Proceedings of the fourth workshop organised by the MEDCOASTLANDThematic Network funded by the European Commission. The Network is aimin at the Mediterranean coordination and management of natural resources of the region with special emphasis at the coastal zones.

There are 13 countries from southern Europe, North Africa, Middle and Near East participating in the Network making a total of 32 partners, with research institutions, decision makers and farmers associations/NGOs. The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) through the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (IAM-B), in Italy is coordination the project.

This workshop deals with the drafting of appropriate guidelines, policies and legislation at local, national and regional level to support sustainable development and conservation of Mediterranean natural resources. Being able to develop the necessary legislatory framework and putting in place policy mechanisms that assist local land users and landowners to produce food and fiber and preserve the environment, chances of winning the battle with land degradation are greatly increased. It is in the objectives to assess existing policies dealing with sustainable land management at European and Southern Mediterranean shores.