Breeders working in the LIFE Grace SPAs can contribute to field data collection thanks to a simplified monitoring protocol developed by the La Sapienza University’s Department of Environmental Biology (DEB).
On 24th and 30th October, the first two training events dedicated to the breeders took place. The participants were taught how to use the monitoring protocol, which is available through the Collect Mobile app, developed by FAO and Google. Breeders are encouraged to observe the environment around them during their workday and then upload data (structure of vegetation, species of orchids, etc.) onto the app.
The two training events were organized in the Campodimele and Monte Romano Municipalities and involved 8 and 5 breeders, respectively. These breeders operate on pastures assigned by the Campodimele Municipality and the Agricultural University of Monte Romano, two common land managers with whom ARSIAL, a LIFE Grace partner, has already signed a contract in order to support them during the implementation of best practices and conservation activities on the secondary grasslands within their pastures.
During the Campodimele training session, led by Dr. Luca Malatesta and Marco Massimi (DEB), an explanation on how to use the app was followed by a simulation of data collection on an area inside the “Ausoni Aurunci” SPA. The training was conducted similarly in Monte Romano, inside the “Comprensorio Tolfetano-Cerite-Manziate” SPA. Here, the training activity also sparked a conversation between breeders and researchers about the other issues in the area, such as the lack of drinking troughs and the run-down enclosures.
Getting the breeders involved in the monitoring activities has many advantages: on one side, they can become more aware of the complex ecosystem they work within and of their role in protecting it, on the other side they can contribute to the monitoring with precious information and help DEB researchers, who will be conducting a more in-depth monitoring.
Click here to download the app and the protocols on your device (smartphone, tablet)!
https://lifegrace.eu/en/the-meat-supply-chain/news-and-events/280-life-grace-the-first-two-training-events-for-breeders#sigProId2059f81d39