2026/06/10 by Rainer Luick, Alisha Dormanns, German Weber · 1 voice
Environmental Science · #Ecology, Conservation, and Geographical Studies #Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology #Land Use and Ecosystem Services
paper · doi:10.63653/imfk3860
The relevance of extensive pastures for nature conservation and rural identity // The UN has declared 2026 the International Year of Grasslands and Pastoralism to highlight their importance. In Germany, a broad alliance of 80 partners from nature conservation and agriculture is calling for measures to counter the decline of livestock grazing. Grasslands originated primarily through large herbivores, are home to many species, and are crucial carbon sinks (approximately 590 billion tons). Due to land-use changes and climate change, about 30 percent of grasslands globally have already lost their functions. In Europe, livestock are replacing extinct wild herbivores, but it was the introduction of indoor housing that led to the separation of forests and open land and significant species loss. Today, only about 5 percent of grassland remains species-rich. Studies show that roughly one-third of protected EU habitats depend on extensive grazing; many biodiversity targets are unattainable without it. This article provides an introduction to how extensive grazing and pastoralism can be made sustainable again.