Practical solutions for agriculture in salinizing deltas
Abstract
Climate adaptation is becoming a defining theme of international cooperation. Recent developments, such as the Global Goal on Adaptation, stronger commitments to climate-resilient food systems, and multiple calls from COP28 and COP29 for accelerated, on-the-ground implementation, underline that the time for pilot projects alone is over. Coastal regions and deltas are already experiencing the combined pressures of sea-level rise, prolonged droughts, soil salinization, and freshwater scarcity. As a result, global adaptation efforts increasingly prioritize actionable solutions, locally led initiatives, and knowledge that directly supports farmers, water managers, and regional authorities. SALTA’s operational and practice-driven approach fits seamlessly into this shift by demonstrating how innovation, monitoring, capacity development, and collaboration can translate climate ambitions into tangible results in delta regions.
Building on this foundation, SALTA will organize a 4-day international workshop with experts to stimulate knowledge exchange and accelerate the adoption of effective solutions. The workshop will be organized in collaboration with the Netherlands Food Partnership and the Netherlands Water Partnership, convenors of the Saline Water & Food Systems Partnership. The SUSTAIN COST Action collaborates on and financially supports this event through a two-day Training School held as part of the four-day international workshop.
The Agenda of the two-day SUSTAIN Training School
The full Agenda of the four-day International Workshop
Objectives
The international workshop aims to:
- Share practical experiences on managing salinity at farm level
- Explore how international experience can help address Dutch challenges regarding freshwater availability and salinity
- Develop a shared Knowledge Agenda by identifying practical and scientific knowledge gaps
- Define effective approaches for filling these knowledge gaps
- Connect farmers’ organizations and agricultural experts with researchers, the private sector, and policymakers
- Strengthen operational perspectives: solutions and approaches applicable across deltas globally
- Contribute to an active, informal international network of practitioners and experts
- Mobilize youth and young farmers by sparking interest in salinity-related challenges. A student contest will be organized to stimulate participation
- Improve access to knowledge
Prerequisites needed
Participants should have a foundation in environmental/agricultural sciences or practical experience with agriculture in salinizing deltas. In addition, participants should have an interest in developing practical solutions, and have a close connection to one of the following subjects (see the application form for more details):
- Measuring and monitoring soil salinity; innovative approaches that contribute to salinity management at farm level.
- Using saline water for irrigation? Technical innovations and management strategies that can prevent salinization, or manage irrigation under saline conditions
- Crop salt tolerance; selecting and developing crops that are suitable for cultivation under saline conditions and understanding the salinity effects on different crop development stages
- Translating scientific knowledge into guidelines and practical solutions for farmer
Skills/equipment needed
No specific skills or equipment are needed.
For the field days:
The last two field days, on June 11 and 12, are optional and are not supported by the SUSTAIN COST Action. However, they are open to anyone who wishes to participate. The registration details and the cost of participating in either of the two one-day field trips will be announced on SALTA’s website as the workshop approaches.
For participants it is advised to wear light clothing and closed shoes suitable for fieldwork. Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen and mosquito repellent are strongly recommended.
For more update information regarding the four-day event you can regulary visit the SALTA website here.
Organizational details
- Up to 26 trainers and trainees will be selected and financially supported (long distance travel and daily allowance) by SUSTAIN according to the Annotated Rules.
- Please note that the participants are responsible to organize their flights, book their accommodation, visa, etc. on their own.
- Dinners on the 9th and 10th of June are optional. Costs will be soon announced on the SALTA website
- For travelling and accommodation tips, please visit the SALTA website.
Application deadline
March 25th, 2026
For more information please do not hesitate to contact
Eleftheria Dalmaris (Training School co-ordinator for SUSTAIN) or [email protected]