Garrano as a sustainability factor of territories from natural network 2000

Abstract: The evolution of the rural population and livestock of some Portuguese native breeds has shown worrying levels of regression, with environmental and ecological consequences, in the management and planning of the territory and its sustainability, namely regarding the socio-economic dimension and territorial cohesion itself. Based on interviews with breeders, companies, and associations dedicated to the breeding and protection of the Garrano horse breed, used for various purposes, this paper aims to identify the benefits of adopting a production system that includes Garrano, highlighting also its main weaknesses. The approach will be developed taking into account the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. The results show the important role of these animals, not only as a living genetic heritage but also in terms of the protection of forests against fires, regarding the control of fuel biomass. However, a concerted strategy will need to be devised to enhance its contribution to the economy of farms or enterprises. This should be reflected in the increase of the welfare of the population, the stabilization of the animal herd, and the sustainability of the territory.