Located in southern France, the Occitanie region spans coastal plains, river valleys, forests and mountainous areas, making it one of Europe’s most diverse landscapes. Its rapid population growth and high ecological value make it a strategic Living Space within LandShift, where nature-based solutions and new land-use insights can support both environmental protection and local development.
A Region Defined by Diversity and Growing Pressures
Occitanie stands out for its exceptional variety of landscapes, from Mediterranean coasts to upland areas rich in biodiversity. This diversity attracts new residents and tourists, contributing to strong demographic growth. However, rising demand for housing, tourism and infrastructure often collides with agricultural needs and natural ecosystems, leading to habitat fragmentation and increasing land-use conflicts
Environmental Challenges and Local Needs
Like many Mediterranean regions, Occitanie faces intensifying climate impacts: recurring droughts, severe wildfires (including a major one in Aude this year), water stress, soil salinisation and destructive floods. Urban areas experience heat-island effects, while rural areas contend with ageing farming populations, agricultural land abandonment and competing land and water demands across agriculture, tourism and urbanisation.
How LandShift Is Helping
LandShift provides an opportunity to test a range of nature-based solutions, including hedgerow planting, inter-crop vegetation and climate-resilient species. These approaches will help identify ways for local authorities, farmers and planners to adapt to changing conditions. The project also supports improved monitoring through in-situ measurements and satellite data, enabling evidence-based decisions for long-term land resilience.
Community Involvement and Collaboration
Over the past months, the Occitanie Living Space has expanded significantly to include a broader set of local stakeholders. This growing network strengthens collaboration and ensures that proposed solutions reflect both local knowledge and scientific evidence. One particularly rewarding discovery has been the realisation that several nature-based solutions are already being tested across parts of the region, offering valuable inspiration and local proof of concept.
A Wide Network of Regional Actors
The Living Space brings together a broad coalition of regional and local authorities, climate agencies, research institutions, farmers’ organisations and land-management bodies. Key contributors include: Région Occitanie, Agence Régionale Énergie-Climat, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Conseil départemental de l’Aude, INRAE, IRD, the Narbonnaise Regional Natural Park, Pays Cœur d’Hérault, TERRANIS, OPenIG and several local environmental and agricultural stakeholders. Their combined expertise supports cohesive discussions on climate risks, land pressures and sustainable development.
Vision and Next Steps
In the next phase, the Living Space aims to finalise its library of nature-based solutions, enhance in-situ monitoring efforts and begin generating the first modelling results for the region. These tools will help explore future land-use scenarios and identify strategies that balance ecological protection with social and economic needs.
PRESS CONTACT
For more information, press materials, or interview requests, please contact:
Nikolaos Sotiriou
Dissemination & Communication Manager,
White Research