The documentation of AECM is often time-consuming for farmers and also prone to errors and administrations would also like it to be easier to administer. The NatApp is an online tool currently under development that is intended to facilitate both access to information, the documentation of the required management and the verification of conditions for nature protection measures.
It became clear that the NatApp can facilitate communication between farmers and the administration, but also between farmers themselves and with other actors, including for the use in collective contract structures. For a good communication between participating farmers and authorities a well-functioning interface between IACS and the application process as well as the creation of suitable interfaces to country administrations is crucial. There is a potential for automated controls via the use of the NatApp. The use of NatApp as a communication tool within collectives would make it possible to reduce the workload of the participants, especially at the beginning when collectives are formed. NatApp could also support the advisory process, e.g. through more concrete instructions on the implementation of measures. However, it should not replace advisory services. The integration of an identification app or the creation of connecting points for plant and animal identification would be very helpful for farmers. This is particularly relevant for result-based schemes. A link to a GIS tool could facilitate the planning of measures, while there must also be the option to use NatApp offline, e.g. when taking pictures. Furthermore, the NatApp could significantly reduce the workload for on-site checks thanks to a comprehensible documentation. The use for private-sector contract solutions is also conceivable. In this context, the question of data protection, but also licensing issues need to be clarified.
The event provided important input for the further development of NatApp and for the technical integration of new types of contract solutions with NatApp. This will help to use the potentials of NatApp for results-based and collective approaches, as well as for AECM including for contract-based nature conservation and also for private sector approaches.