On 13 and 14 July, LIFE ShepForBio hosted a delegation from the Sardinian Shepherd School with whom, thanks also to the presence of Dr Antonello Franca from CNR ISPAAM and Dr Luca Battaglini, lecturer at DISAFA-University of Turin, both representatives of the Rete Appia, we discussed the issues of ecosystem services related to extensive sheep farming and the role of shepherds in the conservation of biodiversity and the landscape.
The initiative is part of the ShepForBio project, which promotes the ShepherdSchool in Casentino and aims to consolidate a network between the various experiences active in Italy.
The event included a visit to a farm in Casentino, Casa Righi Farm, which hosts internships for aspiring shepherds from the ShepherdSchool, theoretical lessons on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, and finally a visit to a LIFE project intervention area in Pratomagno, where numerous grassland restoration, conservation grazing and pastoral infrastructure enhancement projects are underway.
The Sardinian Shepherd School is funded by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and promoted and organised by GAL Anglona Coros, involving young shepherds who are already active in the field.
