Greek forests host about one third of bird species across Europe. Of particular importance are the Mediterranean forests, characterized by the existence of a mosaic of forest and rangeland cover types. These landscapes are lost due to abandonment or are transformed to build environment. Often, the forests that merge afterwards are very dense, resulting fewer habitats suitable for bird species, while they face greater wildfire risks. In this paper, synergies between biomass production and extensive grazing are being proposed as an effort to support the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests for the benefit of biodiversity and rural communities.
Synergies between forest biomass exploitation and grazing for avifauna conservation and rural economy
Abstract
- Authors
- P. Kakouros1, P. Kourakli2, P. Chasilidis3 and R. Tsiakiris4
- Affiliation
- 1. Greek Biotope / Wetland Centre, 14th Km Thessalonikis-Mihanionas PO Box 60394, 57001 Thermi, Greece 2. Hellenic Ornithological Society, Komninon 23, GR-54624, Thessaloniki 3. Forest Service of Edessa, Dioikitirio 58200, Greece 4. Forest Service of Ioannina, Μ. Kotopouli 62, 45445, Ioannina
- Keywords
- Mediterranean forestry, extensive grazing, silvopastoral landscapes, multifunctional forest management, bird fauna
- Proceedings
- Proceedings of the 8th Panhellenic Rangeland Congress, Thessaloniki, 1-3 October 2014 (Edited by: Apostolos Kyriazopoulos, Maria Karatasiou, Paraskevi Sklavou, Dimitrios Chouvardas)
- Congress
- RANGELANDS – LIVESTOCK FARMING: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT – Job opportunities for young people