NatuRA

 Mountain grassland ecosystems are vital for a variety of essential functions and services. They provide grazing land for wildlife and livestock, clean water, carbon storage, and support traditional ways of life. Globally, mountains have historically been managed under similar environmental constraints, often as communal rangelands. These regions, inhabited by indigenous and local communities, have relied on sustainable land-use practices such as pastoralism to maintain their balance with nature. However, alpine ecosystems and their dependent communities face increasing threats from global environmental and social changes. 

The traditional management of these ecosystems, which emphasizes sustainable grazing and water use, shows remarkable similarities across different mountain regions. This shared foundation creates a unique opportunity to compare strategies and develop solutions to mitigate the impacts of global change. The NatuRA project seeks to understand the traditional and contemporary management of mountain grasslands, assess the effects of global changes, and collaborate with local communities to create nature-based solutions for sustainable resource management. The goal is to ensure that these ecosystems and the livelihoods they support remain resilient in the face of global challenges. 

The project is an international collaboration funded by the Research Council of Norway and South Africa’s National Research Foundation. Led by the University of Bergen in Norway and the Universities of the Free State and Venda in South Africa, it involves partnerships with institutions such as the University of Pretoria, Meat Naturally, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, Bakoena Royal Council in South Africa, and Norway's Heathland Center and Sogn Jord- og Hagebruksskule. These diverse partnerships aim to integrate scientific research with local expertise, creating innovative solutions tailored to the needs of each community.