Testing of the result-based support system within the framework of the ForEst&FarmLand project

This summer, our team, in cooperation with the Environmental Board, tested the scorecards for additional activities of the seminatural grasslands for the next period (2023-2027) together with the land users. Namely, in the next period, it will be possible to choose the assessment of the values of the seminatural grassland, as an additional activities of the support measure. This additional activity is voluntary and can be selected for up to three years during the commitment period for up to three areas. The support rate for this additional activity (filling in the scorecard and forwarding it to the Environmental Board) is 10 eur/ha. In addition to the value-based scorecards, the scorecards of the result-based support system were also tested, which will be more thoroughly tested in the pilot areas of 500 ha of costal and floodplain meadows. The conditions for receiving the support and the evaluation methodology are piloted within the framework of the LIFE-IP project “Comprehensive management of forest and farming landscapes to improve the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats and species” (ForEst&FarmLand). In the future, the aim would be to move from the current activity-based support system to a more result-based system, which will allow the land users to be more flexible in the management of the land, while also being much more aware of the natural values present on its land. Previous pilot projects in Europe have shown that a results-based support system is better for both the land user and for the biodiversity of the site and the surrounding landscape.

The first test day of this year took place on July 19 in Lahemaa national park, where the scorecards of coastal meadows and dry meadows were tested. The second test day took place on the large floodplain and coastal meadows of Lääne County. The final test day will take place on August 31 at Karula national park and Koiva wooded meadow to get feedback and suggestions from landusers to supplement the scorecards of swampy meadows and wooded meadows.

University of Tartu Landscape Biodiversity Group

J. Liivi 2, 50409, Tartu, ESTONIA

Aveliina Helm / +372 5553 8679 / aveliina.helm@ut.ee
Tsipe Aavik / +372 516 1187 / tsipe.aavik@ut.ee

© UNIVERSITY OF TARTU LANDSCAPE BIODIVERSITY GROUP, 2024