THE N2K GROUP

European Economic Interest Group

Guidance on management of farmland in Natura 2000 areas

CASE STUDIES – SELECTION CRITERIA AND INFORMATION

The technical specifications of the project include the following description of this task.

Task 3 – Case studies

Select, present and justify 1 case study per MemberState, in Natura 2000 sites embracing all biogeographical regions and representing different types of habitats and agricultural land and practices and different types of conservation measures, using the best available information. The case studies should fully reflect the challenges identified in the previous tasks and the principles of integrated management as outlined in the background. Such issues should also be reflected in the guidance document.

-Ensure that within the selected case studies the major challenges and potential conflicts can be discussed and that all the relevant information is available;

-Analyse and assess the overlap between Natura 2000 areas and other types of designated areas such as Less Favoured Areas or High Nature Value farmland, which can be supported under the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as areas designated to implement Directive 2000/60/EC.

-Where possible, analyse if and to what extent farmers in such areas receive the different types of EU support under the CAP (both 1st and 2nd pillar) and assess the use of (or the reasons for not using) Natura 2000 payments and agri-environment measures (respectively art. 38 and 39 of Council Regulation (EC) n° 1698/2005).

-Describe their typical habitat types and species (clearly linked to the Nature Directives), the characteristics of the areas, their geographical delimitation and connectivity with other areas, their conservation objectives, management principles, the traditional and the currently existing farming practices, the potential conflicts, the role of natural dynamics, and the natural structure and functions of the habitats in relation to the conservation status of the areas;

-Identify the different types of management systems/approaches to achieve the conservation objectives in the area and analyse the characteristics of the conservation measures applied (e.g. management plans or other development plans, statutory, administrative or contractual measures), the way they have covered agricultural aspects, their costs and their significance for the conservation status of these areas;

-Having regard to the current work on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), evaluate, categorise and describe key ecosystem services especially those that are supported by nature friendly management systems and the benefits of these areas for e.g. the local communities;

-Areas where Life-Nature projects or effective and targeted agri-environment schemes have been implemented may represent particularly suitable case studies.

Our proposal also mentioned a number of key aspects that might be covered in the different case studies, as the following:

  • Efficient use of the different types of measures financed under the CAP for the management of Natura 2000 sites and to enhance conservation status of habitats and species of Community interest.
  • Stakeholder involvement in the design and implementation of the measures
  • Integrated management approaches
  • Use of complementary funding to achieve the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites or for the management of the sites.
  • Ecosystems services and public goods provided by the measures implemented other than those related to the conservation objectives of the site.

Taking these elements into account, a set of criteria could be considered for the selection of case studies. Relevant information should be also provided to enable an appropriate selection of case studies in accordance with the project requirements.

CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF CASE STUDIES

Case studies proposed should:

-be carried out in Natura 2000 sites

-address different habitats types species that are representative or typical for the different bio-geographical regions

-represent different types of conservation measures

-represent main agricultural systems in EU

-address different agricultural land and practices and key interactions between agriculture and nature conservation

-reflect major challenges and potential conflicts, especially key challenges in ensuring win-win co-existence between the species and habitats protected within the Natura 2000 network and agricultural practice

-reflect the principles of integrated management

-represent suitable management approaches and participatory approach in the design of measures

-represent good practice in resolving conflicts between nature conservation objectives and agricultural management

-represent an efficient use of CAP/RDP support to achieve conservation objectives

-have a high demonstration value on some of the above mentioned aspects

Case studies – checklist

The following checklist aims to obtain information to categorise the potential case study and check if it fulfils required conditions. Please add Y or N as appropriate or provide the requested information (eg using the specified abbreviations).

Name of case: ………………………………………………………………………………...

Name and code of the Natura 2000 site: ……………………………………………………..

