Summary
This type of contract compensates farmers for external activities to their farm production.The contract type has changed over time. However, the structure remained constant, and it includes two main parts: a) a fixed amount (payment) per farm for monitoring a water basin, b) a variable amount to reduce flood risk (and other risks like for example, erosion). The payment is incrementally based on the risk and the action taken to prevent it.
The investigated contract solution is the second one, which was redesigned in accordance with farmers involved and the University of Pisa. The second contract solution reduced drastically the fixed components (previously 6000€) due to the shortage in the budget to compensate direct interventions in case of urgent actions required. The main novelties were the requirement of a monthly report containing the results of monitoring and indicating the most problematic area. In addition, after a weather alert, the farmers could signal the threat to water bodies using a dedicated Web App (IDRAMAP).
Objectives
- Preservation of the good status of water bodies;
- Maintenance of agricultural and forestry activities with the preservation of existing hydraulic structures;
- Support execution of preventing investments to reduce pressure on water bodies;
- Supporting farmer’s viability;
- Improve the cost-effectiveness of water bodies management;
- Increase the capability to observe the territory and increase positive attitude towards non-productive investments.
Public Goods
Problem description
The mountain area of the Tuscany region is exposed to floods and landslides. This situation has worsened due to the effects of climate change and land abandonment. The Mountain community was in charge of monitoring and avoid water management risks over a territory of 115,000 ha, which includes 1,500 km of water bodies.
One of the three Authorities in charge to manage water risks in mountain areas (the formers Mountain community of Serchio Valley, now converted in Union of Municipalities of Serchio Valley (UMC) took the initiative to face:
a) institutional change, due to enlarging of the operated area due to acquisition and merging of the previous institution in charge of water basins management (RIbs) with devolution of competences to UMC;
b) needs to improve the efficiency in the management of water bodies, to avoid flood and other damages;
c) needs to reduce pressure on the environment by trying to keep farmers on the farm in the marginal area of the Apennine, while putting emphasize on ecosystem services provided by agricultural activities (reduction of soil erosion in the mountain by continuing grazing or correct forest management; maintenance of existing hydraulic structures in the forestry and agricultural areas).
