Over the last 120 years, temperatures in the Alps have increased by ~1.6 °C, almost twice the global average, and summer precipitation has decreased by ~30%, resulting in temperature extremes and aridity. Pastoralism is an integral part of Alpine life, which contributes to the maintenance of a rich grassland biodiversity and supports local economy and rural vitality. In the face of the recent changes induced by global warming, the EU-LIFE project PASTORALP (2017-2022) develops strategies to reduce the vulnerability of pastures in two Western Alpine parks: Écrins National Park (France) and Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy). Climate simulations anticipate increasing temperatures in both parks, with an increased risk of drought periods, and a lengthening of the growing season of about two months in the near future, coupled with a reduction in the snow depth. This results in decreased fodder stocks and a shift in species composition towards lower forage quality. Earlier melting of snowpack is also limiting access to water availability for the grazing livestock. These are all risk factors for Alpine pastoral production systems. Local officials, park staff and agricultural actors are engaged into a participative process for the implementation of better management of forage resources.
Climate change vulnerability of Alpine pastures: first results of the project PASTORALP / Bellocchi G., Argenti G., Bassignana M., Bindi M., Brilli L., Costafreda Aumedes S., Filippa G., Martin R., Moriondo M., Napoléone C., Staglianò N., Targetti S., Dibari C.,. - ELETTRONICO. - (2020), pp. 448-450. (Intervento presentato al convegno Meeting the future demands for grassland production).
Climate change vulnerability of Alpine pastures: first results of the project PASTORALP.
Argenti G.;Bindi M.;Costafreda Aumedes S.;Moriondo M.;Staglianò N.;Dibari C.
2020
Abstract
Over the last 120 years, temperatures in the Alps have increased by ~1.6 °C, almost twice the global average, and summer precipitation has decreased by ~30%, resulting in temperature extremes and aridity. Pastoralism is an integral part of Alpine life, which contributes to the maintenance of a rich grassland biodiversity and supports local economy and rural vitality. In the face of the recent changes induced by global warming, the EU-LIFE project PASTORALP (2017-2022) develops strategies to reduce the vulnerability of pastures in two Western Alpine parks: Écrins National Park (France) and Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy). Climate simulations anticipate increasing temperatures in both parks, with an increased risk of drought periods, and a lengthening of the growing season of about two months in the near future, coupled with a reduction in the snow depth. This results in decreased fodder stocks and a shift in species composition towards lower forage quality. Earlier melting of snowpack is also limiting access to water availability for the grazing livestock. These are all risk factors for Alpine pastoral production systems. Local officials, park staff and agricultural actors are engaged into a participative process for the implementation of better management of forage resources.
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