Securing the benefits of pastoralism and promoting the development of a sustainable framework

19.6.2015

Question for written answer E-010075-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ivan Jakovčić (ALDE)

A recent report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights the enormous benefits that pastoralism-extensive livestock production in the rangelands could provide to the global transition towards a green economy.

The report finds that sustainable pastoralism on rangeland ecosystems maintains soil fertility and soil carbon and contributes to water regulation and biodiversity conservation.

One example of how pastoralism can support the green economy is carbon sequestration. Grazing lands cover five billion hectares worldwide and sequester between 200-500 kg of carbon per hectare per year, playing a leading role in climate change mitigation.

There is evidence that effective animal grazing by pastoralists promotes the biodiversity and biomass production needed to maintain these carbon stores. Improved grazing management could in fact sequester 409 million tonnes of CO₂, or around 9.8% of anthropogenic carbon emissions.

Despite its clear benefits, decades of underinvestment have eroded the lifestyle in many countries. Capitalising on these benefits requires a change in investment paradigms and the establishment of a global development framework for sustainable pastoralism.

What policies and investment strategies does the EU support at European level to ensure that the full range of benefits offered by pastoralism is secured?