guidelines for revitalisation and sustainable management

GUIDELINES FOR REVITALISATION AND
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
(“Ready for use” version)
Project:
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE PASTURES IN
PROTECTED AREAS (“ALPA”)
Project number:
4300-764/2010
Project activity:
WP 1.3.
Guidelines for revitalization and sustainable management
The responsible
coordinator:
Cooperating
project partners:
Project manager:
Date and place:
Mateja Žvikart, M. Sc Biology
Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for nature conservation
Triglav national park (SLO)
Municipality of Zre e (SLO)
Office of the Carinthian Government Department 20- Spatial
planning (AT)
Biosphere national park Nockberge (AT)
Umweltbüro, Klagenfurt (AT)
Berchtolg land.plan (AT)
dr. Mirjam Dular
June 2013, Ljubljana
PREFACE
A seasonal grazing on alpine pastures is no longer a necessity, but it is a
reflection of millennium traditional method of farming in this part of Europe
and a rich knowledge of ancient classical technologies of manufacturing
various dairy products.
We are not aware of this facts only in Slovenia, therefore we have joined
forces with our austrian colleagues and have prepared a cross-border project
(SLO – AT) called ALPA, which deals with the sustainable use of alpine
pastures. The project has been confirmed in 2010, but the project activities
were initiated in early 2011. In the context of main ALPA project activities
three (3) Guidelines will be prepared. In addition to these Guidelines for
revitalization and sustainable management that are in front of you, the
Guidelines for sustainable use of water and energy in alpine pastures will also
be prepared. All three Guidelines together will constitute a comprehensive
overview of all key aspects of sustainable management on alpine pastures in
the future.
The primary purpose of the booklet, which is currently in your hands, was to:
give an overview of the current management of alpine pastures
find the similarities/differences between Slovenia and Austria regarding
the management
submit proposals for changes (at all levels)
collect in one place the recommendations and other useful tips for
sustainable management of alpine pastures
Guidelines for the revitalization and sustainable management are designed
as a guide for the widest circle of users – farmers, agricultural advisors,
preparers of management plans. However, since some of the proposed
changes/ amendments are a systemic ones, this document can also serve as
a professional background for the Ministry of agriculture and environment in
case it decides to introduce changes in the management of the alpine
pastures in the future.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INDEX OF TABLES
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1. INTRODUCTION
Alpine grazing was not the romantic idea of our ancestors, but the economic
necessity and the way of survival of many farms. Unfortunately, socioeconomic changes over the past few decades have led to the
abandonment of the practice of extensive grazing on alpine pastures. In most
of the alpine pastures, the number of livestock has declined. Consequently
nowadays we are confronted with two conflicting facts-on the one hand
there is a lot of alpine pastures which are already overgrown and on the
other, on those still active alpine pastures occasionally some difficulties with
too intensive grazing occur.
Above mentioned trends are also present on alpine pastures in Slovenia and
Austria. In order to prevent further loss of these pastures, we decided to
prepare the guidelines for revitalisation and sustainable management in
which we will primarily review the current management of alpine pastures,
identify the key problems and try to find common solutions. We hope that
»Guidelines for revitalisation and sustainable management of alpine pastures«
will serve as a useful tool to a wide range of users-farmers, agricultural
advisors, pastures communities ... from both sides of the border.
2. ALPINE PASTURES IN GENERAL
The tradition of alpine pastoral farming is long and rich in Slovenia as well as in
Austria. However, there are few differences between the countries, which will
be presented in this chapter.
Table 1: Alpine pastures in Slovenia and Austria
Slovenia
Austria
Carinthia
Number of alpine
pastures
234
1.926
Total area of alpine
pastures
7.580 ha
69.316 ha
Average size of
alpine pastures
Share (%) of alpine
pastures in relation to
the total area of
agricultural land
32,3 ha
36 ha
1,60%
8,06%
Styria
1.925
46.082 ha
24,9 ha
21,3%
Carinthia has also data of alpine pastures depending on altitude:
Table 2: Alpine pastures in Carinthia, depending on altitude.
Altitude
less than
1.300 m
1.300 -1.700m
more than
1.700m
Share of alpine
pastures
7%
59%
34%
The proportion of alpine pastures in Slovenia is significantly lower than in
Austria, although the average size is comparable. It should be noted that the
absolute number of alpine pastures in Slovenia is actually higher, because it’s
posssible that one grazing community can manage several alpine pastures.
Despite that in Austria alpine pastures are more tourists visited and developed
than those in Slovenia where they serve just for seasonal grazing (farming
activities). This fact is crucial in ensuring the sustainable management of the
alpine pastures because the developed tourist offer helps farmers in the
marketing of high-quality local products and increasing the economic
efficiency of their farms.
The share of alpine pastures in relation to the total area of agricultural land is
much higher in Austria (especially in Styria) than in Slovenia.
3. HISTORY OF ALPINE PASTURES
SLOVENIA
In Slovenia alpine grazing is present for centuries. The reason for its
development was the need for additional grazing land. The registration of
agrarian / pasture communities and the issues of ownership began after
World War I, but unfortunately many of these procedures have not been
completed, as previously World War II began. After Wold War II we had the
nationalization of the property which additionally extended the proceedings.
During this time we can see a noticeable decline in all segments of alpine
pastures. In 1994, the agrarian communities can finally settle their legal status,
but unfortunately not all of them. In 2004 Slovenia became a member of
European Union and the common agricultural policy allocated funds for
maintaining alpine grazing that’s why many alpine pastures experienced real
revival since then. In recent years the interest for alpine grazing is declining
mostly because of reducing the number of animals in the valleys and
unresolved problems with legal status of agrarian/pasture communities.
AUSTRIA
The history of alpine grazing in the Alps began much earlier than is often
assumed, ranging in time from about 6,000 years before Christ. At that time,
the first farming communities migrated from the Near East in the Alps and
displaced successively the originally resident hunters and gatherers. In this
epoch, the valleys were often hard to use and often permanently to flooding
or marshy, so the possibility of preferred grazing in the forest and was looking
at the alpine grassland landscapes. The lifetime of the "Iceman from
Hauslabjoch" (3500 BC) in the Alps-proven reasonably ruled much milder
climatic conditions, which allowed a permanent settlement of the higher
elevations. Especially in the Neolithic period around 2000 BC, the population
of the Alps through the lucrative salt and copper mining progressed. The
supply of miners in turn made the development of intensive livestock farming
necessary.
In Roman times, witnessed not only the Serviced continuous development,
but also the trade almtypischen products. Mainly alpine cheese experienced
over the available road network a remarkable upswing. The traces of the
Romanesque influence is, for example, today in the words "Senner" (= "senior"
- elder and chairman of the seasonal mountain) or "barracks" (= "Casura" pasture). The era after the end of the Roman occupation time of use to the
6th Century was characterized by a massive, largely peaceful-migration of
Alemanni, Bavarians and Slavs. This was followed by a drastic Klimaverschlech
aging, which led connected to the impacts of the migration to a massive
exodus and a decline in the pasture.
A significant recovery to an incredible flowering of alpine grazing the high
Middle Ages brought with it. In the wake of the medieval climate optimum,
the cultural landscape of Europe reached its greatest extent, the proportion
of the forest declined rapidly. The warm climate viticulture allowed even in
southern Scotland. In addition, the Alpine region was now already settled
more than 3 million people. By that time, the first community pastures created
with strict and well-defined rules to boost rights for cattle and sheep. The
establishment of new pastures, so-called forest meadows, through the forest
owner also testifies the high reputation of transhumance and must be held
until about 1550. From 1580 was followed by a significant deterioration in air
with remarkable glacier advances. After overcome the Serviced experienced
towards the end of the 18th Century, the most numerous use their high
pastures.
