Working group on steppe habitat restoration and livestock management

The STEP-REST working group brings together researchers and professionals from Spain and Portugal specialising in steppe habitat restoration and sustainable livestock management, with the aim of improving the conservation of steppe birds.

Its purpose is to encourage knowledge exchange, identify scientific priorities and promote coordinated strategies that support the recovery of steppe ecosystems across the Iberian Peninsula.

Areas of work in habitat restoration and management

One of the group’s main activities is sharing steppe habitat restoration projects carried out in different areas. This work makes it possible to:

Analyse different geographical contexts and habitat types.
Identify effective restoration measures.
Identify good practices in land management.

Among the most important actions are direct habitat restoration and extensive livestock management compatible with biodiversity conservation.

Applied research and new areas of study

The group works to identify research priorities for steppe bird conservation, addressing key questions such as:

Which habitats require greater intervention.
What data are needed to improve management.
Which funding opportunities could support new projects.

Collaboration for steppe ecosystem conservation

STEP-REST promotes an integrated approach that connects scientific research, environmental management, public authorities and the agricultural sector. Through meetings, information exchange and joint projects, the group generates practical knowledge that can be used to implement effective conservation measures in steppe landscapes.