Twelve-partner project to assess extensive grazing in Iberian reserves

PASTONATUR, a transnational project funded by Interreg Sudoe, brings together twelve partners from Spain, France and Portugal to study how extensive livestock farming supports biodiversity, climate resilience and rural economies. Sixteen pilot farms across ten protected areas, including three in the Alentejo, will be assessed using shared methodologies covering conservation, climate adaptation, economic performance and social impact. The project cites an EEA report finding one in three EU-protected habitats depends on low-intensity grazing, while extensive farms declined over 70% between 2010 and 2020. Planned outputs include a certification framework, training courses, and short-circuit sales trials reaching around 30 restaurants.