Then began, especially under the influence of the iron industry, a reversal: The
agricultural crop was up into the alpine regions detached from willow forest
limiting orders, and came to a Serviced always misslichere situation. Their
decline and the time-related threat to the livelihoods of mountain farmers'
standard of led eventually to the state just before the end of the 19th Century
to intervene accordingly. A State Commission has already determined in
1887: "The pasture is an important foundation of the national wealth and
national prosperity are therefore immediately provisions on protection,
maintenance and promotion of alpine grazing to adopt.." In the early 20th
Century were then issued the initial Almschutzgesetze to promote and
improve the Serviced to halt the rise and fall in the mountain pastures,
especially the sale of pastures for hunting, stop and take a planned
Almwirtschaftsförderung.
In the first half of the 20th Century was an intense use of the alpine pastures,
which was declining in the late 60'
s and into the 70'
s. The relatively low
profitability, coupled with high labor costs, the Serviced seemed imminent the
end, they did not fit at that progressive thinking. In those years, but already
the importance of non-agricultural Almnutzung detected. Through the
support of the difficult working conditions and management by the public
sector, this decline has been halted and in some cases there was an upward
trend. Today, the population has serviced a very high priority. The
Almbewirtschaftung is being jeopardized by the overall decline in livestock
and can therefore no longer in some areas will receive coverage.
3.1. CURRENT MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE PASTURES
Management of alpine pastures depends mainly on ownership structure,
socio-econimic interests and agricultural policy measures.
Legislation in Slovenia as well as in Austria, stipulates that management of the
alpine pastures in the joint ownership is possible only through pasture/agrarian
communities who must adopt the so-called grazing order. Grazing order is a
document that stipulates the rules of common pasture use: implementation of
grazing, distribution of work within pasture or agragian community and
implementation of other works. Reasonably we could say that grazing order is
actually a management plan for certain alpine pasture but currenty very
often does not contain nature conseravation measures.
In Slovenia 91% of alpine pastures are owened by several owners. 69% of
these pastures are managed by registrated pasture/agrarian communities,
remaining 31% are managed by pasture/agrarian communities without
formal legal status. These in practice interfere with normal operation of
agrarian communities (agrarian communities can not apply for subsidies).
In Austria, the situation regarding the ownership structure is completely
opposite from those in Slovenia. 80 % of alpine pastures in Carinthia are hold
by single ownership, which are located mainly in the East of Carinthia. 18 % of
alpine pastures are managed by agrarian communities (they are located
mainly in the West of Carinthia and they manage more than 50 % of the area
of alpine pastures). The rest are other forms of communities (servitutes f.e.).
Most of alpine pastures are managed by the farmers from their farms (in the
valley). But there are also alpine pastures which are taken care by shepherds
who live in alpine huts on the alpine pastures during grazing period.
Both countries have a similar problem of increasing the proportion of owners
who are not farmers. In these cases it is very difficult to ensure the proper
management because the new owners often don’t understand the
importance of preserving alpine pastures (inherited land is seen mainly as a
potential source of economic profit).
Anyway, the current management of alpine pastures is more efficient in
Austria because it is easier to achieve an agreement with few individual
owners than with a whole bunch of co-owners. In Austria also don’t have
problems with the legal status of the agrarian/pasture communities.
In both countries, the appropriate agricultural activities provides Law on
agriculture which requires farmers to use the agriculture land by the principles
of good agricultural and environmental conditions (prevention of too
intensive use, prevention of overgrowth, mainitaining the soil fertility,…). In
terms to maintain traditional seasonal grazing and the use of alpine pastures
in general, agri – environmental measures contributed a lot in a last few years.
With smaller content details are in the period 2007 - 2013 available for farmers
in Slovenia as well as in Austria. These measures will be presented more in
detail in the following chapters.
Regarding the system of co-financing – alpine pastures can currently obtain
payments for the direct payments, OMD and AE measures (if applied).
Moreover, it is also possible that alpine pastures obtain resources through
public calls from municipalities (for the development of agriculture) or
through other calls published by the Ministry of agriculture and the
environment. However, certain activities on alpine pastures can be cofinanced through a variety of projects as well (LEADER, LIFE, cross-border
cooperation, etc.)
3.2. CURRENT MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE PASTURES - LEGISLATIVE
REGULATIONS
In the management of the alpine pasture farmers/pasture communities are
committed to comply the following legislation (note: collected are only the
most important ones):
SLOVENIA
• Zakon o kmetijstvu (UL RS št. 54/00, 16/04, 45/04, 20/06, 51/06, 45/08)
• Zakon o kmetijskih zemljiš ih (UL RS št. 59/96, 67/02, 36/03, 55/03, 43/11,
71/11, 58/12)
• Zakon o ponovni vzpostavitvi agrarnih skupnosti (UL RS št. 5/94, 38/94,
69/95, 22/97, 56/99, 72/00, 87/11)
• Program razvoja podeželja Republike Slovenije za obdobje 2007-2013.
Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo, gozdarstvo in prehrano, Ljubljana 2007.
• Uredba o vrsti, obsegu in pogojih za opravljanje dopolnilnih dejavnosti
na kmetiji (UL RS, št. 61/05, 45/08)
• Pravilnik o registraciji dopolnilnih dejavnosti na kmetiji (UL RS, št. 79/05)
• Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah pravilnika o vsbeini vloge za
izdajo dovoljenja za opravljanje dopolnilne dejavnosti na kmetiji (UL RS,
št. 71/01, 88/01, 83/05, 45/08)
• Pravilnik o sanitarno-zdravstvenih pogojih za predelavo živil rastlinskega
izvora kot dopolnilno dejavnost na kmetiji (UL RS, št. 93/01, 45/08)
• Pravilnik o veterinarsko-sanitarnih pogojih za predelavo živil živalskega
izvora kot dopolnilno dejavnost na kmetiji UL RS, št. 86/03, 117/04,
126/04)
AUSTRIA
•
Schutz der Almen und Förderungen der Almwirtschaft, LGBl. Nr. 38/1923
idgF
•
Kärntner Wald- und Weidenutzungsrechte-Landesgesetz, LGBl. Nr. 15/2003
•
Kärntner Landwirtschaftsgesetz, LGBl. Nr. 6/1997 idgF
•
Kärntner Kulturflächenschutzgesetz, LGBl. Nr. 54/1997 idgF
•
Bundesgesetz über ein Verbot des Verbrennens biogener Materialien
ausserhalb von Anlagen (BGBL. Nr. 405/1993)
•
Kärntner Naturschutzgesetz 2002, Fassung 1.10.2009
•
Österreichisches Forstgesetzt 1975, i. d. F. BGBL. Nr. 59/2002
•
Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und
Wasserwirtschaft (2008): Sonderrichtlinie des Bundesministers für Land- und
Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft für das Österreichische
Programm zur Förderung einer umweltgerechten, extensiven und den
natürlichen Lebensraum schützenden Landwirtschaft. GZ BMLFUWLE.1.1.8/0008-II/8/2008 (Änderung von GZ BMLFUW-LE.1.1.8/0073-II/8/2007).
Wien, 86 S.
•
BMLFUW (2006): Richtlinien für die Sachgerechte Düngung - 6. Auflage. 79
S.
