The importance of pastoralism for sustainable territorial management is widely recognised, yet its value remains insufficiently acknowledged.
On Friday November 7th, Mirandela hosted the seminar “From Tradition to Innovation: the role of pastoralism in the management of agricultural and forestry systems”, held within the framework of the European project AF4EU – Agroforestry Business Model Network, promoted by the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB) through the Mountain Research Centre, and organised in partnership with the Association of Producers in Integrated Protection of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (APPITAD).
The event took place at the School of Communication, Administration and Tourism (EsACT) in Mirandela and aimed to highlight the role of pastoralism in sustainable landscape management.
Pastoralism: A Fundamental Component of Agroforestry Systems
According to Marina Castro, lead researcher of the AF4EU project in Portugal, pastoralism is a key element in Mediterranean agroforestry systems and one of the core themes addressed by the Portuguese AF4EU Regional Agroforestry Innovation Network:
“Pastoralism is essential within our European project, which operates through stakeholder networks in different countries. In Portugal, our network focuses on pastoralism and its contribution to reducing wildfire risk, minimising herbicide use, and promoting political measures to support the sector.”
Castro emphasised that pastoralism is not only an economic activity linked to livestock production, but also a provider of essential ecosystem services. It contributes to fuel reduction, social cohesion, and to maintaining rural populations on the land:
“Pastoralism is a fundamental tool for sustaining rural territories and anchoring people to their communities.”
Recognition Needed Through Fair Remuneration
Despite broad recognition of its importance, pastoral activity is still undervalued. Castro noted that pastoralists are not adequately remunerated for the environmental benefits they provide:
“There must be recognition and fair compensation. At the moment, remuneration only exists in very specific cases. Just as carbon sequestration in forests is now recognised and paid for, pastoralism should also be financially valued for the services it provides.”
The seminar promoted discussion on the need to create political frameworks that truly acknowledge the role of pastoralism, reinforcing its social, ecological, and economic functions in rural landscapes.
Challenges Facing Pastoralists
Castro also referred to structural and territorial constraints that affect pastoral activity, such as:
land-use planning restrictions limiting the construction of livestock shelters,
distance between stables and pasture areas,
and mobility limitations for herds.
These factors, she explained, must be considered in policy design:
“Pastoralism depends on proximity to grazing resources. Measures that ignore these realities create barriers. By bringing people together, we can identify solutions and compatibility between activities to support rural territories.”
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The Vice-President of CCDR-North, Paulo Ramalho, stressed that extensive pastoralism is essential to reduce combustible vegetation and mitigate wildfire risk. However, he highlighted the need to combine tradition with innovation to strengthen the sector’s future.
He pointed to emerging technological tools such as virtual fencing, which may attract younger generations to pastoralism:
“With technological solutions, young people can monitor and control herds using digital devices. This modern approach may increase productivity and interest in extensive livestock grazing.”
Technical Visits Showcase Practical Application
The seminar programme included public presentations and a roundtable discussion with producers, researchers, and territorial management entities.
In the afternoon, participants carried out two field visits:
to a traditional olive grove,
and to a practical demonstration of pastoral activities within an olive orchard.
These field components provided a real-world understanding of how pastoralism contributes to sustainable land and forest management.
This seminar demonstrated the relevance of pastoralism within AF4EU’s mission: to strengthen innovation networks, support sustainable agroforestry practices, and foster resilient rural communities throughout Europe.
