PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Agri-environmental aid is provided for the conservation of steppe birds in Natura 2000 sites in Spain, by compensating farmers for the income loss caused or by the use of agricultural production methods compatible with the protection of the environment. But the promotion of extensive farming with an added value linked to biodiversity protection as a differentiated element to increase their profitability and to ensure the long-term competitiveness is not financed. This is a main factor since this farming activity is endangered due to depopulation, and the challenge is linked to the maintenance of both territory, culture and high natural values in order to ensure that the traditional activities that produce and sustain biodiversity are preserved. Avoiding overlap with existing agri-environmental measures already financed through the Rural Development Programme, the creation of long-term collaboration strategies between farmers, conservation entities and the Administration itself is not possible under agri-environmental measures. Therefore, it is expected that, in the medium-term, more sustainable agriculture and livestock global models may be generated, specifically for the Bardenas Reales’ Natura 2000 site (SAC) and the whole steppe surrounding region. This would involve the creation of land stewardship networks, establishing organic and biological pest control methods or the differentiated commercialisation and marketing of these productions based on biodiversity criteria.
OBJECTIVES
The general objective of LIFE FARMINGBARDENAS is to halt the population declines of steppe bird species included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, and according to the latest reports of EIONET (2013-2018). Therefore, the project aims to improve conditions for species classified as threatened, declining, endangered or depleted, such as little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Dupont's lark (Chersophilus duponti), pin-tailed sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata), black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), Eurasian stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus), hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) and Calandra lark (Melanocorypha calandra). Other species of Annex I, with stable or increasing populations but of decreasing breeding range or of special interest, will also be targeted, such as great bustard (Otis tarda), lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), tawny pipit (Anthus campestris), and greater short-toed lark (Calandrella brachydactyla). Furthermore, the project will reduce threats to steppe birds derived from changes in farming systems.
The project also aims to:
- Implement production models that ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of farms, coordinating farming activities with the conservation of biodiversity;
- Optimise the use of agrochemicals and increase the area under grazing;
- Remove specific threats to birds and recover the ecological infrastructures of the territory, such as ponds or vegetated field margins to promote biodiversity;
- Improve the knowledge on the status and threats for the targeted bird populations;
- Sensitise local population (e.g. farmers, hunters, companies, students) on socio-economic benefits of the birds and their compatibility with traditional land uses;
- Test new measures for steppe bird conservation, to be included in the SAC Bardenas Reales Management Plan, creating a General Protocol for a Sustainable Farming Activity in Bardenas Reales;
- Produce a programme to improve steppe bird habitat, including good practices and system for its integration in the socio-economic and legal structure of the region; and
- Promote the programme’s implementation in Navarre and ensure its replicability in other territories for this group of birds, especially in the Natura 2000 network.
The project is in line with the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive, 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), EU Action Plans for the little bustard, great Bustard and lesser kestrel, EIONET (European Environment Information and Observation Network), and the Rural Development Plan of Navarre.
RESULTS
Expected results:
- 20 meetings organised to explain the strategy to farmers in the municipalities and institutions with the rights to use land in Bardenas Reales. At least 400 farmers are expected to attend, along with other stakeholders;
- 50 farmers and 5 livestock breeders or cooperatives (1 500 and 3 000 ha, respectively) in Bardenas Reales voluntarily join a Land Stewardship Network;
- Creation of 30 km of margins/patches for the establishment of native vegetation (min. 3 m wide), and planting of 10 000 plants of 10 different species in key locations;
- Creation or restoration of 20 biodiversity ponds (1 125 m3), increasing steppe bird populations by 20% in the surrounding area;
- 50 action plans for farms (1 500 ha), with at least 3 measures implemented per action plan (e.g. increased grazing by over 10%, increased in legume crops by over 10%, and biodiversity-friendly pest and disease control;
- GPS livestock monitoring and development of 5 action plans for livestock breeders (3 000 ha), increasing by 10% the grazed surface (300 ha);
- 3 new crop models tested on more than 450 ha, substituting current models with low-pressure ones (e.g. organic aromatic plants or cereal/legume associations);
- Increase biodiversity indicators by 10% in operational areas;
- General Protocol for a Sustainable Farming Activity in Bardenas Reales;
- Economic and socioeconomic assessments of 55 farms;
- Report of indicators of ecological infrastructures and connectivity;
- A travelling exhibition visiting 49 municipalities, and at least 60 schools;
- 100 talks in schools and 50 for adults, and 15 reports on Spanish TV and radio; and
- Programme for the Improvement of the Steppe Birds Habitat in Navarre.
