BIOSCENE: Scenarios for reconciling biodiversity conservation with declining agricultural use in the mountains of Europe

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 01.0446

Key words (English)

Environmental Protection; Forecasting; Meteorology; Resources of the Sea; Fisheries

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: EVK2-CT-2002-00167

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4a.2 Global change, climate and biodiversity

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Eidg. Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft WSL

Landschaft und Gesellschaft

Abstract (English)

Europe's mountain biodiversity is central to Natura 2000 and the European Biodiversity Strategy. Decline in agricultural use in mountain areas has dramatic biodiversity consequences including threats to priority species and semi-natural habitats but also opportunities for reintroduction of large mammals and habitat restoration. The project objective is to develop and evaluate strategies for reconciling conservation of mountain biodiversity with declining agriculture. Options for conservation of priority species and habitats are configured into three conceptual policy scenarios; business as usual, managed decline and biodiversity enhancement. Biodiversity consequences are predicted using advanced ecological modelling. Scientific, economic and policy feasibility and public acceptability is evaluated through an innovative sustainability appraisal. Practical outputs are ensured through the participation of stakeholder panels.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 01.0446