Scenarios for reconciling biodiversity conservation with declining agricultural use in the mountains of europe

Objective

Europe's mountain biodiversity is central to Natural 2000 and the European Biodiversity Strategy. Decline in agricultural use in mountain areas has dramatic biodiversity consequences including threats to priority species and semi-natural habitats but also opportunities for reintroduction of large mammals and habitat restoration. The project objective is to develop and evaluate strategies for reconciling conservation of mountain biodiversity with declining agriculture. Options for conservation of priority species and habitats are configured into three conceptual policy scenarios; business as usual, managed decline and biodiversity enhancement. Biodiversity consequences are predicted using advanced ecological modelling. Scientific, economic and policy feasibility and public acceptability are evaluated through an innovative sustainability appraisal. Practical outputs are ensured through the participation of stakeholder panels.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › biodiversity conservation
• natural sciences › biological sciences › ecology › ecosystems
• agricultural sciences › agriculture, forestry, and fisheries › agriculture
• natural sciences › biological sciences › zoology › mammalogy

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-2. - Key action Global Change, Climate and Biodiversity

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

Address

High Street
TN25 5AH Ashford
United Kingdom

Participants (9)

ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI

Greece

Address

University Campus
54006 Thessaloniki

CENTRE FOR RURAL RESEARCH

Norway

Address

University Centre, Ntnu Dragvoll
7491 Trondheim

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Route De Mende 1919
34293 Montpellier

FUNDACAO DA FACULDADE DE CIENCIAS E TECNOLOGIA DA UNIVESIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA

Portugal

Address

Quinta Da Torre
2825 Monte Da Caparica

INSTITUTE OF LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY OF THE SLOVAK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Slovakia

Address

Stefanikova N°3
81499 Bratislava

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL

United Kingdom

Address

Hill Of Brathens
AB31 4BW Banchory(kincardinshire)

NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Norway

Address

Realfagbygget
7491 Trondheim

SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE FOR FOREST, SNOW AND LANDSCAPE RESEARCH

Switzerland

Address

Zuercherstrasse 111
8903 Birmensdorf

UNIVERSITY OF MACEDONIA

Greece

Address

156,egnatias 156
54006 Thessaloniki