A growing weight of evidence on the progress of grassland conservation across Europe indicates a steady decline in grassland habitat extent and quality, in grassland diversity, and in wildlife associated with grasslands including butterflies.
Various reasons have been proposed for this decline including European policy (especially CAP) and the failure of the biodiversity conservation elements (specifically agri-environment) within the rural development axes to address the threats. Intensification of farmland and development of transport, housing and industry have also been cited in terms of the fragmentation of habitat.
In spite of considerable state- and NGO-sector involvement in implementation of national and EU environmental legislation in many member states, decline continues unabated. The objectives of the 2010 countdown initiative are not being met.
ADEPT is carrying out monitoring of the negative effects of the above factors, and positive effects of agri-environment schemes, Fundatia ADEPT has identified indicator wild flower and butterfly species. The role of habitat scale, mosaic management and connectivity as positive factors for species conservation, will be contrasted to loss in habitat area, quality and fragmentation leading to species loss, will be observed.
ADEPT is managing experimental management plots under EU LIFE Aquila pomerine project, as well as monitoring of sites restored under the EU LIFE STIPA project.
We are the only European partner of Operation Wallacea, which brings schoolchildren and university students to sites around the world for long-term monitoring of important natural areas. Operation Wallacea are carrying out biodiversity and socio-economic monitoring in the Târnava Mare area, over 150 students visiting per year, working with Romanian university students. This will build up valuable long-term data about the evolution of the area. Read more about Operation Wallacea project.
