The Torre Guaceto Living Lab in Puglia has officially kicked off activities under the PRIMA NexusLabs project, tackling sustainable agriculture in one of Italy’s most important protected areas. The site covers around 1,114 hectares of vineyards and horticulture, irrigated mainly from groundwater within the Torre Guaceto RAMSAR wetland. The balance between protecting nature and supporting farming clearly highlights the need for new and innovative ways to manage land and water.
The Torre Guaceto wetland, characterized by brackish water, is experiencing progressive salinization driven by interacting pressures which include groundwater overexploitation for irrigation and rising seawater levels, with significant impacts on vegetation and animal communities.
Led by CNR – Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque together with the Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto, the Torre Guaceto Living Lab focuses on treated wastewater reuse, innovation in irrigation techniques, and the implementation of Nature-based Solutions, including wetland restoration.
Bridging Science, Practice and Governance
The first regional meeting took place on 24 November 2025 bringing together around 30 farmers, agricultural experts and local stakeholders to discuss key challenges and opportunities. Topics included integrating reclaimed wastewater into irrigation practices, expanding precision agriculture to optimise water and fertiliser use, and regenerating soils and farming systems following the devastating spread of Xylella fastidiosa in the region. The need to strengthen Torre Guaceto’s territorial identity as a Natural Reserve with both constraints and unique opportunities was also highlighted.
The main goal in the area is the adoption of a new Natural Reserve Management Plan which underscores the importance of environmental protection, requiring thoughtful engagement with farmers to ensure its acceptance and effective implementation.
Outcomes from the workshop will directly inform the revision of the local Action Programme within the new Management Plan of the Natural Reserve demonstrating how NexusLabs bridges science, practice and governance to support real-world policy and local adaptation.
Torre Guaceto is one of nine Mediterranean Living Labs testing integrated Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus solutions across six countries, helping farmers, institutions and communities move from innovation to implementation.
