Low-Intensity Grazing Critical for EU Protected Habitats

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:07:19 +0000
Environmental Protection

The European Environment Agency published a briefing finding that one in three EU-protected habitats under the Habitats Directive depends on low-intensity grazing, requiring approximately 10-15% of EU ruminant livestock (around 7.8 million animals) to maintain these ecosystems. The EEA estimates that at least 35 million hectares of protected habitats would benefit from grazing, representing about 22% of total EU farmland. The briefing supports the EU's biodiversity strategy and Nature Restoration Regulation.