Project number: 100264999
Project title: Support species diversity through sustainable management of grasslands
Programme: Program spolupráce Česká republika – Svobodný stát Sasko 2014 – 2020
Project coordinator: FES CZU
Project partners: Technische Universität Dresden
Výzkumný ústav rostlinné výroby,v.v.i.
Project leader: Ing. Lenka Pavlů, Ph.D.
Project schedule: 2016 – 2019
Total project budget of FES CZU: 191 571 EUR
Abstract:
Landscape units are not bound by administrative boundaries and they create independent spatial units. One of the main problem across the Czech - German border region is decline in species diversity within the protected areas. Hence it is very important to conduct a co-ordinate cross-border research and management of grassland habitats.
Species-rich grasslands are particularly valuable for preserving the gene pool, but also for recreation potential and the attractiveness of the landscape (tourism, aesthetic function). They play a vital role in reducing surface runoff and minimize accumulation of sediments from eroded arable land. Besides the ecosystem function, grasslands are important part of cultural landscape. It is necessary to determine the cause for the loss of plant species. The influencing factors are quite complex and requires detail investigation of past land use and management aspects as well as changing local conditions (direct impacts of human activity, nutrient enrichment, climate change, local water balance, etc.).
One of the project aims is to create an international multidisciplinary working group dealing with the ecology and management of grasslands. This working group will form the basis of long-term cooperation between experts from both countries. Cooperation and publicity measures will lead to the creation of cross-border networks among people and institutions during the project period. It is expected the established networks and cooperation between different institutions to continue beyond the project time.
Part of the project will adopt measures and coordinate processes, so that funds allocated for the protected areas will be used efficiently.