How does land management contribute to the resilience of Mediterranean forests and rangelands? A participatory assessment

Abstract

In Mediterranean forests and rangelands, the supply of important ecosystem services can decrease or cease as a consequence of disturbances and climatic oscillations. Land managers can sometimes prevent or mitigate the negative effects of disturbances through appropriate land management choices. In this study, we assess the contribution of land management practices (LMPs) to the resilience of eight Mediterranean forests and rangelands to multiple disturbances. The study uses a transdisciplinary approach, involving scientists, land managers, and local administrators. Data about disturbances, ecosystem services, the role of LMPs, and the resistance of LMPs to disturbances are combined using a semiquantitative index and analysed to evaluate how the LMPs implemented are suited to the disturbances affecting each study site. Our results indicate that the practices analysed are particularly effective in improving resilience of ecosystems against wildfires and torrential rainfalls. However, droughts are more difficult to address, and the examined practices were heavily affected by their occurrence. Tree planting appears to be highly affected by disturbances. Practices that selectively reduce the amount of vegetation appear to be beneficial in fostering recovery of ecosystems. Our assessment also suggests that it is particularly difficult to increase resilience to droughts and fires simultaneously. Practices that aimed to mitigate the impact of land use did not always prove valuable in terms of resilience. Finally, study sites that included efforts to address disturbances in their management objectives also displayed practices making the biggest contribution to resilience.

Advances in Understanding and Managing Catastrophic Ecosystem Shifts in Mediterranean Ecosystems

“…Existing land management practices were subsequently assessed using the standard World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) technology questionnaire (Wocat, 2008) with stakeholder involvement. Findings from this assessment formed the basis of an in-depth study on sustainability and resilience of land management practices vis-à-vis ecosystem thresholds and disturbances (Jucker Riva et al, , 2018.…”

“…Understanding how we can better manage ecosystems vulnerable to catastrophic shifts requires an appreciation of how land management practices contribute to or reduce resilience to stresses, mitigate land degradation or rehabilitate degraded areas with long lasting effects (Jucker Riva et al, , 2018. Research participants and local stakeholders identified, assessed and evaluated relevant management practices in each study site (Figure 7).…”

“…"Experts" refer to local experts or land management advisors; "land users" includes land owners, shepherds, and forest workers. Adapted from Jucker Riva et al (2018).…”

“…Stakeholder engagement in developing and implementing such plans is vital. In depth, participatory assessment of land management practices (Jucker Riva et al, 2018) indicated that fuel management increases forest resilience without significant negative impacts, appearing to be the most important practice. These results led us to conclude that: (i) minimizing fuel load and connectivity reduces fire spread and intensity, increasing chances of recovery after fire; (ii) diversity of species reduces flammability, as well as outbreaks of pests, increasing resilience to multiple stresses; and (iii) sufficient protective soil cover shortly after a fire reduces soil erosion, reducing the likelihood of regime shift and longterm degradation.…”

“…This practice was assessed through the RAT as providing multiple benefits such as additional fodder and shade for animals, decreased soil erosion, improved soil fertility and additional income through tree products. Controlled, moderate grazing was shown to be effective in reducing the risk of fire (Jucker Riva et al, 2018). However, once a fire has occurred on grazing land, it is important to allow a minimum of 2 years for resting (while providing supplementary fodder) or to actively revegetate, in order to prevent a catastrophic shift (Jucker Riva et al, 2018).…”