Mixed grazing in upland woodlands reduces fire risk and preserves habitat

Mixed grazing in upland woodlands of Stenoma, Evrytania, Greece, sustains biodiversity, cultural heritage, and soil carbon sequestration. Traditional pastoralism, rooted in Byzantine practices, maintains ecotones from riparian forests to alpine meadows, including the NATURA2000 site Tymfristos. Declining herds, urbanisation, and industrial wind and solar projects threaten pasture diversity. Abandonment increases fire risk and shrub encroachment. The study advocates holistic management, long-term monitoring, and support for local farmers and beekeepers through the Erytania Regional Agroforestry Innovation Network (RAIN), under the AF4EU programme.