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Different instruments of the RDP 2007 -13 as good tools for

combining and complementing aims of nature conservation and

sustainable agriculture

Andrej Bibič Ministry for the Environment and Spatial

PlanningSector for Nature Conservation Policy

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State of biodiversity in Slovenia

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

Country NBI

1. Slovakia 0.589

2. Slovenia 0.558

3. Greece 0.554

4. Italy 0.512

5. Portugal 0.511

6. Czech Republic 0.498

7. Spain 0.486

8. Austria 0.469

9. Cyprus 0.451

10. Belgium 0.445source UNEP-WCMC 2001

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State of biodiversity in SloveniaEcologically Important Areas

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Natura 2000 in Slovenia

SPA - 26 sites (22,8 %)pSCI - 260 sites (31,6 %)Total – 231 sites(35,5 %)22-25% of agricultural land

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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

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Example: Trnovski gozd, Natura 2000 sitefor grassland species and habitat types

Foto: L. Božič

Areas facing land abandonment

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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 moreland to be farmed.

Areas facing land abandonment

LFA payments

All agri-environment payments for grasslands (6

types)

No special N2k a-e

measures

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Agri-environment measures for grasslands

Areas facing land abandonment

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Example: Nanoščica, Natura 2000 sitefor grassland species and habitat types

Areas facing intensification

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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

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Example: Nanoščica, Natura 2000 sitefor grassland species and habitat types

Areas facing intensification

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In the RDP 2004-06 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, HABETA

HAB

eligible

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In the RDP 2007-17 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

VTRSTE

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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

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More information

http://www.natura2000.gov.si

Interactive map:http://kremen.arso.gov.si/NVatlas/ewmap.asp