Nature conservation management on fen meadows

Summary of statements

In modern central European landscape, fen meadows are almost exclusively strongly influenced by traditional human use and this habitat type looses much of its biodiversity without appropriate land-use.

Different types of land-use (low-intensity grazing, yearly mowing, partial mowing...) are favouring different species. Management planning needs therefore detailed knowledge of the present species composition as well as consideration of historical land-use development.

Present situation of fen meadows in eastern Hungary shows a strongly fragmented distribution with a very large proportion of sites not being protected as NP, TK or TVT. For many species metapopulation structure seems to work (e.g. Maculinea telejus).

Future European Union practice will strongly support regional development. NGO's should make pressure to integrate specific nature conservation management into this philosophy.

Widely distributed and strongly fragmented habitat types and species underlying strong metapopulation dynamics with frequent local extinction and recolonisation are best protected by general agricultural politics supporting nature friendly management (Subsidy of controlled production instead of products).

Efficient nature conservation integrated in agricultural policy and regional development needs clear and scientifically based and monitored goals ( e.g. long-term maintenance of regional population at xy), fair and long-term compensation of the farmers, clear and realistic management instructions for the farmers and strong control of the farmers.

Avoid to disturb the confidence of the farmers by promising compensation before it really can be paid.

Purchase of land should concentrate on isolated or relict habitats or species of low mobility. Only purchase lands, if appropriate management can be guaranteed for long terms.