RNR397A

040567

The Italian and Swiss Alps provide a living, and easily accessible example of how a food and livelihood system can also support increased biodiversity in grasslands. Through field trips to farms, pastures, and mountain lodges (rifugi) we will assess how the decline of human populations in the Alps leads to the abandonment of grazing, followed by declines in the biodiversity of grassland plants, insects and birds, declines in the provision of local cheeses, and declines in the associated culture of alpine pastoralism. We will also explore how new initiatives are supporting the continued grazing of the grasslands, continued support of high biodiversity in the grasslands, continued provision of local cheeses and other foods, and continued opportunity for livelihood in the alpine region. In the end, we will explore how investments from local organizations and the European Union are being used to sustain this livelihood system in order to maintain biodiversity, local food, and the mountain culture for future generations.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Undergraduate

015487