DOPPS- BirdLife Slovenia This project in Slovenia has been awarded as one of the 26 Best LIFE Nature projects in 2007-2008. Zoom In

DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia praised for Corncrake project

07-08-2009

The LIFE Nature project for the long–term conservation of Corncrake Crex crex in Slovenia has been evaluated by the European Commission as one of the 26 Best LIFE Nature projects in 2007-2008. This project is of particular importance as DOPPS' data showed that the species has been declining since 2002. The project activities were conducted in three main Corncrake Natura 2000 areas in Slovenia including Ljubljansko barje, the main breeding area for Corncrakes, Cerknica lake and Nanoščica river basin, as in these areas its declining was particularly evident.

"Our LIFE project has finally opened some concrete discussions on the future of the agriculture policy in Natura 2000 sites in Slovenia", said Andrej Medved, Project manager and Director of DOPPS- BirdLife Slovenia. Natura 2000 is an ecological network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union.

To protect this Globally Threatened species, the LIFE project aimed to create several conservation tools for the successful long-term protection of Corncrake in Slovenia, and to fine tune the transposition of the EU Birds Directive into the Slovenian legislation.

In particular, DOPPS addressed the need for habitat management solutions and education tools for local farmers and land owners on how to manage habitats in a bird-friendly way, and how to obtain additional funding for such management. It also focused on raising awareness among the general public, local stakeholders and decision-makers.

"How to turn Natura 2000 into sustainable development opportunity? This is our next challenge" —Andrej Medved, Director of DOPPS- BirdLife Slovenia

The project resulted in changes to the Agriculture and Rural Development policy in Natura 2000 sites, and the inclusion of Biodiversity protection as a national priority within the Rural Development Programme. The Agri Environmental Scheme VTR, a new conservation tool, was created and offered to farmers in the most important Natura 2000 areas.

This scheme represents an important step forward in the Slovenian Rural Development and Nature Conservation Policy. Further one, it was possible to implement the Farmland Bird Index Monitoring Scheme and to include the Corncrake as an indicator species. This meant that finally the link between biodiversity and rural development policies was highlighted. A particular recognition of this fact, the Corncrake was chosen as the new symbol of Natura 2000 in Slovenia. 

"Due to great communication activities, people in Slovenia started to think about Natura 2000 in a different way", added Andrej. "How to turn Natura 2000 into sustainable development opportunity? This is our next challenge".

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