ABSTRACT
The spectrum of effects range from the positive impact of burning in terms of biodiversity to disastrous consequences. This chapter suggests major gaps of knowledge that culminated in the Moshi–La Paz research agenda of the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment program. Fire and pasturing are the logic focal points of such an assessment, given their dominant role over vast highland areas. All other human activities, which might severely affect ecosystems locally, are less significant on an area basis and on a global scale. Grazing the highlands may be desirable in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning if managed sustainably, and may even increase biodiversity. As with fire, grazing and browsing are natural drivers of plant life in all mountains. Active participation of the local population is key and the bottomline message from all mountain land-care programs. In line with findings for open pastureland, moderate-intensity grazing of temperate montane forests with cattle is increasing rather than decreasing biodiversity.
