Mountain pastures, environmental degradation, and landscape remediation: The example of a Mediterranean policy initiative

摘要: Abstract Since the 1950s Spanish Mediterranean mountains have undergone a process of population decline, abandonment land by farmers, and reduction in livestock pressure. These changes involved pasture loss as result spread scrub an increase incidence fires. To avoid these negative outcomes regional administration La Rioja (Spain) has implemented clearance programs. Between 1986 2005 total 23,668 ha were cleared, particularly on abandoned fields where processes vegetation succession had led to dominance Genista scorpius Cistus laurifolius. Pasture regeneration clearing areas dominated G. resulted productivity rise from 6666 12,983 Mj/ha/year, whereas C. laurifolius risen 2435 9741 Mj/ha/year. The needs be recognized significant factor contributing control fire. Scrub positive results Rioja, leading reduced fires recent years. 1996 only 155 ha/year was burnt, compared with 1541 ha/year over period 1976 1985. appears appropriate means management marginal mountainous without need for large investments time money.