1 / Biogeographical region– addone of the following abbreviations: Alp, Atl, BS, Bor, Con, Mac, Med, Pan, Ste)
2 / Broad habitat types– listthose present using the following abbreviations related to the EUNIS codes: MBF = Mires, bogs and fens; Gra = Grasslands; HST = Heathland, scrub and tundra; WF = Woodland & forest; IU = Inland unvegetated or sparsely vegetated habitats; CAH Regularly or recently cultivated agricultural, horticultural habitats).
3 / Annex 1 Habitat features– list those present that depend on agricultural practices according to Table 1 of Halada et al 2011. Please add code numbers for up to the 5 most extensive habitats present from Table 1.
4 / Species of Community interest that are of particular importance at the site – list scientific names.
5 / Main types of agricultural system present – list using: Na = natural, SN = semi-natural, IG = improved grassland, EC = extensive cultivated, IC = intensive cultivated, EPC = extensive permanent crops (orchards, olives, vineyards etc) IPC = intensive permanent crops. see Annex 1 for full description.
6 / Typical agricultural practices – briefly describe
7 / Agricultural issues being addressed or threats – list using: eg Ab= abandonment / under-grazing;Ov = over-grazing (or inappropriate grazing);Li = livestock change; Dr = drainage;Ir = irrigation;PH = Pesticides & herbicides; Fe = fertiliser use; Pl = Ploughing; GC = grass cutting (eg lack off or change in timing); CC = Crop change; MO mechanical operations; UF unfarmed feature loss or degradation (hedges, uncroppsed land etc). Also please briefly describe any others
8 / LFA / HNV / WFD - indicate if the measures affect a Less Favoured Area, High Nature Value farmland, or contribute to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (list appropriate abbreviations)
9 / Conservation measuresare in accordance with the conservation objectives for the Natura 2000 site(s) and/or the species/habitats targeted (e.g. according to species action plans) / Y/N
10 / Funding of measures – list funding sources of measures:AES= Agri-environment funding (ie under Rural development Programmes Axis II); Na= Natura funding under RDP Axis II;A1= Axis 1 RDP funding;A2= Axis 2 RDP funding other than AES & Natura funding);A3= Axis 3 RDP funding;A4= Axis 4 (Leader) RDP funding;GF= governmental funding separate to RDP co-financing;LIFE(LIFE Nature programme );NGOs(conservation foundations, etc separate to LIFE co-financing);PB= public-business partnerships (eg water company measures to support water resources);PR= private land-owner funding (eg to support hunting or other activities). Please briefly describe any other funding sources.
11 / Planning / contracts – Indicate if the measures are included in or in accordance with management plans, statutory, administrative or contractual measures designed for, and/or implemented in the site
12 / Ecosystem services–briefly describe any other particular benefits from conservation measures in terms of ecosystems services for local communities or others (eg improved water quality, soil stabilisation, carbon storage, tourism/recreation)
13 / Demonstration value – list significant demonstration values eg in terms of best practice relating to: IM = integrated management; PP = participatory approaches in the design and implementation of measures; CR = conflicts resolution; PS = support provided by public administrations (eg in terms of guidance and training); NGO = NGO involvement (eg guidance, monitoring etc). Please describe any other particular demonstration values
14 / Score – please score according to a scale from 1 to 5.
15 / Other issues - describeany other element/aspect that makes the case particularly relevant.

INFORMATION TO CONSIDER AND INCLUDE IN THE CASE STUDIES

The case studies shall be presented following a similar pattern and structure. Guidelines for the elaboration and presentation of the case studies will be prepared at a later stage. Some relevant elements of information to include in the case studies are described below, taking into account the technical specifications for this task.

CASE STUDIES - RELEVANT INFORMATION

A.General information about the site and the habitats/species targeted

Natura 2000 site: name and location (Biogeographical region,country, region, etc.) of the site (SPA or SCI) where the measures are applied. Main characteristics of the area, geographical delimitation and connectivity with other areas. Map.

Conservation objectives and site management: description of the conservation objectives of the site, management systems/approaches to achieve the conservation objectives in the area; analysis of the main conservation measures and instruments applied (e.g. management plans or other development plans, statutory, administrative or contractual measures), the way they cover agricultural aspects, etc. Describe if the management approach of the site includes all interested parties, stakeholders and regulators to agree on the conservation objectives, measures and the sustainable use of natural resources for the Natura 2000 site (Integrated management). Identification of conservation measures and relevant projects implemented in the site in relation to the conservation objectives, and the main types of funds used for their implementation (e.g. Life and other).

Habitats and species: habitats and species of Community interest targeted by the measures and, when applicable other habitats/species of conservation concern that can benefit from their implementation. Only for the habitats/species listed in the two Directives, describe their conservation status and trends, ecological requirements, threats affecting the species/habitats in the site; natural structure and functions of the habitats in relation to the conservation status of the area, etc.

Overlapping with other designated areas: overlap between Natura 2000 areas and other types of designated areas such as Less Favoured Areas or High Nature Value farmland, which can be supported under the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as areas designated to implement Directive 2000/60/EC/Directive 2000.

Other protection status: any other category of (national, regional and/or local) protection.

B.Description of farming practices and measures applied in the site

Farming practices and CAP support: description of traditional and current farming practices in the site, their links or potential conflicts with the conservation objectives of the site. Identification of different types of EU support under the CAP available for farmers in the site (both 1st and 2nd pillar) and assessment of the use (or the reasons for not using) Natura 2000 payments and agri-environment measures.

Description of the measures applied with CAP support: types of measures and their goals, relations to species/habitats, site conservation objectives; conditions and primes of the CAP funding, means for implementation, beneficiaries, other stakeholders involved; analysis of their results, best practice experiences, etc.

Ecosystems services: categorise and describe key ecosystem services provided, especially those that are supported by the measures and management systems applied, and the benefits for e.g. the local communities.

LIFE projects and other funds relevant to the farmland inside the Natura 2000 site: describe LIFE projects that have been implemented in the site and other complementary funds used for the management of the site.

C.Key information for the description of the case study

Impacts of farming practices and measures on the conservation status of specie and habitats present in the site.

Main constraints, successes and failures for their implementation, means and ways to solve them.

Involvement of both agricultural and environmental sectors and administrations; main lessons learnt; continuity of actions/measures, etc.

Key findings of the case study, including its successes and shortcomings (and the reasons for these) which could provide relevant useful information and advice for the guidance document

D.References

Include relevant references for the case study, links and other sources for further information.

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