[Presentation by Dr. Vasileios, Gkisakis at the Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland] This contribution analyzes how regional initiatives in Crete, Greece, related to agroecology, support “biocultural diversity” and conservation and significantly contribute to the transition towards sustainable food systems. It utilizes an agroecological and social-ecological conceptual framework that supports deeper understandings of transitions for resilience. Analysis of transdisciplinary literature that addresses constructs of agroecology from the environmental and social sciences will include transitions towards sustainable food systems for biocultural diversity argued through empirical and scientific perspectives. The discussion involves interpretations of scientific terminology (science), implementation strategies (practice) and partnerships for transitions (movements). The examination of the Cretan paradigm include: The “Life IGIC” project (Life+ programme), the “Melitakes” agroecological social cooperative, the Agroecological Network of Greece and the Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network. These socio-ecological examples provide insights that include: biodiversity conservation and use, traditional agricultural knowledge, the Mediterranean heritage foodscape, the successes and challenges in transitioning to sustainable foodways, implications of food security and post-carbon resilience. Critical inquiry will include issues of biocapacity along with opportunities and threats from surrounding socio-ecological processes, industries and businesses. Research implications offer advancements for policy-oriented decision making that can prepare communities for resilience in changing climates, economies and post-carbon contexts.

1. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Vasileios Gkisakis
Agroecologiki SP
Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
1
Sustainable food systems for biocultural conservation and
resilience in the Mediterranean:
A case study from Crete, Greece.
Workshop n°2

2. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Introduction
Vassilis Gkisakis (Greece)
(Dr. Agrobiodiversity / Agroecology)
 Practice
Agroecologiki SP – Agricultural Research & Development
(Founder)
 Science
Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU)
(Lecturer & researcher)
 Movement
Agroecology Europe Association (Board member)
& Agroecological Network of Greece (Moderator)

3. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
A Mediterranean case study: Crete
 Regional initiatives in Crete, Greece supporting
“biocultural diversity” & contributing to the
transition towards sustainable food systems.
 Utilize an agroecological & social-ecological
framework for understanding of the transition
process to resilience, through empirical &
scientific perspectives

4. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Biocultural conservation approaches
Actions of sustaining
biophysical and socio-cultural
components of dynamic,
interacting & inter-dependent
social-ecological systems
(Gavin et al. 2015)

5. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
The agroecological approach
Define, classify & study agricultural
systems from an ecological & socio-
economic perspective
Apply ecological principles for design
& management of diverse,
productive & resilient farming
systems
(Gkisakis, 2017)(Altieri, 1987;1995)

6. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
A Mediterranean case study: Crete
Agroecological Social co-op
Agroecological Network
Food & Agriculture
Educational programme
Biodiversity project
(Gavin et al. 2015)

7. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Life IGIC project
 Development of agroecological / Green Infrastructure (GI) & supporting
sustainable farming methods in small-scale olive orchards, in south Crete

8. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Life IGIC project
 Assess and enhance biodiversity to counteract habitat fragmentation
 Focus on functional biodiversity, providing important agroecosystem services

9. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Life IGIC project
 A GI network of demonstrative role while conserving biodiversity, enhancing
agroecosystem services & providing the basis for reconnecting existing
nature areas.
 Linkage with agro/eco-touristic initiatives & added value for local production

10. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Life IGIC project
 Supporting sustainable olive farming methods based on agroecological
principles (f.i. legume cover crops, pruning residues recycle, pest control)

11. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Life IGIC project
 Linkage with local key actors (farmers & policy makers) and agro/eco-tourism
initiatives in order to provide added value to local production

12. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Agroecological Network of Greece
 To promote the agroecological concept for exchange of information, practical
knowledge & research through events, editions, training.
AGROTICA Fair 2018,
Thessaloniki, Northern Greece2nd Agroecology Europe Forum 2019,
Crete

13. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Agroecological Network of Greece
 Regular edition of technical reports (2017-2019) & Special Issue on
Agroecology (2019)

14. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Agroecological Network of Greece
 Co-organisation of 2nd Agroecology Europe Forum (26-28 September 2019),
Heraklion, Crete

15. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Melitakes Social Co-op
 Agroecological co-op initiated in 2008 working on agroecological production,
training/ school gardens & seed saving, while self-developing agri-tools.

16. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Crete’s Culinary sanctuaries
 Interactive educational programs in Crete, Greece focusing on culture, nature,
sustainable organic agriculture & traditional cuisine

17. Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2019, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Agroecology: multiple transitions of territories
Concluding..
 Socio-ecological examples in Crete of biodiversity conservation &
use, traditional agricultural knowledge and Mediterranean heritage
foodscapes
 A Living Lab is developed.
A regional user-centered & open-innovation ecosystem, integrating
research & innovation processes through partnership
 Upper goal: Continuing interactions of social & agricultural /
ecological systems for the transition to agroecological Food & Social
systems, which become diverse and resilient.