PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The growing recognition that the conservation of biodiversity in Europe depends on the continuation of low-intensity farming systems resulted in the concept of high nature value farming (HNVF). In the Mediterranean, in particular, HNVF encompasses some of the most traditional agricultural crops, such as cork oaks, olives, carob and grapes. In Cyprus, carob groves and vineyards are among the crops that are inextricably linked with the economic and cultural character of the island. At the same time these crop systems, when farmed at low-intensity, support species of fauna and flora that are important at the national or European level, while also providing a number of other ecosystem services. Despite their importance, these HNVF types on the island are now threatened by farming intensification, land abandonment and a lack of awareness about their wider role.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the AgroLIFE project were to conserve biodiversity in vineyards and carob groves with a strong focus on species listed in the Birds and Habitats Directives; support and promote sustainable agricultural practices that increase ecosystem services and conserve biodiversity in high nature value (HNV) farmlands; identify strengths and weaknesses of current agricultural management practices with respect to biodiversity conservation in HNV farmland; identify strengths and weaknesses of bioindicators for evaluation of HNV farms in small-scale agriculture; build a knowledge base for vineyard and carob grove high nature value farming (HNVF) in Cyprus; and encourage stakeholder involvement and increase public awareness regarding HNVF through active participatory learning.
RESULTS
The AgroLIFE project raised awareness of the value of high nature value farming (HNVF) in Cyprus. It successfully demonstrated several HNVF actions in the field, in carob groves and vineyards, some of which were incorporated into the CAP measures for the period 2017-2021 that support agri-environmental actions. The project team mapped and identified HNV farmland areas for the first time across all of the Republic of Cyprus. In particular, it promoted HNVF in carob groves and vineyards through the development of agri-environmental measures. Concrete actions implemented included the construction of 10 dry stonewalls, with a total length of approximately 300 m; the creation of 110 micro-habitats in the form of rock piles, brush piles, and hibernacula for fauna; the construction and installation of 10 nests for barn owls in the area of Anogyra (carob groves); the restoration of 0.6 ha of abandoned agricultural land in the areas of Anogyra and Laneia (carob groves); the placement of 171 metal shields around carob trees to protect them from rats; and the placement of approximately 7 000 pheromone dispensers to enhance the natural protection of vineyards from the European grapevine moth. Natural vegetation was enriched in the margins of 10 plots, by planting 76 seedlings of 7 different fruit trees, and 257 shrubs belonging to 9 species, in Anogyra, Kapileio and Laneia. An assessment of the impact of conservation and protection actions on biodiversity in two project areas was conducted, using indicators such as plants, arthropods, lizards, snakes and birds. The project team also estimated the economic value of ecosystem services (e.g. biological control with natural enemies, soil formation) provided in two study plots. The project team produced and distributed two manuals on the application of sustainable farming practices, targeting the farmers of the region. They also created two agro-diversity routes for visitors with a total length of 12 km, one in the area of Anogyra (carob groves) and one in the Commandaria region (vineyards). In addition, project aims and results were disseminated through the creation and installation of 30 information signs, 3 viewpoint signs and 32 direction signs along the two agro-diversity trails. Training was carried out with the participation of 126 producers and other stakeholders, relating to sustainable agricultural practices and new funding opportunities. The project team organised two meetings and two workshops for producers in local communities, six stakeholder meetings, and a three-day workshop for experts on science, tourism and policy regarding HNV farmland areas. AgroLIFE results were presented at eight scientific conferences, and in magazine articles, via local and national newspapers, and on the project website. Furthermore, the project team created and distributed 600 newsletters and 1 500 leaflets on the importance of HNV farmland areas and the need to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. The project provided information to government agencies preparing the 2014-2020 Regional Development Program (RDP), specifically the Environmental Actions in High Nature Value Areas. This incorporated many practices demonstrated and, if adopted, will provide incentives to farmers to implement these measures. The AgroLIFE team was also consulted for measures that were not included in the project, such as the use of compost. The main socio-economic aspects of the project relate to subsidies paid to farmers to maintain HVNF features, such as hedgerows and floral strips to promote biodiversity. In addition the project promoted methods alternative to pesticides for pest control, such as the pheromone mating disruption method against the grape berry moth to minimise the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture. However, there has been a conflict between the subsidies provided to farmers through the RDP versus funds or compensation for sustainable practices. RDP payments are based on cultivated area, so farmers have an incentive to transform any uncultivated strips of land on their property, including hedgerows and other natural vegetation into cultivated land to receive the maximum allowed payments. As a result of the project, the last revision of the Rural Development Programme of Cyprus includes several agri-environmental measures for HNV farmland that will provide funding support for natural vegetation and other biodiversity conserving features present in agricultural land. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
