The Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve and the Association for the Recovery of the Mantequera Leonesa Sign an Agreement to Promote Rural Development Through a Local Feeding System

La Pola de Gordón, León – 26th  November 2024

The Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve and the Association for the Recovery of the Mantequera Leonesa (ARMALE) have signed a collaboration agreement to launch an innovative project focused on developing a local feeding system in the province of León. This initiative, part of the European RES-MAB project, aims to offer viable alternatives adapted to the local context, with the goal of strengthening the livestock sector and promoting a balance between rural development and environmental conservation.

The first event under this agreement took place on November 26th at the City Hall of La Pola de Gordón, at 12:00 PM. During the event, the progress and goals of the project were presented, along with the opportunities this collaboration offers for local farmers.

The RES-MAB project, supported by the European Union through the PRIMA program, is designed to implement solutions to climate change in seven Mediterranean biosphere reserves. The Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve, as a beneficiary of the project, aims to transform its territory into a “living laboratory” by applying the WEFE nexus approach (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) to enhance the resilience of local communities.

The local feeding system to be developed through this agreement represents an opportunity to obtain alternatives less dependent on other areas. Through this collaboration, both entities strengthen their commitment to local livestock farming, sustainability, and the conservation of León’s natural heritage.

A Collaboration Backed by Expert Personnel

The event featured the participation of prominent experts from both entities and the academic field. From the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve, Beni Rodríguez Fernández, its manager, highlighted the role of the project in sustainable rural development. Beatriz Salas Vegue, Project Manager of the RES-MAB Project, and Verónica del Río Díez, Rural Dynamics Technician, presented the objectives and challenges of this innovative initiative.

From ARMALE, Benedicto González Yagüe, president of the association, emphasized the importance of valuing Mantequera Leonesa cheese. Additionally, valuable contributions were made by Luis F. de la Fuente, Emeritus Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of León, and Ángel R. Mantecón, researcher at the Mountain Livestock Institute, who provided a scientific perspective on the foundations for establishing the local feeding system. The project will also involve Javier Mateo Oyagüe, Professor at the University of León.