When we talk about regenerating ecosystems, we usually think of big trees and lush forests. But what about semi-arid or arid areas where climate and soil impose their own rules? This is a subject that we at Semillistas are passionate about, and we would like to share some thoughts on the subject.
In semi-arid Mediterranean landscapes, forests tend to become increasingly woody in the absence of livestock. This phenomenon, known to many pastoralists, is a sign that ecosystems have the potential to regenerate towards shrub or woody, rather than herbaceous. However, when a fire occurs or on land devoid of trees, plants such as rosemary, rockroses or herbaceous perennials such as esparto grass are more common.
However, livestock farming, which traditionally helped to maintain a balance between pasture and woody vegetation, has declined in the Mediterranean. This leads us to rethink regeneration strategies. We believe that, in degraded areas where woodland is not viable, it makes a lot of sense to go for shrubs. In areas with better soils, the aim may be to increase shrub and tree diversity.
And in more arid areas? Here the reality is different. Low rainfall does not allow woody plants to remain green all year round. A good example is the regions of Almeria or Puerto Lumbreras, where shrubby maquia have been brown for years due to lack of water. If rainfall continues to decrease, these areas could evolve towards a predominance of herbaceous perennials or even annuals.
It is in these arid landscapes that we believe we must be realistic and adapt to the context: perhaps the solution is not to insist on shrubs, but to introduce herbaceous plants resistant to low rainfall, capable of providing some greenery and sustaining local biodiversity.
Of course, this is a complex issue that requires the in-depth knowledge of experts in ecology and restoration. But we believe that the key is to adapt our strategies to the specific conditions of each site. Our aim is not to impose a single model, but to respect and work with nature to restore its balance.
