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LIFE Project Cover Photo

Conservation and management of species-rich grasslands by local authorities

Reference: LIFE13 NAT/LU/000068 | Acronym: LIFE grassland Luxembourg

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The western ‘Gutland’ is a region that is crucial for species-rich grasslands in Luxembourg and it still hosts many well-developed grasslands. However, these grasslands are threatened by the intensification of agricultural management and by strong urbanisation pressures. Such factors can cause habitat loss and increased uncertainty regarding the future condition of remaining grasslands. By means of contractual conservation management agreements (‘Biodiversity contracts’) many areas have been temporarily saved from intensification. Nevertheless, habitat loss continues and long-term solutions are needed that involve the purchase of grasslands, followed by subsequent restoration and improvement of their conservation status.


OBJECTIVES

This project’s main objective focuses on protecting endangered grassland habitats as well as a number of animal species that depend on these habitats within 15 Natura 2000 sites in the western part of the ‘Gutland’ of Luxembourg.

These goals will be achieved by strengthening the Natura 2000 network via purchase of grasslands and subsequent restoration and improvement of their conservation status.

Expected results: Outcomes anticipated from the project include the following results:

  • The purchase and restoration of at least 46.5 ha of grasslands hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities, transition mires and habitats that are necessary for a number of endangered species of the Habitats and Birds directives;
  • The local population of the Geoffrey’s bat (Myotis emarginatus) is stabilised (and possibly enlarged), by improving the hunting grounds and migration structures;
  • The conservation status of the crested newt (Triturus cristatus), which is actually found on about 70 sites in the region, is improved via proven conservation measures;
  • The survival chances of the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), which is critically endangered in Luxembourg and is currently only found in two areas, are improved. The negative trend is reversed through creation of dynamic habitats; and
  • Restoring dry grasslands for the bird species Anthus trivialis, Lullula arborea and Phoenicurus phoenicurus.

  • ADMINISTRATIVE DATA


    Reference: LIFE13 NAT/LU/000068
    Acronym: LIFE grassland Luxembourg
    Start Date: 01/06/2014
    End Date: 31/05/2020
    Total Eligible Budget: 2,529,816 €
    EU Contribution: 1,264,908 €

    CONTACT DETAILS


    Coordinating Beneficiary: Syndicat Intercommunal de lOuest pour la Conservation de la Nature
    Legal Status: PAT
    Address: rue de Capellen 12, 8393, Olm,
    Contact Person: Yves Schaack
    Email: Send Email
    Website: Visit Website


    LIFE Project Map

    ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ADDRESSED

    THEMES

    • Grasslands

    KEYWORDS

    • grassland ecosystem
    • local authority

    TARGET HABITAT TYPES

    • 6210 - Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (* important orchid sites)
    • 6410 - "Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae)"
    • 6430 - Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels
    • 6510 - "Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis)"
    • 7140 - Transition mires and quaking bogs

    SPECIES

    • Rallus aquaticus
    • Lullula arborea
    • Crex crex
    • Ciconia ciconia
    • Anas querquedula
    • Alcedo atthis
    • Myotis emarginatus
    • Triturus cristatus
    • Bombina variegata

    NATURA 2000 SITES

    Code Name Type Version
    Vallée de l'Attert de la frontière à Useldange LU0001013 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Vallée de la Mamer et de l'Eisch LU0001018 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Hautcharage / Dahlem - Asselborner et Boufferdanger Muer LU0001025 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Bertrange - Greivelserhaff / Bouferterhaff LU0001026 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Differdange Est - Prenzebierg / Anciennes mines et Carrières LU0001028 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Esch-sur-Alzette Sud-est - Anciennes minières / Ellegronn LU0001030 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Dudelange Haard LU0001031 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Wark - Niederfeulen-Warken LU0001051 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Fingig - Reifelswenkel LU0001054 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Leitrange - Heischel LU0001067 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Grass - Moukebrill LU0001070 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Minière de la région de Differdange - Giele Botter, Tillebierg, Rollesbierg, Ronnebierg, Metzerbierg et Galgebierg LU0002008 SPA v.2021
    Esch-sur-Alzette Sud-est - Anciennes minières / Ellergronn LU0002009 SPA v.2021
    Sanem - Groussebesch / Schouweiler - Bitchenheck LU0001027 SCI/SAC v.2021
    Dudelange Haard LU0002010 SPA v.2021

    PARTNERSHIPS

    Name Type
    Syndicat Intercommunal de lOuest pour la Conservation de la Nature Coordinator
    Kopstal(Administration communale de Kopstal), Luxembourg Participant
    Schifflang(Administration communale de Schifflange), Luxembourg Participant
    Käerjeng(Administraion communale de Käerjeng), Luxembourg Participant
    Reckange(Administraion communale de Reckange-sur-Mess), Luxembourg Participant
    Koerich(Administration communale de Koerich), Luxembourg Participant
    Feulen(Administration communale de Feulen), Luxembourg Participant
    Redange(Administration communale de Redange-sur-Attert), Luxembourg Participant
    Strassen(Administration communale de Strassen), Luxembourg Participant
    Bertrange(Administration communale de Bertrange), Luxembourg Participant
    Kehlen(Administraion communale de Kehlen), Luxembourg Participant
    Kayl(Administration communale de Kayl), Luxembourg Participant
    Differdang(Administration communale de Differdange), Luxembourg Participant
    SICONA Ctr(Syndicat Intercommunal du Centre pour la Conservation de la Nature), Luxembourg Participant
    Beckerich(Administration communale de Beckerich), Luxembourg Participant
    Sanem(Administration communale de Sanem), Luxembourg Participant

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