Heindorf C, Altmann B, Varela E, Zafra-Calvo N, Cortés Capano G, Kmoch L M, Flinzberger L, Camporese M C, Polas A B, Guo T, Plieninger T
Social-Ecological Interactions in Agricultural Systems, University of Kassel and University of Göttingen, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
Animal. 2025 Jun;19(6):101515. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2025.101515. Epub 2025 Apr 15.
Europe's landscapes have evolved through the intricate interplay of natural processes and human activities, one of which is animal farming; thus, historically creating biocultural landscapes rich in biological and cultural diversity. However, agricultural intensification has neglected and altered the role of animals within landscapes, and undermines the potential of more extensive animal farming systems to create sustainable landscapes, as an alternative to highly industrialised and high-density animal production, which is responsible for a wide range of environmental trade-offs. We present a biocultural diversity (BCD) framework to emphasise the contributions of animal farming systems to landscape sustainability from a social-ecological perspective. By applying a biocultural lens across three European case studies -peatland restoration in Germany, wildfire control in the Mediterranean, and hay milk production in the Alpine region- we demonstrate how animal farming systems can contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and cultural values. We discuss the need for evolving scientific approaches using a BCD Framework to shift the perception of animal farming from a threat to a solution for sustainability. Our cases highlight how a biocultural approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of human-nature relationships, promoting sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges. Benefits include creating multifunctional landscapes, conserving biodiversity, enhancing genetic diversity, and preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. However, a decline in traditional practices jeopardises these benefits. To unlock the potential of animal farming systems within landscapes in Europe and beyond, we call for more integrated and transdisciplinary approaches in animal sciences. Biocultural-grounded assessments can inform the transformation of animal farming systems towards animal-based solutions for achieving landscape sustainability on a global scale.
欧洲的景观是在自然过程和人类活动的复杂相互作用中演变而来的，其中之一就是畜牧业；因此，从历史上看，创造了富含生物和文化多样性的生物文化景观。然而，农业集约化忽视并改变了动物在景观中的作用，削弱了更广泛的畜牧养殖系统创造可持续景观的潜力，而这种系统可以替代高度工业化和高密度的动物生产，后者造成了一系列环境权衡。我们提出了一个生物文化多样性（BCD）框架，从社会生态视角强调畜牧养殖系统对景观可持续性的贡献。通过对德国泥炭地恢复、地中海地区野火控制以及阿尔卑斯地区干草奶生产这三个欧洲案例研究应用生物文化视角，我们展示了畜牧养殖系统如何有助于生物多样性保护、气候适应能力以及文化价值。我们讨论了利用BCD框架发展科学方法的必要性，以将对畜牧养殖的认知从一种威胁转变为可持续性的解决方案。我们的案例强调了生物文化方法如何能够全面评估人与自然的关系，促进可持续实践并应对环境挑战。好处包括创造多功能景观、保护生物多样性、增强遗传多样性以及保护传统知识和文化遗产。然而，传统做法的减少危及了这些好处。为了释放欧洲及其他地区景观中畜牧养殖系统的潜力，我们呼吁在动物科学领域采用更综合和跨学科的方法。基于生物文化的评估可以为畜牧养殖系统向基于动物的解决方案转变提供信息，以在全球范围内实现景观可持续性。
