Human use of natural capital generates cultural and other ecosystem services in montado and dehesa oak woodlands.

Abstract

Miguel Bugalho, University of Lisbon, with Teresa Pinto Correia, Centre for Mediterranean Studies, University of Évora, Portugal, and Fernando Pulido, University of Extremadura, Plasencia, Spain, describe the exemple of human use of natural capital generating cultural ecosystem services in the montado and dehesa oak woodlands of the south-western Iberian Peninsula. These two locally adapted management systems have long histories and require advanced practical skills balancing trees, bushes, grass and grazing over space and time. They are outstanding cases of natural and cultural capital in their dynamic, positive and productive interactions with threatened and endemic species that are high conservation value. Several products, derived from livestock management, are key components of local gastronomy and traditional festivities.