Ancient agricultural terraces, built over centuries in dryland environments, represent an underutilized yet highly valuable resource for afforestation and ecological restoration. These structures, originally designed to mitigate soil erosion, enhance water retention, and maximize agricultural productivity, have the potential to serve as landscape units that can support ecosystem rehabilitation in the face of climate change.
This presentation explores how ancient terrace systems can be repurposed for contemporary ecological restoration and afforestation projects. By improving water infiltration, reducing runoff, and stabilizing soil, terraces provide microhabitats that foster biodiversity and promote sustainable land management practices. Their historical resilience to environmental fluctuations underscores their relevance in modern restoration efforts, particularly in regions vulnerable to desertification and extreme climatic events.
Drawing from case studies in the Negev desert, we will examine the ecological and hydrological benefits of utilizing terraces for afforestation and ecosystem recovery.Additionally, we will discuss the socio-economic implications of integrating these historical structures into climate adaptation strategies, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for their widespread implementation.
This work underscores the importance of integrating traditional land management knowledge with contemporary restoration science to create climate-resilient landscapes. By leveraging the enduring legacy of ancient terraces, we can enhance ecological stability, promote carbon sequestration, and support sustainable livelihoods in dryland regions worldwide.
