Publicação

Interdisciplinary investigations identify local knowledge important for pastoralist adaptation to climate change in Montesinho (Portugal)

Ver documento

Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:Pastoralists are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change and variability, as they depend on bioclimatic conditions for livestock forage biodiversity and production. In the complex socio-ecological system of the mountainous area of Montesinho Natural Park (north-east Portugal, Western Europe), traditional pastoralists are impacted by climate change in their rangelands (e.g. average monthly temperature increase, shifts in precipitation patterns) (Castro et al. 2021; Oliveira 2023). To understand the adaptive responses of local pastoralists to environmental change, this interdisciplinary research applied a three-step method. Firstly, we performed walking ethnographies with shepherds for over two years and used dialogues and observations to identify perceptions and local adaptations. Secondly, adaptive practices from other pastoral groups that could be viable in the study area were identified from the literature. And thirdly, co-participatory consultation workshops with pastoralists and representatives of local and national entities were developed to discuss and assess the adaptive measures for its practicality and sustainability. Shifts in precipitation patterns, drought and higher temperatures in the winter were identified as climate changes by local pastoralists, and several adaptive practices for water provision and conservation, additional fodder supply and livestock thermal comfort were listed by all local stakeholders involved in the project, as feasible solutions to overcome regional ecosystem shocks and trends. Local knowledge and climate perceptions were important for the documentation of adaptations at the rangeland level. This integrative approach, which resulted in a good practices guide, promotes practitioners and decision-makers to identify and discuss measures that will contribute to the resilience of traditional mountain pastoralism in the protected area of Montesinho and similar agro-pastoral systems
Autores principais:Aleixo-Pais, Isa G.
Outros Autores:Castro, José; Frazão-Moreira, Amélia; Castro, João Paulo; Castro, Marina
Assunto:Pastoralist Parque Natural de Montesinho
Ano:2025
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:comunicação em conferência
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Biblioteca Digital do IPB

Registos relacionados

Registos relacionados