Developing a Participatory Sustainability Framework: Integrating Vision Building and Participatory Assessment for Restoration in Mediterranean Agro-ecosystems

Agricultural sustainability assessments (SA) often fail to translate into practice because they are designed without adequately reflecting local priorities and stakeholder values. This disconnect between scientific evaluation and real-world needs limits their effectiveness in guiding sustainable agricultural transitions. To address this gap and improve the practical application of agricultural SAs, we present a methodology for co-creating contextually relevant sustainability frameworks by integrating participatory visioning exercises that ground SA in stakeholder values and aspirations of desirable futures. The methodology, which involves a four-step process – collaborative vision-building workshops, qualitative data analysis of visions, scientist selection of indicators, and stakeholder validation – was implemented across five Mediterranean case studies. Results indicate a tendency for practitioners and policy actors to prioritise socioeconomic benefits while science-based actors focused on environmental aspects, highlighting the need for a balance across sustainability dimensions. Challenges relating to time constraints, stakeholder representation, and facilitation skills were encountered. Nevertheless, the study underscores the value of collaborative approaches for developing more effective and equitable pathways towards sustainable agricultural systems and demonstrates that visioning can bridge the science-practice gap by incorporating socioeconomic factors often overlooked in traditional assessments. Ultimately, the research advocates for a paradigm shift towards genuine collaborative partnerships and sustained stakeholder ownership of assessment processes.