Natura 2000 Award - 2020 winner - Socio-economic benefits award

The 2020 winner demonstrated how farmers and conservationists can work together so that nature conservation produces resources and benefits, and not problems, for local communities. Gerardo Báguena, of the Foundation for the Conservation of Bearded Vulture (FCQ),expressed the delight of the partnership when accepting the prize. 

Extensive sheep farming in mountain areas in Spain has reached a crisis point due to strong competition from intensive production systems. This has led to a 70% decrease in the numbers of sheep, goat and cattle in the area since 1997, with dire consequences for both the farmers themselves and biodiversity. The problem is particularly acute in northern Spain and is further exacerbated by the presence of wolves. Much of the Picos de Europa mountain range-straddling Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y Leon-has been designated as Natura 2000 sites, but is suffering from rural abandonment, loss of pastures, loss of food sources for scavengers, and risk of fire.

The Fundación para la Conservación del Quebrantahuesos decided to tackle this problem by creating a special certification brand, Pro-Biodiversidad (Pro-Biodiversity), to support the extensive sheep sector, halt rural abandonment and improve conditions for biodiversity (in particular for scavengers). To obtain the brand, farmers must comply with a number of good practice requirements. These are regularly audited by an external firm.

Since its launch in 2015 the brand has been a resounding success. In 2017, three commercial agreements were signed with large supermarket chains to sell their produce and, in 2018, an additional agreement was signed with Paradores de Turismo (an important chain of high-quality touristic hotels in Spain) to include their branded products in their restaurants. An agreement was also reached with slaughterhouses to use livestock by-products to feed scavengers, such as vultures. So far, 40% of all extensive sheep farmers (20 farmers) in Picos de Europa are participating in the Pro-Biodiversidad brand, and many others are keen to join the scheme. The farmers are have seen a 45% increase in their revenue and are now guaranteed to sell all of their annual production at a fair price. In addition, 28 174 Kg of animal by-products has been used to feed scavengers.

Presenting the Award, Jurgen Tack of the European Landusers Forum expressed his admiration of the significant economic benefits generated for farmers participating in actions which also benefit species and habitats. The fact that the project activities are now involving slaughterhouses, supermarkets and a high-quality hotel chain is very encouraging. The brand has also been highly beneficial for biodiversity, helping to maintain grassland areas, feed wild scavengers as well as reduce the risk of fires and land abandonment.

The Spanish winner “Pro-Biodiversidad: shepherds as biodiversity conservators in Natura 2000” received the Natura 2000 Award in 2020 under the Socio-economic benefits category. Their achievement: Tthe creation and implementation of a special certification brand, Pro-Biodiversidad (Pro-Biodiversity), to support the extensive sheep farming sector, halt rural abandonment and improve conditions for biodiversity, with a particular focus on scavengers.  

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture celebrated winning the Natura 2000 Award on 28-29 October 2021 in the “Picos de Europa (Asturias)” and “Desfiladero de la Hermida” Natura 2000 sites in northern Spain. The event brought together representatives of local and regional authorities, the European Commission, the local tourism sector and the media. 

Participants visited farmers and their sheep to learn about challenges in livestock management and the animals’ essential role in the maintenance of biodiversity-rich grasslands. This was followed by a discussion with farmers participating in the Pro-Biodiversidad certification brand, during which the participants learned first-hand about the obstacles farmers face in livestock management. The event concluded with a small ceremony to celebrate winning the award, followed by a gastronomic tasting of lamb meat certified by the Pro-Biodiversidad brand.