Abstract

Amidst the undeniable reality of climate change, particularly in fragile ecosystems like the Patagonian steppes, there is an urgent need to adopt long-term strategies that enhance the resilience of large-scale livestock operations within natural grasslands.

This project seeks to holistically and progressively implement a comprehensive land-use redesign, optimizing both ecological resilience and operational profitability for sustainable farming.

Our focus centers on ecological land restoration through water conservation, erosion control, reforestation, and improved grazing practices, fostering biodiversity and nurturing thriving ecosystems.

Details

Restoration through Regenerative Practices

The project aims to restore and enhance the land’s ecological health through regenerative practices, emphasising water management, reforestation, and holistic grazing. It tackles critical environmental challenges such as soil erosion, wetland degradation, fire risk, droughts and floods threats and diminishing grassland quality and pasture stocking rate.

Our mission is to revitalise degraded landscapes, boost their productivity, and establish a replicable model for sustainable large-scale rangeland management.

Land Restoration Project in Patagonia, Argentina

Managing Water Resources in the Patagonian Wetlands

The water management plan focuses on increasing wetland areas (“mallines”), improving the existing irrigation networks, and mitigating erosion through the construction of dams and dykes following the keyline design approach.

This integrated approach aims to optimise water distribution across the landscape and restore hydrological ecosystems, creating natural water retention areas that benefit both local flora and fauna, as well as enhancing their productive capacity for grazing and forestry.

Forest Management in Action!

We aim to restore ecosystems, and foster resilient landscapes that will withstand future threats like wild fires, droughts and floods while ensuring the productivity of the ranch.

Key activities:

Optimisation of the current forestry management plan
Planting of 35.000+ native and exotic tree species over 10 years to stabilise riverbanks, dikes, and restore forest ecosystems
Integration of silvopasture systems to mix forestry with productive grazing

Smart Grazing: A Holistic Approach

With a gradual shift to holistic grazing management, we aim to restore degraded grasslands, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil health. This regenerative approach focuses on creating a balanced ecosystem where animal welfare, productivity, soil fertility, and plant diversity are all optimised.

It involves the use of updated grasslands quality maps, staff training on best practices, and tailored grazing plans. Through these efforts, the project seeks to increase productivity (wool & meat production) while ensuring long-term farmland resilience (restored area).