Converging for deterring land abandonment: a systematization of experiences of a rural grassroots innovation

Anchored by a case study research, the paper asks whether rural socially innovative initiatives in Portugal can be considered sources of adaptability and increased resilience to land abandonment and land degradation in a vulnerable region to climatic changes. The article retells a systematization of experiences of a grassroots innovation in the Alentejo region. Elaborating on the lessons learned by the participants, the discussion reflects on the sources of social and ecological resilience created. These include facilitating new modes of participatory governance, a shared vision for a sustainable village, building up social capital and the steady collection of memories of traditional land use and resource management practices. In the final conclusions, key findings are distilled and prospects for further research suggested.