Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

The loss of extensive livestock can be harmful to the environment

Before now, several studies have shown that excessive livestock farming has harmful effects on the environment. However, recent extensive research has shown that this problem is not widespread. In contrast, in economically rich regions such as Europe, extensive livestock is being lost, which researchers warn may also be harmful to the environment.

Specifically, the study analyzed the evolution of livestock pressure from 1999 to 2023 in the 18 areas that FAO distinguishes around the world. Thus, it has been observed that this pressure is positively related to demographic pressure and negatively related to the consumption of pigs and chickens from intensive farms. Thus, the pressure has increased in economically impoverished areas due to demographic growth and poor technification. In the rich areas, however, the opposite has happened. For example, the area known as Southern Europe is the third most affected area. This includes the Basque Country.

“The area known as Southern Europe is the third of the areas with the highest loss.”

According to the researchers, the loss affects aspects such as biodiversity, fire dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and the social and cultural well-being of local communities. According to the researchers, these impacts need to be well studied and taken into account in policies. It has also been suggested that the scientific paradigm should be changed for this purpose.

It should be noted that 2026 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Pastures and Pastoralists.