What do you think the Dehesa looks like?
Can you imagine the landscape? What types of trees, plants, and animals live there? How is it different from a typical forest?
Why is the Dehesa important for nature?
What role do you think it plays for animals and plants? Why do you think it’s special compared to other natural areas?
What challenges do you think the Dehesa faces today?
Are there any threats or problems that might harm the dehesa? How could these affect the plants and animals living there?
Why is it important to protect areas like the Dehesa?
What happens if natural environments like the dehesa are destroyed or harmed? Why should we care about conserving them?
What are some ways people can protect the Dehesa?
Can you think of actions that can help preserve the dehesa for future generations? What role do people and government play in conservation?
Now you will debate about how to protect the Spanish dehesa, focusing on balancing environmental, economic, and social needs.
Please, find the next steps as a guide to help you do this activity.
Step 1: Divide into Groups
Each group represents a different stakeholder:
Environmentalists – Focus on conservation and biodiversity.
Farmers/Landowners – Concerned about land use and economic survival.
Government Officials – Aim to create policies for sustainable development.
Tourism Industry – Interested in promoting eco-tourism while preserving the land.
Step 2: Prepare
Research your group’s perspective. Think about:
The importance of the dehesa.
Key issues (e.g., lack of regeneration, diseases, health issues...).
Possible solutions for protection.
Step 3: Debate
Groups present their concerns and solutions. The goal is to negotiate and compromise to find a balanced approach.
Step 4: Conclusion
Each group briefly summarizes their solutions. Discuss the most effective ways to protect the dehesa.