•
Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republick Österreich (2006): WRG 1959 idF BGBl. I
Nr. 123/2006
•
Richtlinie des Rates (1991) zum Schutz der Gewässer vor Verunreinigung
durch Nitrat aus landwirtschaftlichen Quellen (91/676/EWG)
•
1 – Gewerberecht bei Nebentätigkeiten
activities
•
2 – Lebensmittelrecht
Food Law
•
3 – Naturschutzrecht
Conservation law
Commercial law in ancillary
3.3. MOST COMMON GRAZING ANIMALS ON ALPINE PASTURES
Data on the number and type of grazing animals show some differences
between the countries. In Slovenia the structure of grazing animals is more
balanced than in Carinthia where the share of cattle is more than 70% or in
Styria where this share is even higher 83% .
Table 3: Number and type of grazing animals on alpine pastures.
Slovenia
%
Total number
of animals
Cows and
calves
Sheeps and
goats
Dairy cows
Horses
17.305
Carinthia
Austria
%
72.187
8.525
49
7.797
828
155
45
5
1
52.172
16.839
1.708
1.468
Styria
%
58.401
72
48.253
83
23
3
2
7.874
1.342
932
13
2
2
The approach about eligible agriculture areas between Slovenia and Austria
is different. Slovenia has decided to determine the eligible areas according to
LPIS provisions, while in Austria a share of non-agricultural land in the plot is
determined. A few years ago the European Commission'
s audit revealed
certain anomalies of the austrian model, since it was in most cases the actual
eligible area less than the specified one. Therefore we can not directly
compare the data on stocking density, because it is very likely that the real
stocking density in Austria is higher as calculated.
3.4. AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES, CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
FOR ALPINE PASTURES
The European agricultural policy measures are crucial not only for the
preservation of the competitiveness of the slovenian and austrian agriculture
but also to ensure sustainable use of alpine pastures. Since we are talking
about measures which are a part of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) it is
clear that these measures are very similar and available for farmers in
Slovenia as well as in Austria. Currently these measures below are available
for alpine pastures:
SLOVENIA
• Alpine grazing (preservation of traditional land use of alpine pastures)
• Alpine grazing with shepherd
• Mowing of steep areas (this measure cannot be combined with
measure Alpine grazing)
AUSTRIA
• Alpine grazing (preservation of traditional land use of alpine pastures)
• Activity of shepherds
• Mowing of steep areas (this measure cannot be combined with
measure Alpine grazing)
Agri-environmental (AE) measures have a very important role in maintaining
the activities on alpine pastures because they are effective mechanism for
preventing the overgrowth in these pastures and a way of maintaining
traditional land use. Due to the above facts AE measures for alpine pastures
must be available also in the next financial perspective 2014-2020.
3.5. OTHER MEASURES, CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR ALPINE
PASTURES
In addition to the direct payments, OMD and AE measures there are no other
measures in Slovenia for alpine pastures. Unlike Austria (Carinthia), which has
developed two highly effective systemic measures called “Revitalization of
alpine pastures” and “Construction of alpine huts, water management,
fences”. The experiences with these two measures are very positive and
since slovenian alpine pastures have similar problems as the austrian ones it
should be considered to introduce these measures also in Slovenia. A more
detailed description of the measure for the revitalisation of the alpine pastures
can be found in Chapter 5.1.
3.6. ECONOMICAL, ECOLOGICAL, RECREATIONAL, PROTECTIVE
AND SOCIO-CULTURAL FUNCTIONS OF ALPINE PASTURES
The role of the alpine pastures is not only in the seasonal grazing, but perform
many other functions. Here are listed only the most common ones.
Economical function:
• Additional grazing area for the farm
• Additional income from milk and meat production by special marketing
programs
• Less work for the farmer at home farm during summer time
• High subsidies to cover the cost of animals for the time when they are
on alpine pastures
• Additional (high) income by selling milk and milk products
Ecological function:
• Maintenance of alpine pastures contributes to high biodiversity
• Preservation of cultural landscape and biodiversity
• Protection of rare species and habitats
Protective function:
• Active and adapted alpine pasturing helps to reduce risk of
avalanches and erosion
• Maintaining the functionality of agricultural land at higher altitudes
Socio-cultural functions:
•
•
•
•
Alpine pastures are used for recovering (e.g. hikers, …)
Many farmers are emotionally related to their alpine pastures
Preserving the traditions and knowledge
Important and interesting tourist offer
4. ALPINE PASTURES WITHIN NATURA 2000 AND
PROTECTED AREAS (PARKS)
Natura 2000 is a network of sites with habitats of european threatened
(qualifiying) species and habitat types and many of them also occur on
alpine pastures. Each Member State shall ensure the preservation of
favourable conservation status for all Natura species and habitat types. The
way how these objectives will be achieved is not exactly prescribed because
this is in the domain of each Member State. To ensure the favourable
conservation status Member States may acquire the european money (e.g.,
the European agricultural fund, LIFE Programme, etc.)
In this chapter we will try to find common Natura 2000 habitat types and
species that occur on alpine pastures on both sides of the border and
determine what are the key ecological requirements which will form the basis
for further management planning of these areas.
Table 4: Natura 2000 in Slovenia and Austria.
Slovenia
Number of
Natura 2000
sites
Total area of
Natura 2000
sites
Number of
Natura 2000
sites with
apline
pastures
Total area of
alpine
pastures
within Natura
2000 sites
286
Austria
Carinthia
Styria
32
41
7.203 km²
548 km²
2.314 km²
27
52,7 ha (69,5% of all
pastures)
data not
available
15
350 km² (22%
of all
pastures)
70 132 ha
Table 5: Protected areas in Slovenia and Austria.
Slovenia
Number of
protected
areas
Total area of
protected
areas
Number of
protected
areas with
alpine
pastures
Total area of
alpine
pastures
within
protected
areas
Austria
Carinthia
Styria
12 (parks)
39
1.964 km²
102,8 km²
3
data not
available
20,35 km² (27% of all
pastures)
data not
available
data not
available
data not
available
Data show that Slovenia has the highest share of Natura 2000 so it’s logical
that almost 70% of alpine pastures are within Natura 2000 sites. On the other
hand in Austria this percentage of alpine pastures within Natura 2000 is quite
lower (around 20%).
A comparison between the countries for the protected areas is not possible
due to lack of data.
4.1. LIST OF NATURA 2000 SPECIES AND HABITAT TYPES THAT
OCCUR ON ALPINE PASTURES
Table 6: List of Natura 2000 species and habitat types that occur on alpine
pastures in both countries.
Species
Aegolius funereus
Alectoris graeca saxatilis
Aquila chrysaetos
Aquilegia bertolonii
Austropotamobius
torrentium*
Barbastella barbastellus
Bombina variegata
Slovenia
yes
yes
yes
yes
Carinthia
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Styria
yes
Bonasa bonasia
Botrychium simplex
Bubo bubo
Buprestis splendens
Buxbaumia viridis
Colias myrmidone
Callimorpha
quadripunctaria
Caprimulgus europaeus
Charadrius morinellus
Columba oenas
Campanula zoysii)
Carabus variolosus
Circaetus gallicus
Circus aeruginosus
Circus cyaneus
Circus pygargus
Cordulegaster heros
Cottus gobio
Crex crex
Cypripedium calceolus
Dendrocopos leucotos
Dicranium viride
Dryocopus martius
Erebia calcaria
Eryngium alpinum
Eudontomyzon spp.
