FarmBioNet
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE IN ROMANIA
The first international practical exchange of the EU project FarmBioNet focused on the species-rich meadows and pastures of Transylvania. Around 60 farmers from 12 national biodiversity networks used the three-day excursion to the area around Sighișoara for an intensive professional and personal exchange.
The diverse impressions of scents, colors, and buzzing insects made the high biodiversity immediately tangible. Many participants emphasized that one could "really feel" the biodiversity there. The opportunities for networking, mutual support, new ideas, and the increased appreciation for biodiversity-friendly farming practices were particularly valued.
During the excursion, it became clear how important the exchange between practitioners, advisors and researchers is. For the participating farmers, economic frameworks and organizational structures are of primary importance. This entrepreneurial perspective enables a holistic evaluation of biodiversity measures. A key conclusion is that only economically viable measures can be successfully implemented in the long term.
© Ivana Milaković
" Current projects
EU Enlargement
PROCESS SUPPORT FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
On behalf of the European Commission, we are designing and moderating a three-day international conference to prepare EU candidate countries for the implementation of European nature conservation law. The focus will be on the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, the establishment of the Natura 2000 network and the requirements of the EU Restoration Regulation. Together with experts from the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, and the Bern Convention, we are supporting the administrations of the accession countries in the technical and legal steps of EU accession. This includes, among other things, the designation of protected areas, the development of Natura 2000 networks, the preparation of management systems and the development of national restoration plans. Our role encompasses the design of the event format, the technical support of the speakers and the moderation of the entire process. In doing so, we contribute our many years of expertise in European nature conservation law and in supporting complex transformation processes at the international level, thus assisting states on their path to adopting EU nature conservation law.
Farming for Nature
BIODIVERSITY CAN BE EXPERIENCED ON THE FARM
Especially in a year full of extreme weather, the importance of resilient agroecosystems becomes clear. Our Farming for Nature Biodiversity Ambassadors demonstrate how such systems can be established on farms each year. To showcase their work for biodiversity, the suske consulting team, together with a film crew, accompanied Biodiversity Ambassadors Alois Kiegerl, Carmen Petutschnig-Erschen, Irene Lüdemann, Michael Halbfurter and Silvia Fruhmann on their daily farm work this early summer. Amidst playful animal enclosures, vegetable harvests, colorful wildflower strips and diverse fields, we were particularly impressed by the farmers' tireless commitment to sustainable agriculture. These compelling portrait films will be shown this fall as part of the audience vote. Anyone who would like to get a firsthand impression of the farms can participate in one of the numerous farm walks between July and August or follow the daily life of the ambassadors via the social media channels of farmingfornature_austria or our website.
Networking Meeting EBW
VISIT TO JOHANN MOSER
At the networking meeting in Upper Austria, participants had the opportunity to experience biodiversity firsthand at Gerhard Moser's farm. The farm is part of the "Results-Oriented Management" project of the Austrian Program for Environmentally Sound Agriculture (ÖPUL), managed by suske consulting – and the results are clearly visible: diversity wherever you look. Together, the group toured the various meadows and pastures. Numerous plant species were discussed and the documentation of individual indicators was also reviewed. From tiered meadow management to deadwood installations, there was much to discover – vivid examples of how and with which measures biodiversity can be specifically promoted on the farm. To conclude the visit, the participants gathered at the nearest restaurant to discuss any remaining questions and do some networking.
