Summary
In the period 2014-2020, under the Austrian Agri-Environmental-Program ÖPUL, a sub- measure “Result-based Nature Conservation Plan (RNP)” has been integrated into the measure “Nature conservation”. In contrast to conventional ÖPUL measures, the RNP
defines environmental objectives to be reached as basis for 2nd Pillar payments, and not management measures. The approach allows farmers to make own decisions about management measures and implement them at their own discretion. The RNP represents a dual system of 1.) environmental area objectives, on the basis of which farmers primarily orientate their farming methods and 2.) control criteria, which are used primarily as a control instrument for the technical control service. Both types of environmental objectives are farm-individually developed by ecologists together with the farmers, and fixed in a farm-individual logbook, containing information on objectives, illustrations of species, maps of appearance, suggestions of management measures as well as a section for documentation of management measures and progress as regards the objectives.
Besides the documentation by the farmer, control of RNP control criteria is carried out by specially trained staff of the national control body (AMA).
Objectives
- Results-oriented implementation of the ÖPUL conservation measure;
- Definition of specific nature conservation area objectives (species and habitats) on the farm;
- Increase farmers’ understanding of the needs and conservation of valuable species and habitat types;
- Enabling decision-making autonomy and room for manoeuvre in the implementation of management measures;
- Raising awareness of the objectives of the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive and the Natura 2000 network, and knowledge expansion about the life requirements of the target species.
Public Goods
Problem description
“Classical” contractual nature conservation is predominantly designed to be action- oriented. Concrete management measures are defined on valuable areas by authorities in coordination with the farmers. The farmers are often not well informed about the protection objectives on the area and the expected results. This means that farmers do not necessarily understand why certain measures are taken and no process of learning can settle. In 2014 the first concept of the result-based nature conservation plan was developed and piloted. Here, the focus lies on the nature conservation objectives on the contractual areas. These objectives are developed together with the farmers. Management measures to reach objectives are not prescribed and can be determined by the farmers themselves. Besides reaching the environmental objectives, in this way the RNP intends to increase farmers’ flexibility, supports awareness building and the building of social capital.
