Abandonment or ambition: Sustaining nature and society through pastoralism in 21st century Abruzzo, Italy

Abstract

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.