Euphydryas aurinia
Euphydryas maturna
Falco peregrinus
Ficedula albicollis
Ficedula parva
Gladiolus palustris
Glaucidium passerinum
Gypaetus barbatus
Gyps fulvus
Lagopus mutus
helveticus
Lanius collurio
Lucanus cervus
Lutra lutra
Lynx lynx
Milvus migrans
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Milvus milvus
Moeringhia villosa
Monticola saxatilis
Morimus funereus
Myotis myotis
Osmoderma eremita
Pandion haliaetus
Pernis apivorus
Picoides tridactylus
Picus canus
Rhinolophus hipposideros
Riccia breidleri
Rosalia alpina
Salmo marmoratus
Saxicola rubetra
Tetrao tetrix tetrix
Tetrao urogallus
Triturus carnifex
Ursus arctos
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Note: Species in red are present in both countries.
Table 7: Habitat types that occur on alpine pastures in both countries.
Code
Habitat type
Slovenia
3140
Hard oligo-mesotrophic
waters with benthic
vegatation of Chara spp.
yes
3220
Alpine rivers and the
herbaceous vegetation
along their banks
yes
3230
Alpine rivers and their
ligneous vegetation with
Myriacaria germanica
yes
3240
4060
Alpine rivers and their
ligneous vegetation with
Salix elaeagnos
Alpine and boreal heaths
Carinthia
yes
Styria
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
4070*
Bushes with Pinus mugo and
Rhododendron hirsutum
(Mugo-Rhododendretum
hirsuti)
yes
6110*
Rupicolous calcareous or
basophilic grasslands of the
Alysso-Sedion albi
yes
6150
Siliceous alpine and boreal
grasslands
6170
Alpine and subalpine
calcareous grasslands
yes
6210(*)
Semi netural dry grasslands
and scrubland facies on
calcareous substrates
(Festuco_Brometalia)
(*important orchid sites)
yes
6230*
6430
Species-rich Nardus
grasslands, on siliceus
substrates in mountain areas
(and submountain areas, in
Continental Europe)
Hydrophilous tall herb fringe
communities of plains and
of the montane to alpine
levels
6510
6520
7110*
Lowland hay meadows
(Alopecurus pratensis,
Sanguisorba officinalis)
Mountain hay meadows
Active raised bogs
7220*
Petrifying springs with tufa
formation
7140
7230
Transition mires and quaking
bogs
Alkaline fens
7240*
Alpine pioneer formations of
the Caricion davallianae
8110
Siliceous scree of the
montane to snow levels
(Androsacetalia alpinae
and Galeopsietalia ladani)
8120
Calcareous and calcschist
screes of the montane to
alpine levels (Thlaspietea
rotundifolii)
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
8130
8210
Medio-European calcareous
scree of hill and montane
levels
Calcareous rocky slopes
with chasmophytic
vegetation
8220
Siliceous roky slopes with
chasmophitic vegetation
8160*
yes
Western Mediterranean and
thermophilous scree
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
9110
Siliceous rock with pioneer
vegetation of the SedoSchlerantion or of the Sedo
albi-Veronicion dillenii
Limestone pavements
Caves not open to the
public
Luzulo_Fagetum beech
forests
yes
9150
Medio-European limestone
beech forests of the
Cephalanthero-Fagion
yes
9170
Galio-Carpinetum oakhornbeam forests
9180
Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes,
screes and ravines
9410
Acidophilous Picea forests of
the montane to alpine levels
(Vaccinio-Piceetea)
8230
8240*
8310
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Alpine Larix decidua and/or
Pinus cembra forests
yes
91E0*
(Sub)Mediterranean pine
forests with endemic black
pines
Alluvial forests with Alnus
glutinosa and Fraxinus
excelsior (Alno-Padion,
Alnion incanae, Salicion
albae)
yes
yes
91K0
Illyrian Fagus sylvatica forests
(Aremonio_Fagion)
yes
91R0
Dinaric dolomite Scots pine
forests (Genisto januensisPinetum)
yes
9420
9530*
yes
yes
Note: Habitat types in red are present in both countries.
As we can see, the list of species and habitat types is quite long and shows
that 30% of Natura 2000 species and 50% of Natura 2000 habitat types are
common – they occur on all pilot areas. From the perspective of agriculture
land and nature conservation of alpine pastures the most important
species/habitat types are related to the grasslands.
The review of the scientific basis for the Natura 2000 qualification habitat
types had shown that in both countries are facing with the problem of
unappropriate agricultural use, which is tied primarily to inadequate grazing
(stocking density is too high) and the aspirations for a greater productivity of
alpine grasslands (higher intensity of fertilisation). Additionally Austria is facing
with another big problem on how to properly install the infrastructure on the
alpine pastures.
4.2. ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT STATUS OF SPECIES AND HABITAT
TYPES ON ALPINE PASTURES WITHIN NATURA 2000 AND
PROTECTED AREAS
Here are the data collected from the last reporting to the European
Commission after a Bird and Habitat Directive.
SLOVENIA
AUSTRIA
Habitat Directive
Habitat Directive
Figure 1: Conservation status of species under Habitat Directive
SLOVENIA
AUSTRIA
Figure 2: Conservation status of habitat types under Habitat Directive.
SLOVENIA
Birds Directive
AUSTRIA
Birds Directive
Figure 3: Conservation status of bird species under Bird Directive.
Legend:
FV – Favorable, U1 – Unfavorable – inadequate, U2 – Unfavorable – bad, XX – Unknown
The percentage of species and habitat types with favorable conservation
status is much higher in Slovenia then in Austria. This is most likely due to the
fact that in Slovenia alpine pastures are used purely and only for seasonal
grazing in a very extensive way without other activities (tourism,
complementary farm activities,…).
5. KEY PROBLEMS WITH MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE
PASTURES
Past experiences and knowledge of the alpine pastures show that both
countries have similar problems with unapropriate management of alpine
pastures. Below are presented most pressing problems that occur on alpine
pastures.
For Slovenia the following problems were exposed:
-
Reduce the need for grazing - owergrowing with shrubs/young trees/…
Setting the pasture fences
Unresolved legal status of agrarian/pasture communities
Mass tourism
Uncontrolled dog walking
Conflicts
becouse
of
different
interests
(agriculture-tourism-nature
conservation)
Owergrowing with Rumex alpinus
Different interests between those who farm/do not farm
Excessive and uncontrolled harvesting of herbs
Driving in natural environment (quads)
Often inefficient use of subsidy money
Poorly managed grazing regime (congested areas)
Bad dynamic of transition between overgrown areas to agricultural areas
For Austria the following problems were exposed:
-
-
Reduce the need for grazing - owergrowing with shrubs/young trees/…
Owergrowing with bracken.
Change of alpine pastures due to changes in grazing animals.
Alpine pasturing without shepherds.
Unresolved problems with landowners and grazing rights.
Problems with agriculture subsidies (pastures in closed forests are not eligible).
In Slovenia, one of the biggest problem is that many agrarian/pasture
communities still don’t have a legal status which complicates the
management of alpine pastures and makes it impossible to obtain european
funds. With a slightly different problem associated with legal status also
faceing in Austria too where they have problems with the succession of
grazing rights. Problems that are common in both countries are related with
unappropriate grazing regime. Experiencea show that on many alpine
pastures there are certain parts that are overgrowing and other parts where
the grazing is too intensive (presence of Rumex alpinus).
6. PAST EXPERIENCES IN SOLVING PROBLEMS AND GOOD
PRACTICE EXAMPLES
Despite the difficulties that appear on the alpine pasture, however, we also
have quite a few examples of good practices.
Table 9: List of good practice examples in both countries.
