Murcia, Spain – SUSTAIN (COST Action CA22144) was recently presented at a stakeholder meeting held in Murcia in the framework of the SaltyBEATs initiative and SUSTAIN activities. The presentation, delivered by Dr. José Antonio Hernández Cortés, introduced participants to the objectives, structure, and ongoing work of the Action, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The meeting brought together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders working on salinity-related challenges in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Murcia, a region particularly affected by soil and water salinisation, provided a highly relevant setting to discuss innovative solutions and sustainable management strategies.

During the presentation, participants were introduced to SUSTAIN’s mission to promote the sustainable use and management of salt-affected lands, enhancing agricultural productivity while preserving environmental resources. The six Working Groups of the Action—covering soil and water salinity processes, plant responses, ecosystem services, stakeholder engagement, policy frameworks, and dissemination—were presented as an integrated platform fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across Europe and beyond.
The exchange with attendees highlighted the importance of bridging research and practice, particularly in regions facing increasing salinity pressures due to climate change, irrigation practices, and land-use dynamics. The discussion also opened pathways for strengthening synergies between SaltyBEATs and SUSTAIN, especially in terms of shared case studies, dissemination activities, and engagement with local actors.

This event further reinforces SUSTAIN’s commitment to stakeholder involvement and to co-developing solutions that are scientifically sound, locally adapted, and policy-relevant.