The Biosphere Reserve was present at the XXIII EUROPARC-Spain Congress, the main forum for meeting and exchanging ideas on the management of protected natural areas in our country. At this edition, we had the opportunity to present an oral communication to share the progress of the RES-MAB project.
During the presentation, we explained how this project addresses the sustainability of the territory from a holistic perspective, structuring the intervention around its four key lines of action:
1️⃣ Recovery of the Mantequera Leonesa Breed: Promoting and enhancing the value of this native cattle breed, essential for the conservation of our pastures, livestock biodiversity, and the maintenance of traditional activities in rural areas.
2️⃣ Propolis as a Food Preservative: A commitment to innovation and the bioeconomy through the study and use of local propolis as a natural alternative for food preservation, adding value to bee products.
3️⃣ Training and Education: Development of training programs tailored to the needs of the region, equipping local residents and professionals with new tools and skills for green jobs and sustainable entrepreneurship.
4️⃣ Gender Equality: Integration of a gender perspective across all areas, highlighting and empowering the crucial role of women in the management, economy, and future of the villages within the Reserve.
Sharing this approach, which unites biodiversity, science, social innovation, and traditions in a setting like EUROPARC, allows us to showcase the work being done in the region and demonstrate that nature conservation goes hand in hand with the well-being of its communities.