EcoFABULAnds

The ecoFABULAnds project responds to the critical imperative for transformative changes in European landscapes, aiming to forge future- proof, biodiverse, and sustainable agricultural systems. Embracing a multi-actor approach rooted in community-driven transformation, we endeavor to revolutionize food production, distribution, and consumption based on principles of circular economy. This journey commences in five Living Labs spanning a spectrum of typical European landscapes besieged by urgent challenges and crises. From the lush, rolling countryside of Ireland to the urban expanse of Berlin-Brandenburg, from the rugged terrain of South Tyrol, to the agricultural heartland of South Hungary, and the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus, each locale  grapples  with its  unique  set of  obstacles. Yet, amidst adversity, local communities and key stakeholders unite to co-create and refine agroecological solutions tailored to specific regional and supra-regional needs and opportunities.

The main objectives include identifying and implementing best-suited agroecological practices, redesigning agroecosystems, and exploring mechanisms for mainstreaming successful solutions into the agrifood system at the landscape level. By fostering cross-sectoral and multi- stakeholder dialogue, ecoFABULAnds empowers bottom-up initiatives and integrates them into existing or innovative governance structures to drive and mainstream agroecological transition pathways.

Each living lab tells a unique story of innovation and adaptation to local contexts. The Irish Agroecological Living Lab (Irish LL) will be recruited by UCD through an open tender and engaged as a subcontracted service provider. The Irish LL will catalyse agroecological transitions in an Irish bioregion (to be confirmed with the successful tenderer) across upland and lowland (non‑intensive dairy) agro‑food systems, co‑producing solutions with farmers, communities and policy actors. It will adopt 4 Returns thinking (natural, social, inspiration, financial) and collaborate with the four other Living Labs to exchange methods and results. In Berlin-Brandenburg, the focus is on innovating urban- rural linkages to address land competition between food production and urbanization, while in South Hungary, traditional horticulture and orchards are revitalized to combat food deserts, promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance landscape biodiversity. In South Tyrol, organic farming and the sustainable use of traditional medicinal plants are emphasized to preserve cultural heritage and biodiversity, despite climate warming challenges. Finally, in Cyprus, the project explores circular production-consumption models, fostering bio-based transitions for sustainable agriculture on the island.

The ambition is to provide practical solutions for transforming regional production - consumption systems towards inclusivity, adaptability, and cross-sectoral collaboration. By fostering regional partnerships, building political commitment, and demonstrating good practices, ecoFABULAnds aims to stimulate innovation, economic growth, and behavioral change towards more sustainable production  - consumption systems. Through dissemination, communication, and exploitation actions, the project seeks to maximize its impact by sharing findings, inspiring broader societal transformation, and empowering communities to lead the transition towards healthier, environmentally- friendly, and socially equitable production - consumption systems.