Natura 2000

What is Natura 2000?

The Tarnava Mare area was included in the EU Natura 2000 network in 2008. Natura 2000 is the European Union’s network of protected areas. Its aim is to safeguard Europe’s biodiversity and to promote biodiversity - friendly economic activities.

The Natura 2000 Network is the EU’s main instrument for nature conservation, under which habitats and associated species are protected, with economic activities permitted that do not damage those habitats and species identified for protection. Within a Natura 2000 area, a range of protection measures can be taken, suited to local conditions.

Selection as Natura 2000 site is recognition of an area’s importance at an European level - a source of pride for local communities that also offers considerable economic opportunities.

Conservation of the HNV landscape

ADEPT has successfully promoted the inclusion of Târnava Mare area in Natura 2000 EU Network. In 2008, Târnava Mare area was approved by the Government of Romania and EU DG Environment as a Natura 2000 site (Site of Community Interest, SCI, under EU Habitats Directive) covering about 85,000 ha. This is Romania’s largest farmland Natura Site, and as such is a flagship for farm-based nature conservation in Romania.

The Târnava Mare area is an important national pilot area for testing EU incentives for good grassland management. ADEPT and collaborators are designing a comprehensive plan for managing and protecting the mosaic of habitats, and the species that inhabit them, at the same time helping farmers to fulfil Natura 2000 obligations and to gain access to special funding or other opportunities available as a result of Natura 2000 designation. Biodiversity conservation measures will only be practical and effective if designed in close cooperation with local people.

Related Projects

Research: identification and conservation of the habitats and species of Târnava Mare as a model for European conservation Romania

Studies necessary to justify protection for Târnava Mare site.
Funded by: UK Darwin Initiative
Project Duration: 2004 - 2007 (4 years)

RBAPS - Results-Based Payments for Biodiversity: A New Pilot Agri-Environment Scheme for the Tarnava Mare and Pogány Havas Regions

A “results-based” agri-environment scheme which is targeted at High Nature Value hay meadows, rewarding practical management that produces good quality hay and protects wild species.
Funded by:DG Environment
Project Duration: 2016 - 2019 (3 years)

STACCATO - SusTaining AgriCultural ChAnge Through ecological engineering and Optimal use of natural resources

Focus on the analysis and evaluation of Ecosystem Services (ESS), both in isolation and in concert, and their sensitivity to land use patterns in agriculturally dominated landscapes
Funded by:a BiodivERsA funded EU project
Project Duration: 2014 - 2018 (4 years)

Protection of habitats by land purchase

Protection by purchase of blocks of land of high biodiversity value, that are threatened by land management changes.
Funded by: Fauna and Flora International and Grass Valley Trust
Project Duration: 2013- 2018 (5 years)

For Nature and Local Communities - Basics of a Natura 2000 integrated management in the Hârtibaciu - Târnava Mare area -Olt

Development of the Management Plan for the Natura 2000 site Sighisoara - Tarnava Mare; RO SCI 0027.
Funded by: POS Mediu
Project Duration: 2011 - 2015 ( 4 years)

Ecosystem Services from High Nature Value farmland - Green industry - Romania

Environmental friendly and profitable farmer’s production in five local communities in the Transylvanian region by combining traditional land management and ecosystem services.
Funded by: a grant from Norway through the Norway Grants 2009-2014, in the frame of Green Industry Innovation Programme Romania
Project Duration: 2012 - 2014 (2 years)

Târnava Mare SCI: Saving Transylvania’s Important Pastoral Ecosystem (STIPA)

Improvement of the conservation status of Sighișoara-Târnava Mare SCI Natura 2000 site, a priority dry grassland habitat.
Funded by: the LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity Programme of the European Union and Fundația Orange
Project Duration: 2011 - 2014 (3 years)

Wild Flower Europe – Celebrating rural cultures and landscape

Celebrating artistic and cultural diversity in rural communities and promoting this diversity in Europe
Funded by: DG Culture - European Commission
2012 - 2014 (2 years)

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Biodiversity conservation and community development in Transylvania
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