Coordinated Landscape-level Conservation on Agricultural Lands Fosters Improved Wildlife Habitat

Scientists from the University of Göttingen in Germany identified several key factors that facilitate successful agricultural-environmental collaboration at landscape level. Participating scientists noted that agri-environmental measures that are planned across farms at the landscape level offer greater potential for creating suitable habitats for different species as a mosaic in the landscape. However, successful landscape level approaches also require cooperation between farms and other stakeholders from local governments, politics, and nature conservation. The landscape-level approach is not only successful at biodiversity conservation, but it also strengthens social interaction in rural regions, study authors note. From their multi-year study with 41 farmers, the researchers identified three key factors for the long-term success of such landscape-level conservation initiatives: bridging structures, such as roundtables, are essential for the exchange of ideas; regional coordinators network those involved and provide support with agricultural expertise; and taking needs such as simplified administrative processes and financial incentives into account increases farmer motivation.