Presentation cancelled by author
Abandonment or ambition: Sustaining nature and society through pastoralism in 21st century Abruzzo, Italy
(Oral)
Nunzio Marcelli
, Fabrizio Frascaroli
SEE PEER REVIEW
The abandonment of rural and peripheral areas has been a dominant trend in Southern Europe since the rapid modernization of the 1960s. At the social level, this trend is leading to the disintegration of local communities and loss of traditional cultural heritage. At the ecological level, it is driving land use changes that threaten elements of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, which depend on human management. A human activity that is tightly intertwined with biodiversity patterns and processes is open-range animal husbandry. Here, we present a successful experience in sustaining this practice, with the relative social and ecological benefits, within the area of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, Italy. Quality products, direct distribution networks, educational opportunities and low-impact tourism have been key elements for attaining economic sustainability of the activity under current market conditions. In contrast, the main hindrances have included: poor support from local institutions, disregard of traditional activities in Park management and governance, and broader socio-economic trends. Increasing recognition of ICCAs and other effective conservation measures (OECMs) in conservation policy may partly help overcome some of these limitations.
INTRO:
The abstract describes the positive outcomes of an open-range animal husbandry activity established within the Italian National Park of Abruzzo. It underlines the strong link existing between such human activity and the management of local biodiversity and the benefits the activity is bringing to local communities (at danger of disappearing and loosing their cultural heritage) and ecosystem. It also underlines the difficulties faced by the activity due to poor institutional support and broader economic trends, and suggests the recognition of ICCAs as a potential tool to support sustainable human activities in areas dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
MERITS:
The abstract is focused on a very unique example of combination of human traditional activities, innovation, adaptation to market economy and conservation of biodiversity. The case study is well researched and structured, also thanks to the collaboration between a scholar and a stakeholder. It is rare to read abstracts that so well combine scientific analysis, empirical research and stakeholders engagement.
CRITIQUE:
The abstract does not present weaknesses.
DISCUSSION:
Discussion around this case study will be essential to increasingly understand the difficulties faced in the management of protected areas in Europe and the social and ecological benefits that may be brought by traditional human activities within park borders. It will open new perspectives on what improvements may be implemented, and on how conservation scientists may contribute increasingly engaging with local communities and institutions. The talk will also stimulate a much needed discussion on ICCAs within the broader conservation science community.
