Insularity Chair Land-use changes: a challenge for European islands A group of experts looked into the socioeconomic impact from land loss on island regions at this international seminar.

The seminar spotlighted the critical situation and socioeconomic impacts of land-use changes on island regions.

The event was held at Sa Riera (Palma) and broadcast over Zoom. A set of experts in the field addressed different aspects related to the islands of Greece, Croatia, Sicily, São Miguel (Azores) and Sardinia, placing particular emphasis on the idiosyncrasies and specific problems affecting each region. The speakers included Dr Ioannis Spilanis (University of the Aegean, Greece); Ms Rafaela Tiengo (Technical University of Madrid, UPM, Spain); Dr Ante Blaće (University of Zadar, Croatia); Dr Fabrizio Michelangeli (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) and Dr Sabrina Lai (University of Cagliari, Italy).

The session culminated in a round table moderated by joint Chair of Insularity directors Joana Maria Seguí and Maurici Ruiz. Participants discussed the problems and potential solutions regarding land-use changes on islands, and enjoyed an enriching and rewarding debate.

Some crucial aspects were highlighted, including the fact that the Balearic Islands is the Mediterranean island region currently losing the most agricultural land to tourism. Attendees also stressed the EU's shortcomings with regard to using essential resources for proper management of these areas, such as insularity micro-scales and specific variables.

The seminar was a major opportunity to share knowledge and strategies for tackling sustainability and vulnerability challenges on Mediterranean islands. Moreover, it represented a step towards preserving resources and landscapes in these areas.