The open mountain spaces of southern Europe are immersed in processes of land use change and consequently an intense modification of the landscape is detected. The rural exodus and the reduction of grazing, due to the decline of the extensive hut, is affecting especially the pastures, manifesting itself in a rapid colonization and expansion of shrubs and in extensive processes of natural repopulation, which originate the loss of biodiversity, the homogenization of the landscape, the accumulation of combustible plant biomass and the increase in the risk of fire, a high and permanent threat in the current scenario of climate change.
European open landscapes evolved under a natural regime of fire and herbivory and today can be reproduced by sustainable management practices. Prescribed creams and guided grazing are presented as two key options.
The aim of the OPEN2PRESERVE project is to connect current interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, with technology and practice in order to implement and value combined techniques that guarantee the preservation of ecosystem services linked to open spaces of high natural value.
This goal has three specific objectives: i) combine directed grazing with prescribed burning of woody material: pyric herbivory; ii) graze with animals of indigenous breeds and iii) identify innovative solutions for the valorization of products that allow to ensure the profitability of the management model and make clear the value of the territory's natural heritage.
The project proposes the development of different regional pilot experiences, based on the combination of guided herbivory and controlled cremation. In all the experiences, it is sought to offer innovative solutions, which guarantee the economic viability of the bet and can serve as an example and training for the realization of similar initiatives at local and regional level.
From March 2018 to December 31, 2021
Contact: J. Plaixats (josefina.plaixats@uab.cat) i RM. Canals (rosarmcanals@unavarra.es)