Start Date
End Date
Project Summary
Extensive livestock farming of sheep, goats, cows and donkeys is used to prevent large forest fires on Gran Canaria Island. The Gran Canaria Island Council's project utilizes controlled grazing by shepherds, compensated through a Payment for Ecosystem Services model, to prevent forest fires and promote landscape maintenance, biodiversity conservation, and control of invasive species.
Themes
Biogeoghraphic Region
Objective
The initiative aims at preventing forest fires through controlled grazing, by reducing the fuel load of the landscape. It also diversifies the economic income of shepherds, contributing to managing the territory in a sustainable way.
Good Practice Description
The project was initiated by the Gran Canaria Island Council and focused on preventing forest fires through controlled grazing in designated public mountains and ravines. The project employs a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model to financially compensate shepherds for their role in fire prevention. In 2022, 41 pastors participated, utilizing grazing to reduce forest fuel load and create firebreaks. Collaboration between shepherds and technicians is essential to ensure sustainable and orderly grazing, considering livestock carrying capacity and protecting plant species. This approach not only prevents fires but also contributes to landscape maintenance, control of invasive species, and biodiversity conservation.
Tools and Equipment
Livestock, Fencing, GPS Devices (optional), Equipment for Ravines maintenance, Financial Mechanisms (in this case, PES), Documentation and Monitoring tools, Collaborative Agreement documentation.
Personnel
Shepherds, Technicians, Crews for Ravine Maintenance, Coordination and Collaboration Personnel, Financial Administrators, Data Collectors and Analysts, Agreement Oversight Personnel.
Problems and Threats Faced
Potential challenges may include resistance to change from traditional land management practices, limited resources, and potential conflicts over land use priorities. Managing invasive species effectively, ensuring livestock welfare, and addressing environmental degradation risks are ongoing concerns. Climate change impacts, community engagement, and policy and regulatory issues might complicate implementation.