The project trialled new methods to protect breeding Curlew, a national conservation priority in Ireland. In 2021, only 105 breeding pairs of Curlew were recorded, a 98% decline since the 1980s. The decline mainly includes habitat loss due to farming changes, land drainage, forestry, and predation of eggs and chicks. Thirty-five farmers participated in the "Curlew Habitat Option," a results-based scheme to manage land and provide suitable Curlew breeding habitat. With guidance and training, farmers managed their land and carried out habitat restoration works such as scrub removal and creating chick-feeding habitats. Farmers were paid based on the habitat quality they produced, measured through yearly field scores. Critical factors like sward height (grass length), chick feeding habitat, and predator habitat were assessed. The project saw significant improvements in habitat quality after just two years. The project also addressed predation, one of the main threats to Curlew nests and chicks. From 2020 to 2023, 33 farmers trialled a "Conservation Keepering" scheme focused on ethical predator management to protect Curlew's breeding attempts. The success of this project relied on the dedication of farmers and landowners to preserving biodiversity on their land. Their commitment was crucial, but ongoing financial and advisory support is essential to reverse the decline of threatened farmland birds like the Curlew. See https://birdwatchireland.ie/category/project/curlew-eip/
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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 858735This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 858735. FACTSHEET NANOCELLULOSE MEMBRANES FOR NUTRIENT RECOVERY Key information Functionalized nanocellulose membranes can take up nitrate and phosphate. These membranes can be put in a water treatment unit. As the membranes are biobased, degradable materials, they can after use be added to the soil, thus returning the leached nutrients back for their original purpose providing fertilizers (nutrient recycling).
This case study is drafting new legislation that allows renting forestland for multiple purposes in order to increase economic efficiency and maintain a balance between all ecosystem services. This Russian case works on regulation mechanisms so that people renting forestland can use it for multiple purposes, and to include ecosystem services in the Forest Code.
It summarises the reports from all Cross Visits. During the Cross Visits the AgriSpin team gradually learned how to capture what really matters in the cases that were visited. It is important that the characteristics in the overview are helpful for: ● deepening the understanding of the individual cases and the effect of particular innovation support actions; ● making comparisons between cases, even though they represent different sectors and cover different types of innovation.