Together for nature: How farmers save habitats!

Together for nature: How farmers save habitats!

Researchers of the University of Göttingen are intensively investigating nature conservation measures at landscape level with the aim of stopping the loss of species and habitats in agricultural landscapes. While previous measures were often only implemented by individual farms, agri-environmental measures at landscape level offer greater potential for creating and maintaining habitats. Collaboration between farms, local authorities, politicians and nature conservation organizations is crucial for successful agricultural nature conservation.

The results of this comprehensive study were recently published in the journal People and Nature. This is based on the “KOOPERATIV” project of the universities of Göttingen and Rostock and the rural people of Northeim-Osterode. As part of the project, 41 farmers have created over 250 hectares in 31 landscapes with perennial flowering areas that not only serve as habitat but also promote the connectivity of existing habitats.

Key factors for success

The project leader, Prof. Dr. Catrin Westphal, has derived three central key factors for long-term success:

• Brückenstrukturen wie „Runde Tische“ für den Ideenaustausch.
• Regionale Koordinatoren, oder „Kümmerer“, die zur Vernetzung und Unterstützung beitragen.
• Berücksichtigung der Bedürfnisse der Landwirte, etwa durch vereinfachte Verwaltungsprozesse und finanzielle Anreize.

In addition, the project promotes social interaction in rural regions, as farmers value the exchange with the population. This lighthouse project, which is also funded by the Federal Biological Diversity Program, shows the potential of transdisciplinary cooperation in agricultural conservation.

Another significant step towards biodiversity is being initiated by the “KOMBI – collective models to promote biodiversity” project, which is being initiated by WWF Germany is directed. This project runs from 2023 to 2028 and aims to promote cooperative structures and processes between farmers.

Practical approaches to promoting biodiversity

Experienced conservationists support agricultural nature conservation in four model regions, including Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Hesse and Saxony. The measures include the ecological improvement of grassland, biotope networking, the care of orchards and the protection of field birds. One goal of this program is to simplify the application and funding of agricultural nature conservation measures.

The project goes beyond practical measures by developing concrete recommendations for state, federal and EU politics to improve funding instruments for agricultural nature conservation. The financial support of around 9.2 million euros is provided by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Program and is also co-financed by various ministries in the participating federal states.

The accompanying research is carried out by scientists from the Justus Liebig University of Gießen, the Christian Albrechts University of Kiel and the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e.V., which supports the project with sound scientific findings.