The legal status of animal husbandry in the protected areas of Greece

Extensive animal husbandry is one of the main land uses in protected areas in Greece and as such is subjected to general and special laws and regulations. In this work the legal framework for extensive animal husbandry in the Greek protected areas established with Law 1650/86 was reviewed. From the currently issued 13 Presentenial Degrees or Common Ministerial Decisions that were examined, extensive animal husbandry was found to be treated as complying with the conservation objectives of the protected areas. In several cases the establishing acts order for a special management plan. Extensive animal husbandry is generally treated as a typical economic activity of the rural areas, while often its special contribution to the achievement of conservation objectives is also acknowledged.