Agricultural Heritage Systems Conservations, views from the European Union. BEAUMOND Hans-Christian EU Delegation, Beijing 2011 June 9

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1 Agricultural Heritage Systems Conservations, views from the European Union BEAUMOND Hans-Christian EU Delegation, Beijing 2011 June 9

2 GIAHS projects in the EU Polders (Netherlands) Formed from the 12th century onwards Characteristics: grasslands on peaty soil with drainage channels, economically sustained by dairy farming, rich flora and fauna.

3 GIAHS projects in the EU Lemon Gardens ( giardini di limoni, Southern Italy) since 2001, lemons from the Costiera d'amalfi are protected as GI under EU regulation Lemon pergolas, chestnut windbreaks, terraces incorporated in containment walls and narrow footpaths have been built, and preserved, over centuries to guarantee the conservation of local lemon varieties

4 State of Agro-ecosystems Many species of European interest are linked to agro-ecosystems but 25% of Mammals of European interest linked to agro-ecosystems are threatened 42% of Birds of European interest linked to agro-ecosystems are threatened: since 1980, common farmland birds declined by 50%. Falls have levelled off since the late 1990s Common birds in Europe, population index (1980=100) More than 80% of assessments for amphibians and invertebrates linked to agro-ecosystems are unfavourable Source: EEA 2009 based on EBCC/RSPB/BirdLife International/Statistics

5 The EU tool box Mandatory measures: *Statutory management requirements (nitrate, groundwater, sewage), Good agricultural practices *Territorial approaches (habitats): Natura 2000 Framework measures/programmes: * Conservation of Genetic resources * Quality schemes * Rural development: - less-favoured areas - agri-tourism; cultural heritage - agri-environmental schemes

6 NATURA 2000 network in EU27

7 Agri-environmental schemes: examples Agri-Environmental Schemes grass strips, hedge rows, trees, stone walls,... Extensification of grazing Appropriate mowing dates and methods Leaving of stubbles on the land during winter Buffer strips along rivers Reduction of inputs Winter soil cover Set-aside (with green cover) Reduced tillage, conservation agriculture Terraces in the areas with steep slopes green cover, mulching Incorporation of grassland in the rotation soil protection with direct positive effects on water quality biodiversity and habitats 7

8 High Nature Value farmland «High Nature Value farming»: a concept developed in the early 1990s from recognition that conservation of biodiversity in Europe depends to a large extent on the continuation of traditional lowintensity farming systems across wide areas of countryside. Characteristics: Low-intensity (/ha): Livestock; Nitrogen; Biocides Semi-natural vegetation: grass, scrub; Trees; Diversity of land cover

9 HNV farmland is typically, but not exclusively, seminatural pasture and low intensity cropping.

10 Key actions include: Policy action Use of available EU measures, notably to prevent intensification or abandonment and to maintain and enhance High-Nature-Value farming Encourage production of sustainable quality products; quality schemes Agri-tourism

11 The Dehesa, Extremadura, Spain

12 Dehesa landscape Source: EFNCP, Guy Beaufoy

13 Iberian pigs foraging for acorns Source: EFNCP, Guy Beaufoy

14 Heritage of Dehesa The Dehesa mainly comprises mixed formations of oak species and pastures. The diversified production found in the Dehesa includes acorns, tannin, fodder, firewood, crops, honey, aromatic plants, cork, livestock and game. The Dehesa has been managed by people for centuries in a sustainable way. Source: WWF

15 Environmental value of Dehesa Trees create a microclimate less extreme in both winter and summer. The Dehesa retains water due to porosity and organic content, preventing soil erosion. Wind speed and erosion are reduced. Trees supply large amounts of material which rots as humus into the upper soil. Forest fires are reduced. Migrating birds can nest and breed. Source: WWF

16 Ham production is a key economic use of Dehesa Extensive pig grazing is a traditional use of the Dehesa (wooded pasture). The pigs forage for acorns in Autumn- Winter and graze grass during Spring. The label of the Geographical Indication Dehesa Extremadura was introduced in It projects an image of the Dehesa as a sustainable agro-ecosystem.

17 Iberian ham, Geographical Indication Dehesa de Extremadura - Native breed - Traditional farming techniques