PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Around 120 000 ha of the Natura 2000 network in the Latium region (often referred to by its Italian name Lazio) is non-arable land used for extensive grazing, characterised by the presence of 27 native breeds of agricultural interest. However, grazing has fallen by 50% in the past 25 years. Its progressive decline has significant implications for the loss of habitats such as semi-natural dry grasslands, pseudo-steppe and Nardus grasslands, due to the banalisation of vegetation and bush encroachment.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the LIFE_GRACE project is to promote conservation of three semi-natural habitats: semi-natural dry grasslands, pseudo-steppe and Nardus grasslands. It aims to do so by encouraging grazing by hardy breeds threatened by genetic erosion.
The specific objectives are to:
- Raise awareness among the general public on biodiversity conservation and on the role of agriculture as a driver of sustainable development;
- Boost awareness among farmers about the best practices to be put in place in Natura 2000 areas/habitats to improve the conservation status of agro-ecosystems through use of rural development plan funds;
- Encourage farmers to take part in citizen science activities by collecting information for monitoring of farmland biodiversity; and
- Disseminate the lessons learnt to others inside and outside the region.
RESULTS
Expected results:
- Long-term preservation of the habitats semi-natural dry grasslands (1 500 ha), pseudo-steppe (1 300 ha) and Nardus grasslands (1 600 ha), which will also be subject to conservation measures through the RDP and monitored by farmers for the first time. The project will restore/maintain at least 10% of EU habitats subject to grazing;
- Reinforcement of farmers role as guardians of biodiversity, thanks to their involvement in monitoring activities;
- Conservation of target hardy grazing breeds (Maremma cattle, Italian heavy draft horses, Tolfa horses, Maremma and Esperia horses, and grey and Monticellana goats), making their breeding favourable for farmers (expected increase of 5% in the overall population of grazing animals);
- Raising awareness among the general public:
- Raising awareness of 100 000 potential consumers on the role of agriculture as a sustainable driver;
- 10% increase in the quantity of meat sold coming from Natura 2000 sites;
- Engagement of the food distribution chain: at least 70 local restaurants/agri-tourism entities; and
- Design of 15 nature/food trails;
- Raising awareness among farmers:
- Signature of at least 40 local agreements and a service plan;
- Production of a "code of conduct" signed by an additional 50 farmers;
- Engagement of 200 local farmers to raise awareness on best practices and training;
- Specific conservation measures in the next Latium RDP after lobbying activities; and
- Engagement of 20 farmers as testimonials;
- Involvement of farmers in citizen science activities:
- Elaboration of five simplified monitoring protocols;
- Design of an app for data collection;
- Inclusion in the next RDP of a priority measure encouraging farmers to become involved in biodiversity monitoring; and
- Creation of a group of at least 100 farmers regularly involved in monitoring biodiversity, gathering at least 1 000 records.
