project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
Operational Group “OVINNOVA”: An Innovative business model for transhumance , an ancestral and necessary practice.
Objectives
The general objective of the project is to improve the competitiveness of transhumance shepherding by setting up a business model of provision of farm services which contributes to preserve biodiversity.
Activities
Establish a new management system of the activity using innovative technologies to be applied in the areas of reception and sending of livestock.
Demonstrative implementation of innovative business models for provision of services by pastoralism.
Improve and evaluate the state of conservation of habitats and priority species of evergreen Mediterranean dehesas and pastureland, peatland and shrub in the mountain pastureland of Cantabria.
Establish management models which contribute to increment biodiversity in the priority habitats applying new technologies to establish holistic management patterns for the territory.
Additional information
FULL MEMBERSHIP
MAIN PARTNERS; Fundación Monte Mediterráneo, CESEFOR, UCO, CAAE, INTEROVIC
OTHER PARTNERS: Universidad de León, Gabinete de Gestión Integral de Recursos SL (GG), Junta de Castilla y León, Universidad de Extremadura, Ayuntamiento de Crémenes, EA Group S.Coop., Federación Española de la Dehesa (FEDEHESA)
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014ES06RDNP001 España - Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Rural
Emplacement
- Main geographical location
- Cantabria
- Other geographical location
- Soria, Córdoba
EUR 600 000.00
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
6 Practice Abstracts
Dissemination Activities
Web portal about the project. It includes a resources section (documentation, images, videos, etc.) and a news section (quarterly newsletter release). Creation of project profiles on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as running promotional campaigns. Outreach days and production of 3 audiovisuals: 1. Initial presentation and launch; 2. Intermediate update to share progress; 3. Final results dissemination. Dissemination of knowledge and project results through the participation of representatives from partner organizations in various types of events: conferences, seminars, meetings, webinars, etc. Appearances in the media: news in the press, articles, and reports in specialized print and digital magazines, as well as on radio and television programs. Production of printed outreach materials and merchandising: design and printing of 3,000 brochures, three roll-up banners, and an exhibition about the project, as well as the production of 300 masks, 300 t-shirts, and 100 walking sticks. Writing and editing of the SHEEP HERDING MANUAL by UCO.
Practical Recommendations
Access the web portal to learn about the project and use the available resources (such as the Manual) for training purposes, follow on social media to support the cause.
Action R5. Employment and training of the necessary shepherds.
Main results
Creation of a “National meeting of transhumant shepherds and livestock farmers”.
Establishment of a framework for collaboration between the Management Centre and shepherd/livestock farmer. The Management Centre contacts livestock farmers through groups and cooperatives in synergy with the CAAE certifier.
Training plan for transhumant shepherds. Agreement signed with the School of Shepherds of San Juan de Plan.
Practical Recommendations
- Engage in consolidated training opportunities for herders (such as schools, participation in national and international events, etc.).
The use of IoT and satellite technologies has proven to be a key tool for improving transhumant livestock management and the sustainable use of pastures. The implementation of GPS collars with integrated sensors in herds has enabled real-time data collection on location, behavior patterns, and animal health. Additionally, satellite imagery and NDVI analysis have been used to assess vegetation health and grazing intensity in key areas.
Main Results:
Continuous livestock monitoring, improving animal welfare and reducing losses.
Creation of heat maps to identify areas most used by animals and optimize land use.
NDVI analysis to evaluate pasture regeneration and adjust livestock loads based on soil capacity.
Multivariable sensors providing data on soil temperature and humidity to better manage pastures.
Practical Recommendations:
Implement GPS collars and alert systems to monitor livestock and enhance security.
Use satellite imagery and NDVI analysis to plan sustainable land use and prevent overexploitation.
Incorporate environmental sensors to assess soil conditions and optimize management decisions.
These tools enhance the efficiency of livestock management, promote animal welfare, and contribute to the sustainability of pastures and transhumant ecosystems.
The University of León study emphasizes the vital role of transhumance in preserving biodiversity and endemic plant species in priority habitats. Grazed pastures have higher levels of organic carbon, ammonium, and nutrients compared to ungrazed areas, which degrade over time. Grazing also aids in grassland restoration, as seen in Puerto de Las Pintas, where prescribed burns have helped recover shrub-dominated areas. This activity is essential to prevent shrub encroachment, maintain productive grasslands, and preserve landscape diversity, which declines without grazing.
Practical Recommendations:
Promote grazing: Foster transhumance in priority areas to preserve grasslands, prevent shrub expansion, and sustain biodiversity.
Institutional support: Implement policies to ensure access to grazing areas and promote sustainable practices.
Continuous monitoring: Use tools like satellite imagery and soil analysis to evaluate grazing effects and guide management.
Transhumant grazing effectively balances economic sustainability for farmers with environmental conservation, ensuring diverse and productive landscapes.
Action R2. Demonstrative implementation of an innovative business model for the provision of services to grazing.
Main results
Identification of farmers interested in grazing and determination of grazing areas in the north.
Comprehensive analysis of administrative procedures and current regulations. Preparation of the Protocol for the movement of livestock, applied to organize and optimize efforts when managing transhumance, including administrative, sanitary and logistical conditions, ensuring that all parties involved work in a synchronized manner. The protocol includes the following aspects:
• Protocol for the movement of livestock between regions for truck transport:
o Identify the herds participating in the transhumance
o Allocate the available mountain passes to the flocks
o Preparation of a summary table
o Organization of transport logistics
• Protocol for the movement of livestock between regions for the ascent on foot along livestock trails..
Cost assessment and preparation of economic management itineraries.
Practical Recommendations
- Implement the livestock movement protocol between regions.
Action R1. Establishment of a new framework for managing the activity through the use of innovative technologies applied in the areas receiving and sending livestock.
Main results
Creation of a North-South Management Centre, which improves the fluidity and management of livestock movement, facilitating the process for both farmers and the authorities. South: FMM facilities in the Dehesa de San Francisco, Santa Olalla del Cala (Huelva). North: Facilities in Perazancas, Cervera de Pisuerga, (Palencia). Increase in the number of transhumant livestock: The success of the management carried out by these centres has meant that 7,200 heads of livestock were mobilised in 2020, while in 2021 13,400 heads were mobilised.
Logistic support: actions to guarantee the safety and management of the flocks, correctly trained mastiff dogs. Equipment (water, electricity and connection) for shepherds' huts. Transport service for food, feed, salt for the correct mineralization of livestock, miscellaneous material.
eTRASHUMA platform, an open-source digital tool designed to manage announcements related to transhumance, such as the supply and demand of pastures and ports, as well as essential resources like dogs, training, and events. It includes an interactive viewer to access detailed information about ports (capacity, infrastructure, sanitary conditions) and export reports in PDF format. It also facilitates interaction between livestock farmers and public managers by recording data and generating personalized announcements.
Practical Recommendations
- Use the eTRASHUMA platform and leverage the experience of the North-South Management Center and logistical support.
Contacts
Project coordinator
-
FUNDACIÓN MONTE MEDITERRÁNEO
Project coordinator
Project partners
-
Fundación Centro de Servicios y promoción Forestal y de su Industria de Castilla y León (CESEFOR)
Project partner
-
INTEROVIC
Project partner
-
SERVICIO DE CERTIFICACIÓN CAAE SLU (CAAE)
Project partner
-
Universidad de Córdoba (UCO)
Project partner