The LIFE ScrubsNet project held its final event on 28 October in Badajoz, as part of the 6th Iberian Dehesa and Montado Congress, bringing together researchers, sector professionals and representatives of different organisations to share knowledge, experiences and results on the role of shrub vegetation in the conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems.
The event, held at IFEBA, provided an opportunity to present the main achievements of the project and reflect on the importance of integrating shrub vegetation into dehesa and montado management, supporting biodiversity, tree regeneration, soil health and the sustainability of livestock farming.
Four presentations exploring the role of shrub vegetation
The programme featured four presentations addressing, from different perspectives, the importance of shrub vegetation in the functioning and conservation of dehesa and montado systems.
André Oliveira, from the University of Évora, presented “Conservation and renaturalisation of dehesa/montado systems through sustainable management of the shrub layer and tree regeneration”, focusing on the importance of appropriate shrub management to promote tree regeneration and the conservation of these landscapes.
Lorena Gómez, from the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Seville (IRNAS-CSIC), delivered the presentation “Interactions between shrubs and soil health: shrub islands in dehesa/montado systems”, exploring the relationships between shrub vegetation and soil properties, as well as the ecological role of shrub islands.
Animal biodiversity was also a key topic, thanks to Atanasio Fernández, from the Directorate-General for Sustainability of the Regional Government of Extremadura, who presented “Good practices for animal biodiversity in dehesa/montado systems”, highlighting the importance of incorporating wildlife conservation measures into the management of these ecosystems.
Finally, Gerardo Moreno, from the University of Extremadura, delivered the presentation “Livestock and their relationship with shrub species in dehesa/montado systems”, examining the interactions between livestock farming and shrub vegetation, as well as the opportunities offered by its use within sustainable management practices.
From scientific knowledge to farmers’ experience
One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the exchange of knowledge between researchers, technical experts and professionals directly involved in land management.
At the end of the event, Pía Sánchez, a livestock farmer from La Rinconada farm, shared a reflection based on her own experience: her sheep feed on shrub vegetation as part of their diet and remain healthy and strong.
Her testimony highlighted the importance of listening to those who work on the land every day and connecting scientific knowledge with traditional livestock farming practices.
A project leaving knowledge and tools for the future
The final event provided an opportunity to highlight the work carried out through LIFE ScrubsNet and emphasise the need to move beyond the perception of shrub vegetation as merely a competitor to pasture and trees.
Throughout the project, efforts have focused on demonstrating how appropriate shrub management can help enhance biodiversity, support ecological processes and strengthen the resilience of dehesa and montado ecosystems in the face of current environmental challenges.
Although LIFE ScrubsNet is coming to an end, the knowledge, experiences and tools developed provide a foundation for further progress towards management approaches that combine nature conservation with productive activities.
Thank you for being part of LIFE ScrubsNet
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the event, both in person and through the live YouTube broadcast.
We also thank the speakers, collaborating organisations and all consortium partners, whose work and commitment made the project possible.
The conclusion of LIFE ScrubsNet does not mark the end of its learning journey, but rather an opportunity to continue applying and sharing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future for our dehesa and montado landscapes.
📺 Were you unable to attend? You can watch the full event on our YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/live/ZcOHBGBuIXs
