A classification system for assessing the ecosystem services provided by permanent grasslands and farms in Bearn and the Northern Basque Country

We developed a system for classifying permanent grasslands in Beam and the Northern Basque Country that serves several specific purposes. It emerged from a significant collective investment that aimed to offer users a tool that accounts for the multifunctionality of grasslands in this area. The system also highlights the relationship between cultural heritage and product quality. Using an up-to-date database, we were able to identify 21 types of grasslands. By analysing grassland vegetation, species functional ecology, and farming practices, we could calculate indices reflecting forage production levels, environmental conditions, and cheese quality. The Geroko application calculates farm-level indices based on parcel-level data and allows users to simulate changes in forage systems. An index providing plant names in Basque is a helpful addition to this comprehensive description of our classification system, which comes complete with illustrations