Effectiveness of the GAEC cross-compliance standard Protection of permanent pasture in relation to grazing and pasture conservation management in marginal mountain areas

Population decline, that took place in mountain areas of Italy since the 1950s, determined deep changes in both land use and landscape ecology. The maintenance of natural pastures, within the framework of a control program (Italian GAEC standard 4.1a of cross compliance), represents a relevant action for a correct ecosystem management in order to preserve the floristic richness and, as a consequence, habitat biodiversity; it can also transform the pastures into a permanent feed resource not only for domestic livestock, but also for wild fauna. When the grazing activity is managed with rational criteria can be vital to preserve biodiversity, allowing the maintenance of those habitats in danger of disappearance. The aim of grazing management should be the preservation of habitat and biodiversity. The specific objective of the rule 4.1a of cross-compliance is to ensure a minimum level of maintenance and to avoid the decay of habitats through the prohibition to reduce the surface destined to permanent pastures.