The project CAROBSHIELD – The Carob Tree: Shielding the Agroecosystem Against the Challenges of Climate Change,is implemented under the Interreg V-A “Greece-Cyprus 2021-2027” Cooperation Programme (MIS 6006465), co-funded by the European Union (ERDF) and by national resources from Greece and Cyprus.

The carob tree, a traditional yet often underestimated Mediterranean species, is a resilient ally against climate change. Highly resistant to drought and fire, it protects soil, limits desertification, and reduces risks such as large-scale wildfires. Its nutrient-rich fruits provide valuable food for humans and livestock, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas where available resources are limited.

By combining pilot applications, innovative practices, traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, the project establishes a new model for the holistic management of the carob tree in Crete, the Dodecanese, and Cyprus. At the same time, through extensive training and collaboration with local stakeholders, it strengthens the resilience and productivity of Mediterranean rural communities.

Το CAROBSHIELD invests in the carob tree—a tree with history—transforming it into a protective shield for the agroecosystem and a foundation for a sustainable future.