Funding priority

Promoting regional development compatible with nature conservation: Implementation of land use and management approaches

Location

Osterfeiner Moor, Vechta administrative district

Period

12/1996 – 12/2001 (main project), with funding for measures to 2006

04/1998 – 12/2001 (accompanying research, Phase 1)

04/2005 – 02/2006 (accompanying research, Phase 2)

Brief description

The idea behind this project is to wed the conservation aim of protecting meadow birds to environmentally sensitive agriculture as a means of achieving it. It tests the long-term attainment of conservation objectives through environmentally sensitive land management promoting sustainable development in previously heavily farmed fenland. Conservation efforts at Osterfeiner Moor focus on protecting meadow birds and are directed at shaping abiotic and biotic site factors so that meadow breeders can successfully reproduce. In parallel, the project aims to conserve abiotic resources, with primary emphasis on the soil. A site management plan is also to be drawn up and implemented; the plan must take both environmental and economic aspects into account as the only way of ensuring the long-term affordability of a management regime that is compatible with protecting nature and soil quality. The plan must meet best practice standards and must secure provision of selected specific environmental services.

Entity responsible for the project

Vechta administrative district

Liaison at BfN

Diethard Lassen  FG II 3.1

Project funding agencies

BfN and the State of Lower Saxony

Grant amount

€2,757,000