PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Grasslands in Hungary are almost exclusively semi-natural habitats due to centuries of grazing, hay-making and the regulation of water levels. Therefore, their conservation status strongly depends on land management practices backed by financial mechanisms. Though grassland habitats still contribute to rural livelihoods, the socio-economic need for pastures and hay-making meadows has dramatically declined. Consequently, vast areas of semi-natural grasslands have been abandoned and lost, along with their valuable habitats, flora and fauna. To improve the conservation status of grassland species and habitats of Community interest, broad cooperation is needed across sectoral policies, involving law enforcement, landowners and land users, and civil organisations, all supported by research organisations.
OBJECTIVES
The long-term aim of LIFE-IP GRASSLAND-HU is the implementation of the Hungarian Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 (PAF). The project targets 10 habitat types protected under the Habitats Directive, with the main focus on semi-natural grassland habitats of significant conservation value that require active habitat management to achieve favourable conservation status. Specific objectives include:
managing grasslands for nature conservation; controlling shrub encroachment and afforestation; addressing the challenge of habitat fragmentation and the disappearance of ecological corridors; controlling invasive species; tackling the misuse and over-exploitation of land and resources, including tourism sector activities; raising farmers awareness to support nature conservation; addressing issues relating to water levels; and revising conservation measures for priority and indicator species and habitats. Expected results:
improved conservation status of targeted semi-natural grassland and related habitats (e.g. steppic wood and forests) of Community importance in30 Natura 2000 network sites; 77 ha of land purchased for conservation; 40 ha of arable land converted into grassland; shrubs of native species cleared from grasslands on 480 ha in 22 Natura 2000 sites; invasive alien species (IAS) eradication from 922 ha in 21 Natura 2000 sites; conditions for nature-friendly (traditional) land management improved or established, along with improved management infrastructure; improved hydrological conditions (water regimes) of targeted habitat types on 2 000 ha; improved conservation status of typical and priority species (with populations remaining stable or increasing by 0-15 %); establishment of six European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) colonies and 4 lesser mole-rat (Nannospalax superspecies leucodon) colonies; and areas of six priority grassland habitats remain stable or increased by up to 10 %. In addition to the IP budget itself, the project will facilitate the coordinated use of approx. 72 million of complementary funding in 42 projects financed from EAFRD, ERDF, national and private fund, as applicable.
