Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience in La Rioja, Spain

Demonstration and mainstreaming of Demonstration and mainstreaming of nature nature- -based Solutions for Climate Resilient based Solutions for Climate Resilient transformation in the Mediterranean transformation in the Mediterranean Network grazing, La Rioja (Spain): Fighting Fires with Nature: Private Sector Collaboration on NbS for Disaster Risk Reduction" Lourdes L zaro Mar n IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation Grant Agreement No. 101112972

Pilot Project: Network grazing (Pastoreo en Red) La Rioja (Spain) 01 Project description 02 Main Results 03 NbS assessment tool 04 Lessons learned Grant Agreement No. 101112972

. Pilot Project: Network grazing (Pastoreo en Red) La Rioja (Spain) Objective: Use extensive livestock to control the vegetation of the security road under high voltage power lines as a natural alternative to mechanical clearing. Analysis of the reinforced ecosystem service in the natural area of Monte Los Agudos (Calahorra, La Rioja) Area: Monte de los Agudos area located in the municipality of Calahorra (La Rioja) and covers 2000 ha. Focused on 13 ha in 30-meters wide lane. Disaster risk reduction Environmental degradation and biodiversity los Economic and social development Climate change mitigation and adaptation Time horizon: First pase: 2019-2021 Second phase: 2022-2024 Grant Agreement No. 101112972

Network grazing, La Rioja (Spain) Main ACTIVITIES Study of the area on biodiversity and historial uses Agreement: two shepherds in the area, owners of 400 sheep and 600 sheep respectively, to carry out extensive grazing a number of days a year at designated periods. Design a pasture management plan (stocking rate and grazing calendar) Protocol for evaluation of results: GPS trackers, remote sensing flights with drones, field visits Dissemination and communications plan Main RESULTS Elimination of woody mass: decrease in the height of plants and number of leaves Favouring biodiversity through change in vegetation dynamics: additional nutrients, soil fertility, richness of herbaceous plants Applied knowledge and technology to management of extensive livestock Additional income for local shepherds through remuneration for ecosystems services Fostering socio-political context favourable to pastoralism under NbS approach Replicated in other areas (Le n and Galicia) for vegetation control. Grant Agreement No. 101112972

Network grazing, La Rioja (Spain) STRONGEST CRITERION/INDICATORS Criterion 6: Cost and benefits (multiple benefits)/Use and access right to the land is acknowledged Criterion 1: Stakeholder consultation (Regional, government, Municipalities, shepherds) on key challenges (Livelihoods of beneficiaries, ecosystems degradation, fire risk)/Guide for the assessment of ecosystem services. Criterion 8: Lessons learned have been documented through the Grazing Guide and transmitted to the main stakeholders and beyond/Relevant policies and regulations identified and agreements reached with the key public administrations. WEAKEST CRITERION/INDICATORS Criterion 2: Baseline analysis on interactions between exosystems and livestock. No integration of risk map and risk management plan. Criterion 7: Need to include MEL plan to enable adaptive management/ lack of institutionalised learning framework. Grant Agreement No. 101112972

Network grazing, La Rioja (Spain) LESSONS LEARNED AND KEY CHALLENGES Identification of elements to be improved, solve gaps and ideas to scale it up. Need to integrate systematic process of monitoring the socioeconomic and human well- being impacts Need to establish regular communication and regulatory framework monitoring strategy related to policies in favour of extensive livestock farming. Explore more NbS approach and private-public collaboration Grant Agreement No. 101112972

Further information: GU A PR CTICA DE PASTOREO EN RED REDEIA: Pastoreo en red Thank you! Contact person at IUCN Med: Lourdes L zaro Mar n Lourdes.lazaro@iucn.org Grant Agreement No. 101112972