Slovenia
Austria
Program for revitalisation of alpine
pastures (Almrevitalisierungsprogramm
Voluntary nature conservation actions Kärnten)
Projects and linking between different
sectors
Certificate for the alpine pastures
Implementation of grazing on land
that is not owned by agricultural
Nature conservation plan
communities
(Naturschutzplan) for alpine pastures
Use of subsidies despite the unresolved Overgrowth removal (Kosmatica,
status of agrarian communities
Stangalm, Sacklalm, Friesenhalsalm)
The possibility of liability insurance
Renovation and maintenance of
diaries on alpine pastures
Reintroduction of milk production in
alpine pastures
Comprehensive revitalisation of alpine
pasture Govna , Krošnja in za
Migovcem
From the list of good practice examples we can see the key difference
between the countries. While in Slovenia the problems are mainly solved by
project approach and good communication while Austria has already
developed some sufficient systemic measures. Good practice examples
written in bold will be presented more in detail.
7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLES OF GOOD
PRACTICE
VOLUNTARY NATURE CONSERVATION ACTIONS (Slovenia, Pohorje)
Pohorje is a mountain range, which lies in the North-Eastern Slovenia and is
mostly covered with coniferus forest. In the past, the higher parts were used
for grazing but in recent years many of these pastures are being abandoned
and owergrowened with woody vegatation. In 1995 Forestry service of
Slovenia (regional unit Slovenj Gradec) prepared a strategy for vegetation
removal in Pohorje.
Till 2002 they cleaned about 140 ha. In 2010 the Institute of the Republic of
Slovenia for nature conservation actively support these efforts. Since then
every year in the framework of different projects activities (NATREG, WETMAN,
ALPA) at least two voluntary cleaning actions are organized.
Participants come from a variety of organizations - foresters, conservationists,
hunters, various associations, local people ... with average attendance of 40
people. For the participants is organized one warm meal, funded by the
project activities or from so-called Fund for Pohorje. Participant’s reactions are
always very positive and in pleasant atphosphere at the end usually falls the
ideas for the following voluntary actions. Through these voluntary actions we
are able to clean approximately 2ha per year.
Figure 7: Voluntary nature conservation action on Pohorje.
COMPREHENSIVE REVITALISATION OF GOVNA , KROŠNJA AND ZA MIGOVCEM
(Slovenija, alpine pastures within Triglav national park)
The mountain Govna , Krošnja and za Migovcem are mountains on the
southern part of the high plateau of Komna. These mountains have been
abonded over 30 years. In 2008 a farmer from Bohinjska Bistrica village began
with the revival.
The entire grazing area encompasses over 600 ha. It extends on the altitude
of around 1500 m. These alpine pastures don’t have road access becouse
the access is possible only by foot (on average three hours walk).
Farmer was faced with many challenges such as overgrowing, inadequate
water supply, poor accessability and a lack of necessary facilities
(stable/shelter for animals, cottage for shepherd). Farmer’s first task was to
establish a drinking water supply. He also had many problems with overgrown
removal because in some parts owergrown was recorded as a forest.
Becouse of these fact he cleaned just wood vegatation on agriculture land
and in 2012 grazing season he can brought 50 cows.
But one key problem remain – the inability to stay (accommodation) on the
alpine pastures.
Nevertheless this is a good practice example because farmer was able to
revive the alpine pastures despite very limited own financial resources and
rich knowledge.
Figure 8: Water coverage in the alpine pasture Govna .
RENOVATION AND MAINTAINANCE OF DIARIES ON ALPINE PASTURES (Slovenia, V Lazu
alpine pasture)
In this case, we present a successful model of a cheese farm. Few years ago
a farm who also use alpine pasture V Lazu decided to build there a cheese
diary becouse the alpine pasture is very well visited by turists. In this way, the
farm is achieving better final price for the milk and milk products. This farm
provides visibility and getting a wider group of key customers not only during
summer time. In addition to a cheese diary a farm has also developed the
tourist offer (accommodation) in the valley.
Undoubtedly this is the value-added farm management model. Due to low
milk prices, (moving below 0.3 euro/litre) directly marketing of milk and milk
products is more than appropriate, especially for small and medium-sized
farmers.
NATURE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR ALPINE PASTURES (Austria, systemic solution for all
alpine pasture)
The nature conservation plan is a cumulative concept for the entire farm,
where ecologic experts are available for the selection of the contractual
areas. The participation with at least 3 areas and the participation at a
minimum of 2 education events are obligatory during the contractual period.
During the process, areas which are important for nature conservation will be
mapped and documented and objectives and obligations will be agreed on.
The development of a nature conservation plan for the entire farm is carried
out together with the farmer and will take at average about 2 days.
During the development of the nature conservation plan the farmer is made
aware of the specific value of “his” landscape in a compact and
understandable way.
PROGRAM FOR REVITALIZATION OF ALPINE PASTURES (Austria, systemic solution for all
alpine pasture)
In recent decades many alpine pastures were overgrown with woody
vegetation because farmers are inceasingly abandoning seasonal grazing. In
order to stop this trend in Carinthia, a specific Program for revitalization of
alpine pastures (Almrevitalisierungsprogramm Kärnten) was prepared. The
main goal of this Program is to help and guide farmers who are interested for
revitalization of alpine pastures how to perform certain activities.
CERTIFICATE FOR
THE ALPINE PASTURES (Austria, alpine pastures within certain
national parks)
Certificate for the alpine pasture is a voluntary agreement between
owners/users of alpine pastures and the protected areas (parks). The
certificate is a guaratee that the alpine pastures have a sustainable
management which is also consistant with the objectives of the protected
area.
8. LIST OF CURRENT REQUIREMENTS FOR REVITALISATION
AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT ON ALPINE
PASTURES
In the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 there are also
agri-environmental measures for the promotion of alpine grazing with the
following requirements.
Table 10: Current requirements from Rural Development Programmes 2007 –
2013.
Slovenia
RDP 2007-2013
If alpine pasture is owned by several
owners, grazing order must be made
The application of fertilizers is allowed
only for those in organic production
The application of plant protection
products is allowed only for those in
organic production
Austria
RDP 2007-2013
Minimal length of grazing time must be
60 days with max. stocking density 2,23
LU/ha
The use of chemical fertilizers is forbidden
The use of dung which isn'
t produced on
alpine pasture is forbidden
The traditional use of alpine pasture by Natural base of pastures must be
grazing is required
enough for animals
On alpine pastures with shepherds, the
Stocking density must be 0,5-1,9 LU/ha shepherd must be constantly present.
On alpine pastures with shepherds, the
shepherd must be constantly present.
After the end of the grazing season,
grazing residues must be cleaned
Grazing orders/Other
documents/Programs
Removal of weeds and wood
vegetation must be provided to
Cutting of trees and dwarf shrubs is
preserve grazing areas
required
Infested areas near barns and manure
facilities should be mowed no later
than flowering
Mapping activities
Agri-environmental (AE) measures are voluntary and due to the nature of
voluntary often aren’t sufficient for sustainable management of alpine
pastures.
In Slovenia, many alpine pastures have shared ownership, so these pastures
are managed through grazing orders. But unfortunately majority of them
don’t include nature conservation contents. Therefore it is necessary in the
future to pay special attention to supplement grazing orders.
9. PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE
PASTURES
In order to ensure sustainable management of alpine pastures, we propose
the following amendments:
ON THE SYSTEM LEVEL
-
-
-
-
Legal status of the agrarian/pasture communities must be solve
(agrarian/pasture communities should be able to legally formalize the
registration).
Legal status of the grazing orders must be solve (grazing orders must
become more compulsory and controlled).
Already existing grazing orders must be supplemented with nature
conservation requirements.
