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A particular commitment to nature and species conservation and the preservation of cultural landscapes can be rewarded through competitions. © Hermann/ pixelio.de
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Involved sectors
Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism and leisure, Nature protection, Local population/citizens, Public relations and environmental education
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Affected habitats
Forest,
Bogs and fens, wetlands,
Grassland,
Arable land
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Description
A particular commitment to nature and species conservation and the preservation of valuable regional cultural landscapes, also within the framework of biotope network initiatives, can be rewarded through competitions. At the same time, the public can be informed about farmers’ commitment, thus increasing the acceptance of biotope networking measures. In this way, the services provided by agriculture for the preservation of the cultural landscape or networks of interlinked biotopes can be rewarded, while raising awareness of measures adopted within the framework of regional cultural landscape programmes. For farmers, the provision of public information and the ensuing recognition of their work create incentives to manage their areas in a manner conducive to biotope connectivity.
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Impact
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Ecological impact
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Improvement or preservation of habitats
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Competitions can offer incentives for habitat improvement, thus creating habitats for rare species of animal and plant (e.g. extensive grassland). |
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Element of ecological network
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Appropriate competition design facilitates a focus on aspects of ecological connectivity. |
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Other
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Overall concepts (e.g. for a local biotope network) can be planned and implemented as part of a competition. |
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Time of realisation for measure
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Months:
The impact depends on the focus of the competition but manageable time frames should be aimed for.
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Impact scope
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Local (municipality):
The impact can be enhanced with comprehensive planning and embedding in an overall concept.
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Implementation
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Implementation period
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Weeks:
Competitions can be implemented within very short periods of time.
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Frequency
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Non-recurring, Recurring:
Can be a single or annual action.
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Economic and legal aspects
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Costs
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Low (1'000-10'000 EUR):
Costs are associated with the prizes awarded, the inspection of sites, PR work, and organisation. Depending on size, at least € 2000 will be required.
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Socio-economic impacts
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Low:
If marketed appropriately, competitions can serve to attract tourists.
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Sources of financing
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Private sponsor,
Public: local,
Public: regional
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Further information
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Evaluation
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In the Eifel, Germany, a meadow management competition took place in 2007 in which dry, fertilised and wet meadows were scored according to nature conservation criteria, management method, status from an agricultural perspective, and the farmer's publicity work. |
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Information
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Germany:
e.g. http://www.wiesenmeisterschaft.de/
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