FILK leatherdays - Multifunctional land use through livestock
21/05/2025
The event took place at the Freiberg Tivoli Concert hall, and was attended by over 170 delegates from more than 15 countries, including Tanzania and New Zealand.
The keynote lecture was given by Professor Dr Peter Heck (pictured), from the Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IFaS) and focussed on livestock as a value-adding component in regional material flow management.
The presentation highlighted that with climate change and biodiversity loss accelerating, multifunctional land use is gaining importance. Livestock farming is often unfairly judged against industrial meat production, despite its vital role in preserving resilient, biodiverse landscapes.
Grazing supports climate goals, such as converting arable land to grassland and maintaining rewetted moorland for carbon storage. Traditional and modern grazing systems can revitalise marginal land and local economies.
Agroforestry and near-natural grazing improve animal welfare, provide sustainable meat, and enhance biodiversity. Regionally adapted livestock farming supports climate protection, biodiversity, and local supply chains—forming a core part of a future-focused rural bioeconomy.
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