Future Direction to Support the Management of Protected and Natura 2000 Grasslands

The management of protected areas, including Natura 2000 sites, is a constant challenge for stakeholders. Nature is in a constant state of flux, which can be one-way or fluctuating, and the management of sites must adapt accordingly. The task is made even more difficult if the conservation objective is also changing, or necessarily changing, as circumstances and realities change. The need to adjust adaptive management to environmental conditions and their changes is not a new element in land management, but there are still limitations to its application.

In the present study, we focus on grasslands, especially those of community importance, describing their current situation, the processes, threats and management implications. Future possible directions are highlighted and results-based payment is discussed in detail. The topic is particularly relevant since most Member States are in the process of planning agri-environmental schemes which provide an opportunity to launch pilot projects or establish a programme in several Member States in this financial cycle.