PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Climate change is having a substantial negative impact on the agricultural industry, especially in southern Europe. Increased temperatures and change in precipitation patterns (longer dry periods and more heavy rainfalls) are having a detrimental impact on the livestock of farmers from this region. The main impacts identified include:
Climate change will negatively impact most agroecosystems and, if the regions in which this takes place are not capable of adapting livestock management systems, this poses a serious threat to local biodiversity, human health, animal health, eco-tourism, resource efficiency and the quality of the produce of these industries.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE LiveAdapt aims to demonstrate innovative technologies for livestock rearing that are adapted to the effects of climate change. These include the testing and use of improved water collection systems and better livestock management through the use of ICT and higher quality pastures. In this way, the project will identify, adapt and transfer the best practices introduced to combat climate-related risks for livestock in southern Europe. Best practices will also cover waste, agro-forestry, energy efficiency, energy production, desertification, animal health and biodiversity enrichment.
The end goal is to define innovative updated business models for the extensive exploitation of livestock adapted to the future climate scenarios. This includes cooperation with other sectors such as tourism. This objective aims to further promote environmentally friendly and high-quality goods that have an added value in the market, along with short food chain distribution and changes in consumer behaviour. To fulfil its objectives, the project plans to train and advise farmers on efficient adaptations and the use of ICT, as well as create an open and dynamic learning platform. The project will thus contribute to implementing the EU Strategy on adaption to climate change, along with European rural development and energy efficiency policy.
Expected results: