LIFE TransilvaCooperation

Activities done under the project:

• Monitoring methodology developed incorporating as far as possible Nature 2000 Favourable Condition Tables, and results-based indicator species, to assist the two approaches being used together in N2000 sites.
• Local management plans developed for Viscri and Angofa, co-designed with land managers.
• Habitat, species and land use maps developed, one each for Angofa and Viscri valleys.

• Demonstration farm established, equipped with innovative livestock handling buildings and equipment, grassland management equipment, with long term role in training, policy influence and public dissemination after project end.
• Many visitors and media have visited the project and understand better the role of integrated, cooperative management approaches and of how Natura 2000 can work together positively with communities in farmed Natura 2000 landscapes. Visitors included general public, and special days organised for schoolchildren.
• Habitat restoration actions were proposed on min. 240 ha of Habitats Directive grassland habitats, improved from unsatisfactory to favourable conservation status. Includes 40 ha of meadow and 200 ha of pasture, all Habitats Directive grassland habitats. Under the project we have restored 102 ha of haymeadow 250 ha of pasture, exceeding targets.
• We have arranged courses in biodiversity management of Habitats Directive   grasslands for Viscri farmer associations and Angofa farmer group, total 50 farmers. This will help them increase incomes as well as protect biodiversity and sustainability of farming systems. 8 farmers on c.800ha in Angofa valley, and 40-50 farmers on c.1000 ha in Viscri Valley, are now working together in cooperative management of grassland and associated landscape featuresAs a result of many meetings during the 4 year project period, local, regional and national policy makers have a better understanding of and support for innovative management approaches.
• We have co-created with farmers local management plans, under which approximately 1800 ha of grassland and associated landscape features, at valley/water catchment scale, including approximately 500 ha of Habitats Directive grassland habitats, are now assured future good management.