1 Different instruments of the RDP as good tools for combining and complementing aims of nature conservation and sustainable agriculture Andrej Bibič Ministry for the Environment and Spatial Planning Sector for Nature Conservation Policy

2 State of biodiversity in Slovenia Slovenia is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in European Union :

3 State of biodiversity in Slovenia Ecologically Important Areas

4 Natura 2000 in Slovenia SPA - 26 sites (22,8 %) pSCI sites (31,6 %) Total – 231 sites (35,5 %) 22-25% of agricultural land

5 Agricultural land Large parts of the country have been abandoned and subject to natural succession (afforestation) Lowland parts of the country have been intensified, and in some parts intensification still continues Conditions for farming differ largely in different parts of Slovenia

6 Example: Trnovski gozd, Natura 2000 site for grassland species and habitat types Foto: L. Božič Areas facing land abandonment

7 Farming is based on grasslands (orography & climate). Objectives to preserve farming in the area are fully compatible with nature conservation objectives. Shift in direct payments to single farm payment encourages more land to be farmed. Areas facing land abandonment LFA payments All agri- environment payments for grasslands (6 types) No special N2k a-e measures

8 Agri-environment measures for grasslands Areas facing land abandonment

9 Example: Nanoščica, Natura 2000 site for grassland species and habitat types Areas facing intensification

10 Farming is based on grasslands and fields. Objectives to preserve farming in the area are partly compatible with nature conservation objectives. Orography and climate allow intensification of grasslands. Areas facing intensification LFA payments All agri- environment payments for grasslands (6 types) Special N2k a-e measures

11 Example: Nanoščica, Natura 2000 site for grassland species and habitat types Areas facing intensification

12 In the RDP two overall a-e measures designated for endangered habitats, and 2 special N2k a-e measures (GRB, HAB) Development of special a-e measures LFA payments All agri- environment payments for grasslands (6 types) GRB, HAB ETA HAB eligible

13 In the RDP two overall a-e measures designated for endangered habitats, and 5 special N2k a-e measures. Development of special a-e measures LFA payments All agri- environment payments for grasslands (6 types) GRB, MET, HAB ETA VTR STE

14 Example for achieving conservation aim for rock partridge (site Trnovski gozd): further afforestation is stopped with maintenance of pastures, agri-environment measures for low input grasslands. Until 2010 maintenance of 370 ha in these measures, until 2013 increase to 400 ha. Objectives in the draft Natura 2000 operational programme Natura 2000 operational programme sets objectives for each Natura 2000 site in relation to agri-environmental measures, designated for farmland species and/or habitat types

15 More information Interactive map: