2010, the focus of EU's target to halt the loss of biodiversity in Europe, is an appropriate date at which to take stock. Is the biodiversity importance of HNV Farmed landscapes fully appreciated by policy makers? How effective have our policies been in conserving biodiversity in EU member states? How should policies and practice evolve to improve our ability to meet biodiversity conservation targets?

This conference will be held in the historic city of Sibiu, the 2007 European city of culture and home of Samuel von Brukenthal, the renowned 18th century patron of the arts and sciences. There will be planned excursions to some of the most biodiverse farmed lowland landscapes remaining in Europe - rich in wildflowers, birds, butterflies and large mammals including bears and wolves. Further details will be announced.
For further details see conference page on EFNCP website (www.efncp.org).

Date:   Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th September 2010

 

Location: University Lucian Blaga, Sibiu

 

The conference will communicate the vital role of HNV farming systems in biodiversity conservation and in a wide range of ecosystem services; carbon sequestration, fire and flood resistance, water quality and security, food quality and security, cultural heritage, quality of life, recreation. HNV farmed landscapes are dominated by semi-natural grasslands, and small scale traditional management. These farming systems can no longer be seen as the poor relation of competitive, intensive farming: they are of global importance, because of the range of ecosystem services they deliver.

 

Both the grasslands and the farming systems that use them are under threat. This conference will propose improved EU strategies for maintaining them. CAP reform 2010-13 is a major opportunity for re-targeting CAP resources, so that they help secure the future of these HNV grasslands and the ecosystem services they deliver.

 

Topics:

HNV grasslands - what they provide

-          HNV grasslands and biodiversity. Semi-natural pastures and meadows (“HNV grasslands”) are central to the ecosystem services of European farming, and at the same time represent a major part of European biodiversity. The EU’s 2010 Biodiversity Target has not been met. Renewed efforts are needed across the EU. Maintenance of HNV grasslands should be a priority target from 2010.

 

-          HNV grasslands and ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are becoming a dominant theme in policy debates. The place of HNV grasslands within ecosystem services needs to be clarified and flagged up – landscape, water-catchment functions, quality food production on land with limited economic options. Also cultural values. It is the whole farming and social system that delivers the ecosystem services, and that therefore needs to be maintained.

 

-          HNV grasslands and climate change has become a leading environmental concern and has many potential implications for HNV grasslands. The positive services of HNV grasslands need to be explained and quantified, e.g. carbon storage, fire resistance in dry areas, large-scale habitats to allow species to adapt to climate change. Conversely, the policy response to climate change can threaten HNV grasslands, for example change of land use for biocropping or intensive biomass.

 

HNV grasslands - what they need

-          The socio-economy of HNV farming systems. Low-intensity HNV livestock farming links food quality, culture and nature. The conference will describe the socio-economic situation of HNV farming systems and farming communities, with data and case studies from around EU.

 

-          The need for local initiatives. Key policy lessons from ADEPT project and other local projects.  Conference will highlight a small number of common challenges and things that need to be done at local level to make policies more effective.

 

-          Common Agricultural Policy reform. What can the CAP do to address HNV challenges across EU? CAP reform 2010-13 is a major opportunity; may be the last chance to secure a sustainable future for HNV grasslands through an EU strategy with a sufficiently resourced package of measures for supporting the farming systems that maintain HNV grasslands. Policy discussion of need for greater encouragement for local projects in addition to basic HNV support payments.