Pastoral systems involve complex interactions between pedoclimatic conditions and socio-economic factors; they efficiently utilise natural resources and deliver diverse Ecosystem Services (ES), which are influenced by management practices and site-specific conditions (e.g., cultural, political, pedoclimatic). However, their sustainability faces environmental, socio-political and technical challenges, driving research towards sustainable management. Rangelands, the cornerstone of these systems, provide a broad spectrum of ES, classified by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment into four categories: Supporting (e.g., soil formation, nutrient cycling), Provisioning (e.g., food, fibres), Regulating (e.g., climate, pest control), and Cultural (e.g., recreation, landscape value). Biodiversity underpins all ES, linking species, ecosystems, and landscapes. Other frameworks, such as IPBES, have since expanded on these classifications. A correct assessment of ES can be a powerful input for the design of measures and policies to sustain and valorise the pastoral systems. The webinar dealt with the assessment of Ecosystem Services provided by Mediterranean pastoral systems and covered 3 issues:
Definition and classification of ES
Assessment of ES from plant traits
ES approach as a tool for rangeland management