In the pastures of Colombia, cows, crops and timber coexist

Background

This paper highlights the experience of cattle rancher in southwestern Colombia who has actively pursued an alternate style of ranching that, instead of deforesting the land, incorporates trees and shrubs into the pastures. The ranchers practice is largely informed by agroforestry principles. This paper reviews the benefits of this alternative practice and examines the public-private partnerships that make it possible. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The article demonstrates that silvopastoral systems have the ability to restore and preserve ecosystem services while also increasing productivity. One means of promoting this practice is through continuing forming public-private partnerships between local ranchers, like the person highlighted in the piece, and NGOs, like CIPAV. While cattle ranching has been seen as an ecological detriment for decades, the author is hopefully that with a shift to science-based solutions this reputation.