In order to obtain an overview of the situation of grasslands in Germany, the Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS) currently works on a short study commissioned by the German Wildlife Foundation. The study is meant to promote the discourse on the importance of grasslands for species and nature conservation.
Based upon a systematization of grasslands, threats to grasslands’ environmental services are examined (i.e. ploughing, abandonment, intensification). The influence of the political and legal framework, such as aspects of the European Common Agricultural Policy (agrienvironmental programmes as well as cross compliance or greening requirements) and regulations in context with conservation and water protection laws, is considered.
To enable the German Wildlife Foundation to address policy and law makers with target-orientated demands, the results conclude in formulated needs for action from a conservation perspective.