Mobile Pastoralism has an Indespendible Role against Wildfires (Day 5)

Apr 20, 2019 | In the Field, Photo Stories

On the fourth day of the migration the herd moved 24km along corridors that were created by the movement of their ancestors through forests for thousands of years. Today the Bacak family of Sarıkeçili nomadic pastoralists decide not to move in order to rest their animals. These corridors which serve as natural firebreaks have a greater importance given the current climate change debate. Mobile pastoralism is one of the most cost effective methods of preventing wildfires as grazing in natural rangelands consumes biomass, which if left untouched becomes fuel for fires. Wildfires devastate the Mediterranean year after year with huge loss to economic, social, environmental and cultural assets. One of the root causes for wildfires is the abandonment of pastoral practices, where biomass previously consumed by animals is left untouched forming fuel for wildfires. Lands under pastoralist use have been proven to be less prone to wildfires because of ‘understorey reduction’. Mobile pastoralists play a crucially role in the fight against wildfires as they maintain these migration corridors which act as breaks, preventing the spread of wildfires.
Yolda Initiative is a nature conservation NGO based in Turkey and operating at international level. Yolda works for the conservation of biodiversity through research, advocacy, communications and partnerships. Recognizing that humans, with their cultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems, traditional cultural practises that benefits biodiversity are a particular focus of Yolda.

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Read our stories from partners and practitioners.

Mobile Pastoralism and Nature (Day 4)

Mobile Pastoralism and Nature (Day 4)

Apr 19, 2019 | ,

Mobile pastoralism has persisted over the centuries thanks to its harmonious existence with nature. Relying on a constant interaction and interdependency with the nature has led practitioners to cultivate a rich body of traditional ecological knowledge, which in turn...

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