Agri – environmental (AE) measures for the alpine pastures must be also
available in new Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.
New RDP should also include measures for the revitalization and the
preparation of management plans for alpine pastures.
Measures to encourage the breeding of indigenous breeds that are
better suited for grazing on alpine pasture should continue also in the
future.
It is necessary to provide measures for better identification and the
marketing of the products/services from alpine pastures (certification
schemes).
It is necessary to provide more efficient measures to prevent
overgrowing of alpine pastures.
It is necessary to provide more efficient inspection controls on alpine
pastures (driving with quads, down hill biking, ...).
ON THE GRAZING ORDERS
-
-
-
The competent nature conservation service must also be included in
the preparation of grazing orders.
The cooperation of all departments, preparing grazing orders must to
strengthen (agriculture advisory service, nature conservation service,
administrative units,…).
The agricultural advisory service must be accompanied by the
management of alpine pastures and, if necessary, modify the
requirements in grazing orders on on annual basis.
In grazing orders the necessary measures/requirements must be written
in a way that they can be implemented and financed through the agri-
-
environmental measures (grazing orders are a professional basis for the
implementation of measures of Rural development Programme 20142020).
Determination of nature conservation requirements in the context of
grazing orders cannot be uniform (same for all) but must be based on
species/habitat types present on the certain alpine pasture.
ON THE AGRI – ENVIROMNMENTAL MEASURES
-
-
Currently there are many problems with the calculation of stocking
density because it is calculated for the whole farm instead of the
concrete surface of the grassland(s). Because acceptable/appropriate
stocking density depends on many factors (altitude, depth and quality
of the soil, grassland productivity, etc.) it would be better if stocking
density will be determine within grazing orders and not general as a
part of the agri – environmental (AE) requirements (although it must be
controlled through AE controls).
Alpine pastures must be managed through traditional/seasonal grazing
with animals, which are locally-specific.
Grazing must be guided and supervised (prevention of local
congestion).
After the grazing season pasture residues must be cleaned (to prevent
the spreading the weeds on meadows).
After revitalization of alpine pastures surface should be seeded with
locally-specific species.
The use of plant protection products and fertilizers are allowed but only
those which are permitted in organic farming.
In case of removal of wooden alpine vegetation on pasture is
necessary to use equipment that suits local conditions.
10. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF
ALPINE PASTURES
10.1. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN TYPE OF AGRICULTURAL USE
When planning the management of alpine pastures please take into account
the following nature conservation recommendations:
GRAZING
-
-
-
-
-
Grazing should be carried out at appropriate stocking density
(depending on the habitat types and local features – check the
requirements for specific habitat type below in this chapter).
Stocking density should be calculated only on the actual grazing areas.
Grazing should be carried out only with the typical/traditional grazing
animals.
Grazing must be guided and supervised (prevention of local
congestion).
Signs of overgrazing (bare patches of the soil for example) may not
appear on alpine pastures (except in places where the animals feed
and stay over night).
It is desirable to have “Grazing diary” which contain at least information
about (1) the period of grazing, (2) the number of animals and (3) the
extent of grazing pasture areas.
In order to prevent the occurrence of Rumex alpinus, the animals may
not stay over night always at the same place.
At a steep pastures, grazing must be carried out in a manner that does
not increase the soil erosion.
On moors and other heavily moist grasslands grazing is prohibited due
to the hypersensitivity of the soil.
Supplementary feeding is not permitted (to prevend nutrient
enrichment).
In the implementation of grazing we should take care also to protect
aquatic resources and aquatic habitat types (prevent the introduction
of fertilizers).
After the grazing season pasture residues must be cleaned (to prevent
the spreading the weeds on meadows).
After the grazing season it is desirable to clean shrub vegetation on the
pasture along the forest edge (to preserve grazing areas).
FERTILIZATION AND PLANT PROTECTION
-
The use of plant protection products is allowed but only those which are
permitted in organic farming.
The use of fertilizers is allowed but only those which are permitted in
organic farming.
On low altitude grasslands very low levels of manure is acceptable.
The use of plant protection products is prohibited.
The use of mineral fertilizers is prohibited.
Preferably use of manure, otherwise low fertilization (less than 30kg
N/ha/year).
REVITALIZATION
-
-
-
-
In areas where endangered bird species occur, removal of woody
vegetation may not be carried out between 1. March and 1. August. In
case of removal of wooden alpine vegetation on pasture is necessary
to use equipment that suits local conditions.
When revitalizing alpine pastures we don’t remove all vegetation, but
leave few individual trees and shrubs, which will serve for as a shade
during summer heat or for food for many animals in autumn-winter time.
Mechanical removal of woody vegetation may be necessary,
particularly for initial restoration. Should repeat every 3-5 years and be
carried out in small, irregular plots to increase structural diversity.
Overgrown areas should be cleaned but the relief of the land should
maintain.
Turf stripping may be used during restoration (relevant for habitat types
in the acidic soils).
After revitalization of alpine pastures surface should be seeded with
locally-specific species.
REMOVAL OF ALPINE DOCK (RUMEX ALPINUM)
Within the project activities different ways of disposing of Rumex alpinum
were examined. The table below summarizes the key recommendations.
Table 11: Methods of removal of alpine dock (Rumex alpinum).
METHODS OF
REMOVAL
SUITABLE
FOR
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION
The roots of Rumex alpinum must be cut off at a depth of 10-20 cm.
EXCAVATION
small
surfaces
Parts of Rumex alpinum must be removed immediately and the cleaned surface
must be grassed as soon as possible. The excavation is easier if the surface is
plowed earlier.
Tool: hack; estimated time: 15-30 min / 1m2
The foil must be thick enough that it does not tear.
The recommended area of disposal up to 15x15 m2.
FOIL
small
surfaces
It is necessary to fix the foil against potential opening by wind and/or animals. It is
the best if the edges are covered with the thick layer of the soil.
This method is not suitable for areas where problems with rainwater occur,
because this can lead to erosion on low-lying areas.
The surface should be covered with the foil at least 1 year. After that we remove
the foil and sow the grass as soon as possible.
MOWING
DISPOSAL WITH
THE PIGS
large and
small
surfaces
large and
small
surfaces
In the case of large scale of mowing, it is necessary to remove parts of Rumex
alpinum and sow the grass immediately.
Mowing should be carried out every 4 weeks at least 5 years.
It is important to start with mowing eary in the spring when seeds are mot mature
yet.
The fence must be minimum size 15mx15m. It is necessary to transfer it every 4
weeks..
It is recommended a triple railing on the heights of 20, 50 and 80 cm. Thickness of
the tape must be at least 2 cm.
It is necessary to ensure daily fresh water and additional food for pigs.
It is recommended at least two pigs/fence 15mx15m.
After the pigs are removed in another area, the parts of Rumex alpinum must be
grabed and the cleaned area should be seeded with grass immediately.
The establishment of controlled grazing regime with the fences at least 15mx15m,
which should maintain at least 3-5 years.
DISPOSAL WITH
THE CATTLE
large
surfaces
Every day the cattle graze within one (the same) fence for at least 3 hours. After 4
weeks, cattle should be removed in another fence.The parts of Rumex alpinum
must be grabed and the cleaned area should be seeded with grass as soon as
possible.
Before grazing a bit of salt should be added (as a supplement).
OTHER USE OF MEADOWS
-
Burning is possible but it should be carefully planned and used only
when necessary.
Cutting should be used if grazing don’t encourage a varied vegetation
structure.
-
Combination of grazing and mowing is recommendend (relevant only
for alpine pastures in combination with lower adjacent pastures).
