Sarrat Farm : Tackling Soil Erosion and Droughts with Nature-Based Solutions

The feedback sheets of Nature-Based Solutions for climate adaptation projects developed by CDC-Biodiversité, the French UICN Committee, and the OFB as part of the Life ARTISAN project aim to inspire public and private decision-makers, planners, forest and agricultural landowners, or protected area managers interested in implementing a Nature-Based Solutions project. The sheets provide information on the socio-economic and ecological contexts and challenges, financing sources and budget, actors and stakeholders involved, governance, actions taken, expected or observed results, monitoring indicators, as well as success factors and recommendations.

The Sarrat Farm project (2019-2050) in the Hautes-Pyrénées is dedicated to enhancing farm resilience through nature-based solutions that address droughts, floods, and frost. The farm has successfully reduced soil erosion and improved water retention on sloped lands while also enhancing shading and windbreak capabilities. Biodiversity has been significantly bolstered by fostering symbiotic relationships between crops and local fauna, and by preserving ancient, climatically resilient fruit tree varieties. Additionally, the project contributes socio-economic benefits by increasing the local availability of fresh, healthy produce and aids in climate change mitigation through effective CO2 sequestration by the newly planted trees.