The Resilient Recurrent Behavior of Mediterranean Semi-Arid Complex Adaptive Landscapes

Growing external pressures from human activities and climate change can exacerbate desertification, compromising the livelihoods of more than 25% world’s population. The dryland mosaic is defined by land covers that do not behave similarly, identification their recurring or irregular changes over time crucial, especially in areas susceptible to become desertified. To this aim, methodological approach research based on integration non-linear data analysis techniques, such as recurrence plots (RPs) quantification (RQA), applied Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), which a functional ecological proxy above ground net primary production. exploits detected vegetation cover gauge predictable (resilient) behavior EVI well its chaoticity semi-arid Mediterranean region (Apulia, Italy). Interestingly, results have shown spatial rendering variables, confirming well-known hot spots soil degradation desertification taking place region, are characterized greater chaoticity, but they also identified new potential candidate sites. As result, susceptibility degradation, measured EVI-RQA approach, help measuring with evident operational benefits for landscape planning. novelty lies spatially explicit resilient less support definition targeted interventions conservation priorities better planning sustainable management drylands.