To mark World Habitat Day, the SOS PRODEHESA-MONTADO project is highlighting the value of the dehesa, one of the most unique and representative ecosystems in south-western Iberia, a symbol of sustainability and a model of balanced management between humans and nature.
Dehesas are habitats of traditional human origin that occupy large areas of the central-western and south-western Iberian Peninsula. This productive and ecological system is based on multiple uses — forestry, livestock, agriculture and hunting — and has allowed, for centuries, a balance to be maintained between economic use and environmental conservation.
The dehesa landscape is characterised by scattered holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) and cork oak (Quercus suber) trees, accompanied by grasslands, scrubland and farmland, forming a mosaic of great ecological richness. This structure favours the presence of remarkable biodiversity, with emblematic species such as the Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) and the common crane (Grus grus), which find refuge, food and nesting or wintering areas in the dehesa.
At SOS PRODEHESA-MONTADO, we highlight the importance of conserving and revitalising this habitat, not only as a source of resources and rural employment, but also as a key element in mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity.
On this World Habitat Day, we would like to remind everyone that protecting the dehesa means protecting a unique natural and cultural legacy, the result of centuries of respectful interaction between rural communities and their environment. Its preservation is essential to ensure a sustainable future for the territory and for generations to come.