Role of socioeconomy and land management in the evolution of agrosilvopastoral landscapes in Northern Spain: The case study of Redes Biosphere Reserve

Agrosilvopastoral systems are multifunctional, complex, and knowledge-intensive with the potential to deliver multiple ecosystem services. However, their future is hindered by socio-ecological factors which influence dynamics of associated landscapes modifying how natural resources used over time across territory. An integrated analysis most influential urges due strategic these provide locally adapted services face both local global challenges. We investigated changes in demography, productive activities strategies land use, they influenced landscape dynamics, Redes Biosphere Reserve. Datasets demographic, socioeconomic, parameters from 1956, 1985, 2016 were created. Landscape metrics calculated for whole Reserve six areas covering bioclimatic variability. Historical data, interviews population, repeated images reconstruct uses maps each period. The number inhabitants declined 60% 1956 2016, only 4.7% less than 15 years old nowadays. human group’s capacity maintain sustainable highly questionable. During same period, farms decreased 80% herds evolved multispecific (63% cattle 37% small ruminants) monospecific ones (around 88% cattle). complex management simplified: subsistence agriculture almost disappeared diversity livestock agroforestry also decreased. revealed drastic lowlands construction two water reservoirs disappearance croplands open chestnut forests. At middle altitudes, around 43% hay meadows remaining grasslands grazed, whereas grazed 77% at highest altitudes. Two drivers three scenarios: expansion dense woodlands (average 220%) shrublands (295%). All led reduction simplification mosaic, possible environmental implications. Integrated approaches including socioeconomic measures needed preserve