Maronesa cows used to prevent fires and promote biodiversity

European Business & Biodiversity Campaign - News

Maronesa cows used to prevent fires and promote biodiversity

Initiative aims at promoting the Maronesa cattle breed native to Serra do Alvão

© Vânia Proenç
The initiative "Terra Maronesa" aims at promoting the Maronesa cattle breed, which is native to Serra do Alvão (Central Portugal). It works together with several associations to develop a long-term ecological experience in Portugal encompassing the cultural, social, environmental and tourist aspects, valuing ​​not only the animals but also the region and its products.

The reintroduction of pastoralism with cows in the Serra do Alvão reconciles private interests (meat production) with collective ones (reducing the severity of fires detrimental to biodiversity). The Maronesa is a small breed adapted to mountain areas and is useful for fire prevention, since it is not selective in its diet.

Keeping the animals in the mountain by land management arises from the need to generate economic value for the territory, and helps control the excessive accumulation of combustible material. Additionally, the landscape may be used as a tourist attraction factor.

The LIFE Food & Biodiversity project was present at the "Pastures, Cows, Wolves and Men" seminar, promoted by this initiative in Vila Pouca de Aguiar on June 1 and 2, 2018. The project disseminated ways in which Food Standards and Labels can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. The main objective of the seminar was to address the link between the Maronesa cows, the producers and Nature.

Additional information at www.atcoop.pt/terramaronesa
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