Preservation of pastureland habitats in basque mountains

The high parts of Basque mountains have been used for grazing since time immemorial, as borne witness to by dolmens and other archaeological remains found in these areas. This use led to a characteristic landscape with open moors, where today a large variety of users come together: mountaineers, shepherds, hunters, etc.

Basque mountain pastures are composed of a dynamic mosaic of habitats and species, highly valuable to preserve biodiversity in Europe. These spaces depend on active management of livestock use, which means that the progressive decline of grazing is the main threat to preservation.

The services associated with mountain pastures are many: products derived from livestock (cheese, meat, etc.), a genuine landscape, the maintenance of basic ecological processes, and valuable material and immaterial cultural elements. Raising the value of these services and socialising them is fundamental, as well as acknowledging the role of livestock activity in managing these environments.