Rangelands of the prefecture of Drama and their management problems

Rangelands constitute 33% of the whole prefecture of Drama and cover 115.000 ha. The majority of them (60%) are found on the ιnountains and hilly zones. From these areas only 86200 ha are suitable for range development. Pωductivity and range condition of the rangelands located on the ιnountains and subalpine zones are higher than in the lower zones. The funds. for improveιnent of rangelands are usually limited and ιnainly spent for infrastructure access roads, watering points, etc.). All rangelands are public lands but the right ofuse belongs to the village coιnmunities which practice free and uncontrolled grazing. The application of controlled use faces less technical and more social and political problems. Although the grazing pressure has been reduced in the last few years, the application of proper use is still difficult to be iιnpleιnented.