It is necessary to control scrub growth.
Removal of shrubs may be necessary, but due to their ecological value
some shrubs should be maintained.
10% of the grasslands should be left unmown.
Liming of grasslands is not allowed (relevant only for habitat types
which are sensitive to the ph).
Control of invasive species is necessary.
OTHER
-
-
-
It is necessary to maintain small standing water elements. These
elements can not be overwhelmed or used for without proper
permission.
Tourist infrastructure (paths, staging areas, parking areas,… ) should be
planned outside of the most important and sensitive parts of the alpine
pastures.
For the purposes of the tourist infrastructure locally-specific materials
should be used.
Traditional methods of production and processing should maintain.
10.2. REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING FAVORABLE
CONSERVATION STATUS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES AND
HABITAT TYPES
Here are given guidelines for the sustainable use of Natura 2000 habitat types,
which are directly related to agricultural and can be maintained with a
modified agricultural activities. These guidelines should be used in the
preparation/supplementation of grazing orders.
Alpine and boreal heaths (4060)
Grazing
Cutting/mowing
Other
-
Must be extensive
-
By hand or mechanical
-
Burning is possible but it
-
Carefully planned and
should be carefull
monitored
planned and used only
when necessary
Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands (6150)
Grazing
-
Cutting/mowing
Other
Intensity must be very
-grazing is more suitable than
-some grasslands are best left
low
cutting (cutting should be used
alone
Cattle and ponies may
if grazing don’t encourage a
be used (goats should
varied vegetation structure)
be avoided)
- the use of fertilizer is not
permitted/requested
Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands (6170)
Grazing
-
Cutting/mowing
Moderate to low
- scrub species also have
intensity (eg 0.4
ecological value so they should
LU/ha/year)
be a part of a grasslands
Other
Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas
(6230)
Grazing
-
Intensity between 0.3-
Cutting/mowing
-
Combination of grazing
1.0 LU/ha/year)
and mowing is
Maintain seasonal
recommendend
grazing
-
Cuttings should be left
Other
on the ground if there is
a lack of nutrients in the
soil
-
The use of fertilization is
not recommended
-
On low altitude
grasslands very low
levels of manure is
acceptable
-
It is necessary to control
scrub growth
Mountain hay meadows (6520)
Grazing
-
Cutting/mowing
Traditional livestock
-
Mostly one cut per year
preferable
-
Alternation of grazing
Preferably sheep in
spring and cattle in
Other
-
Control of invasive
species is necessary
and mowing is possible
-
30%* of the grasslands
should be left unmown
autmn
(*this can be a problem
for farmers because of
cross compliance
regulations so 10%
would be better)
-
Preferably use of
manure, otherwise low
fertilization (less than
30kg N/ha/year)
Transition mires and quaking bogs (7140)
Any agriculture use (grazing and mowing) is deprecated.
Limestone pavement (8240)
Grazing
-
Intensity must be very
Cutting/mowing
-
Maintain coppice and
Other
-
Control of invasive
low
woodland
management
species
11. PRACTICAL AND USEFUL TIPS FOR…
This chapter is intended for all those who are involved in the management of
alpine pastures. We hope that so- called control questions and additional
explanations will be helpful in planning management of alpine pastures.
AGRARIAN/PASTURE COMMUNITIES
-
Does your community has a grazing order?
If no, you have to prepare it because it is compulsory. Go to the local
administrative unit where you will get a specimen. Then arrange the meeting
of all community members and agree on common rights and duties. For
agriculture and nature conservation requirements you have to contact your
local agriculture advisory and nature conservation service. When the grazing
order is complete, you have to submit it to the administrative unit for a formal
confirmation/approval. Grazing order is valid for one year so you have to
renew it annually.
-
Does your community sales products for human consumption on alpine
pastures (sour milk, cheese, etc.)?
If yes, you have to check the legislation (you will find a list of key legislastion in
chapter 2.4) if you have all the necessary documentation for this kind of
activities. You can ask for a help also your local agriculture advisory service.
-
Does your community want to revitalize alpine pastures?
If yes, you have to check (on the administrative units, agriculture advisory
services) if you need a formal permission to do that. Some larger interventions
are in fact agromeliorations for which it is necessary to obtain permission.
-
Does your community want to apply for subsidies, AE measures?
If yes you have to ensure that before subsidy campaign (from March to May
each year) allyour plots are kept up to date on the current situation in LPIS
system. You can do this on the administrative unit. After that you can apply for
subsidies and AE measures at local agriculture advisory service.
-
Does your community have a problem with legal status?
If yes you can connect with the Association of agrarian communities in
Slovenia
http://agrarne.si/zdruzenje-predstavnikov-agrarnih-skupnostislovenije/ which, together with the competent ministries seeks to solve this
problem.
-
Does your community respect all requirements of cross-compliance,
good agricultural conditions and the AE measures (if applied)?
yes
no
Each recipient of money from the european agriculture fund is committed to
respect the requirements which are controlled by the adminsitrative level
(records) as well as on-the-spot. In case of infringement recipient must return a
certain share of money.
INDIVIDUAL FARMERS
-
Do you want to revitalize alpine pastures?
If yes, you have to check (on the administrative units, agriculture advisory
services) if you need a formal permission to do that. Some larger interventions
are in fact agromeliorations for which it is necessary to obtain permission.
-
Do you want to apply for subsidies, AE measures?
If yes you have to ensure that before subsidy campaign (from March to May
each year) all your plots are kept up to date on the current situation in LPIS
system. You can do this on the administrative unit. After that you can apply for
subsidies and AE measures at local agriculture advisory service.
-
Do you respect all requirements of cross-compliance, good agricultural
yes
no
conditions and the AE measures (if applied)?
Each recipient of the european agriculture fund is committed to respect the
requirements which are controlled by the adminsitrative level (records) as well
as on-the-spot. In case of infringement recipient must return a certain share of
money.
AGRICULTURE ADVISORY SERVICE
-
Did you visit the certain alpine pasture at least 1 x/year and can
honestly say that you know the current management well?
yes
no
If no, please notice that it is crucial to have a good overview on the
management of alpine pastures because only so you can provide sustainable
management and favorable conservation status of endangered
species/habitat types (potential problems can be detected right on time and
the respond can be very quickly).
-
Were the agriculture requirements in grazing orders completed in
no
relation to the current situation on the Alpine pastures? yes
If no, you have to complete them as soon as possible (see the explanation
above).
-
Were the nature conservation requirements included in grazing orders?
yes
no
If no you have to contact local nature conservation service. If alpine pasture is
located within Natura 2000 or protected areas, grazing orders must be
supplemented with nature conservation requirements.
