GO - SILVPAST

Projects / Scientific Research

The Operational Group SILVPAST (GO SILVPAST) on the “Cost-efficient implementation of silvo-pastoral mosaics of Quercus pyrenaica” will test and develop a method for the implementation of silvo-pastoral mosaics, using remote sensing approaches, that supports agricultural and forestry activity in areas of Pyrenean oak, which typically have low agricultural value.

GO SILVPAST targets two levels of intervention. The farm or property level, where the main actors are the forest owners and managers, and the level of territorial management where the main actors are the policy makers, from the local to the national level.

The silvo-pastoral model being proposed, as well as the planning and management tools that will be developed, aim to address the current lack of cost-efficient management alternatives in these regions and to promote economic viability through greater multifunctionality and resilience, and lower management costs.

The main objectives are:

• Test a cost-efficient production process that enables silvo-pastoral activity and guarantees its long-term sustainability

• Deliver methods and tools for the replication of the proposed process

• Support decision-making, and the evaluation and design of agri-environmental policy

• Promote the restoration of Pyrenean oak forest

• Contribute to control the risk of fire

• Strengthen territorial resilience to environmental and socio-economic changes

Main expected results:

• Implementation of silvo-pastoral mosaics in pilot areas aiming at:

i. maximizing benefits: pasture productivity, forest restoration, fire risk reduction, carbon sequestration, soil protection, biodiversity enhancement

ii. reducing management costs and avoiding the costs of fires and consequent soil degradation

• A cost-benefit analysis of the implementation of silvo-pastoral mosaics through the conduction of natural regeneration and herbivory

• Policy support to evaluate agri-environmental measures and develop schemes for the payment of environmental services

GO SILVPAST is led by Terraprima - Sociedade Agrícola, Lda.
The partnership brings together companies involved in animal husbandry and forestry, associations of forest producers and of nature conservation, and research teams, being composed by the following partners:

Terraprima Sociedade Agrícola, Lda
Multinatura, Lda
ÁPIS, Companhia Agrícola e Pecuária, S.A.
Quinta do Colmeal
ATNatureza - Associação Transumância e Natureza
UNAC – União da Floresta Mediterrânica
Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa

The project started in July 2017 and ends in December 2022. It is funded by the European Structural Funds for Investment (FEEI) under Action 1.1 "Operational Groups" of PDR2020.

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