable land use models, producing high-quality food, improving animal health and welfare, boosting the local economy through agroforestry practices, promoting gender equality and women empowerment, implementing a multi-actor approach for dissemination, and fostering sustainable land management practices for enhanced productivity. By involving various stakeholders such as farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives in decision-making processes, ASPmed aims to ensure that project outcomes are relevant, impactful, and widely accepted within the communities they serve. This participatory approach also helps to build local capacity and empower communities to take ownership of sustainable agricultural practices in the long term. In addition to its focus on innovation and stakeholder engagement, the ASPmed project prioritizes the dissemination of its findings and best practices to maximize their impact. Through seven comprehensive work packages (WPs) encompassing project management, research development, and dissemination, ASPmed strives to ensure that its outcomes reach a wide audience, including policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and the general public. By sharing knowledge and promoting best practices, ASPmed aims to inspire positive change in agricultural systems and contribute to the global effort to achieve food security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development. In conclusion, the ASPmed project represents a proactive response to the challenges facing global agriculture in the 21st century. By harnessing the potential of agroforestry and adopting a holistic approach to sustainable food production, ASPmed aims to pave the way for a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally friendly agricultural system. Through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, ASPmed seeks to empower farmers, strengthen communities, and promote a brighter future for agriculture and food security worldwide.