12. INSTITUTIONS, RESPONSIBLE FOR ALPINE PASTURES
SLOVENIA
Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo in okolje
Dunajska 22
1000 Ljubjana
http://www.mko.gov.si/
Telefon: (01) 478 90 00
Fax: (01) 478 90 21
Responsible for: agriculture policy, grazing orders, alpine pasture register
Kmetijsko gozdarska zbornica Slovenije (in obmo ni Zavodi KGZS)
Celovška 135
1000 Ljubljana
http://www.kgzs.si/
Telefon: 01 51 36 600
Fax: 01 51 36 650
Responsible for: agricultural advisory service, grazing orders
Zavod RS za varstvo narave
Toba na ulica 5
1000 Ljubljana
http://www.zrsvn.si/sl/
Telefon: 01/230 95 00
Fax: 01/230 95 40
Responisble for: nature conservation guidelines for alpine pastures
AUSTRIA
Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA)
Dresdner Strasse 70
1200 Wien
http://www.ama.at/
Responisble for: controling and payments of agricultural policy measures
KÄRNTEN
Kärntner Landesregierung
Arnulfplatz 1
9020 Klagenfurt
http://www.ktn.gv.at/27987_DE
Responsible for: planning and implementing of agricultural policy (measures)
Landwirtschaftskammer Kärnten
Museumgasse 5
9020 Klagenfurt
http://ktn.lko.at/
Responsible for: Agricultural consulting and training
Amt der Kärntner Landesregierung Abteilung 10
Mießtalerstraße 1
9020 Klagenfurt
http://www.ktn.gv.at/180505_DE-Amt_der_Kaerntner_Landesregierung_-Abteilung_10
Responsible for: agricultural consulting, training and preparation of
management plans for alpine pastures
Kärntner Almwirtschaftsverein
Hochrainweg 10
9710 Weißenstein
http://www.almwirtschaft-ktn.at/almwirtschaft-ktn.at/Home.html
Responsible for: Agricultural consulting and training
Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Kärnten
Schloss Krastowitz
9020 Klagenfurt
http://ktn.lko.at/?id=2500%2C1061263%2C%2C
Responsible for: training
Amt der Kärntner Landesregierung, Abteilung 8
Mießtalerstraße 1
9020 Klagenfurt
http://www.ktn.gv.at/143508_DE-Amt_der_Kaerntner_Landesregierung_-Abteilung_8
Responsible for: training and preparation of management plans for alpine
pastures
STYRIA
Steiermärkische Landesregierung
Hofgasse 15
8010 Graz
http://www.politik.steiermark.at/cms/ziel/2315/DE/
Responsible fo: planning and implementing agricultural policy (measures)
Landwirtschaftskammer Steiermark
Hamerlinggasse 3
8010 Graz
http://stmk.lko.at/
Responsible for: Agricultural extension and research
Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung, Abteilung 10
Krottendorfer Straße 94
8052 Graz-Wetzelsdorf
http://www.verwaltung.steiermark.at/cms/ziel/74838178/DE
Respobsible for: Agricultural consulting, training and preparation of
management plans for alpine pastures
Steirischer Almwirtschaftsverein
Nikolaus-Dumba-Straße 4
8940 Liezen
http://www.lfi.at/?+Online-Kurssuche+&id=2500%2C1123125%2C%2C
Responsible for: Agricultural extension and research
Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Steiermark
Hamerlinggasse 3
8010 Graz
http://www.steiermark.at/cms/beitrag/403942/398343/
Responsible for: training
Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung, Abteilung 13
Stempfergasse 7
8010 Graz
http://www.verwaltung.steiermark.at/cms/ziel/74834965/DE
Responsible for: training and preparation of management plans for the alpine
pastures
13. LITERATURE
Aigner, S. et all, 2002: Almen Bewirtschaften. Pflege und Manangement
von Almweiden. Leopold Stocker Verlag. Graz – Stuttgart, 126 S.
Aigner, S. et all, 2006: ALM Austria. Programm zur Zicherung und
Entwicklung der alpinen Kulturlandschaft. Auswirkungen von Natura 2000
auf Almen. Umwelburo, Klagenfurt.
Aigner S. & G. Egger 2007: Der Naturschutzplan auf der Alm, ein best
practice guide. Publikation des Amtes der Salzburger Landesregierung,
Klagenfurt, S. 119
Aigner, S., Egger, G., Ressi, W. (2010): Almpflegemassnahmen und ihre
Wirkung. Bericht im Auftrag vom Landesumweltanwalt Tirol. Klagenfurt, S.
52
Calaciura B & Spinelli O., 2008: Management of Natura 2000 habitats. 6210
Semi-natural dry grasslans and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates
(Festuco-Brometalia)(*important orchid sites). European Commission.
IEEP, 2011: Development of guidance document on management of
farmland in Natura 2000 areas. Draft report.
Egger, G., Angermann, K., Aigner, S., Buchgraber, K. & Bergler, F. (2003):
GIS-gestütztes Almbewertungsmodell - Modellierung von Ertrag und
Futterqualität als Grundlage für die Produktivitätsbewertung von
Weideflächen im Almbereich und Waldweiden. Projektbericht. Klagenfurt
(Forschungsinitiative Natur & Umwelt), 135 S.
Galvanek D. & Janak M.,2008: management of Natura 2000 habitats. 6230
*Species-rich Nardus grasslands. European Commission.
Garcia-Gonzalez R., 2008: Management of Natura 2000 habitats. 6170
Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands. European Commission.
Slameršek, A., 2012: Pašni redi kot bodo e orodje za trajnostno upravljanje
planinskih pašnikov v obmo jih Natura 2000. ZRSVN, Ljubljana.
Zaghi D., 2008: Management of Natura 2000 habitats. 4060 Alpine and
Boreal heaths. European Commission.
APPENDIX 1
List of data that were used in Chapter 2.
Amt der Kärntner Landesregierung: LANDWIRTSCHAFTSBERICHT 2010
Bericht über die Lage der Kärntner Land- und Forstwirtschaft im Jahre 2010
gemäß §§ 17 und 18 Kärntner Landwirtschaftsgesetz – K-LWG 1996, LGBl Nr.
6/1997 i.d.g.F
Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft
(2011): Grüner Bericht 2011 - Bericht über die Situation der österreichischen
Land- und Forstwirtschaft. Wien, (Bundesministerium für Land- und
Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft), 336 S.
Grüner Bericht 2012. Bericht über die Situation der österreichischen Land- und
ForstwirtschaftBundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und
Wasserwirtschaft, Abteilung II 5. http://www.gruenerbericht.at
Milchwirtschaft auf Österreichs Almen. Entwicklungen und wirtschaftliche
Perspektiven. 2012. Hrsg.: Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft,
Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Sektion III Landwirtschaft und Ernährung,
Abteilung III/6, Stubenring 12, 1010 Wien
Digital: Milchwirtschaft auf Österreichs Almen 2012.pdf
Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo in okolje (2012): Podatki iz zbirnih vlog za ukrepe
kmetijske politike za leto 2012.
Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo in okolje (2012): Podatki o planinah v Sloveniji.
APPENDIX 2
List of data that were used in Chapter 3.
Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo in okolje (2012): Podatki iz zbirnih vlog za ukrepe
kmetijske politike za leto 2012.
Obmo ja Natura 2000 v Sloveniji.
Zavarovana obmo ja v Sloveniji.
Ressi, W., Glatz, S., Egger, G., Bogner, D., (2006): ALP Austria – Programm zur
Sicherung und Entwicklung der alpine Kulturlandschaft (Programm und Plan
zur Entwicklung der Almwirtschaft) S 262.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Naturschutzgebiete_in_K%C3%A4rnten
Natura-2000-Gebiete in den Bundesländern, März 2010
http://www.umweltbundesamt.at/umweltsituation/naturschutz/sg/n2000/
See on Annex 3
https://www.dafne.at/prod/dafne_plus_common/attachment_download/73
9e13cfc221f44704cc1d6a18963bca/GlatzEggerAigner_Natura2000_Grossarl.p
df
Naturschutzrechtlich geschützte Gebiete in Österreich. Umweltbundesamt
2011; Ämter der Landesregierungen Österreichs, Nationalparkverwaltungen
http://www.umweltbundesamt.at/umweltsituation/naturschutz/sg/
See on Annex 2
Landwirtschaftlich genutzte Fläche in Natura 2000 Gebieten 2009
Quelle: Daten der Bundesländer, Stand Mai 2010, BMLFUW