The challenge of monitoring environmental priorities: the example of HNV Farmland

Zélie Peppiette

122nd EAAE Seminar, Ancona17-18th February 2011

Policy context

• Increasing emphasis on environmental impact

• Development of EU AEIs since 1998

• 2003 UNECE Biodiversity resolution

• Current EU rural development policy

• EU2020

What is HNV farmland?Type 1: Semi-natural vegetation

What is HNV farmland?Type 2: Low intensity mosaic

• Great Bustard (Otis tarda)

What is HNV farmland?Type 3: Species specific

Summary of approaches: method

• IRENA/EEA 3• Land cover 13• Designation 12• Species data/habitat 10• Sampling 1• Systems 7• IACS 5• Management schemes 4

Summary of approaches: outcome

• Type 1 only 4

• Type 2 only 1

• Type 3 only 1

• Types 1 & 2 5

• Types 1 & 3 6

• Types 1,2 & 3 7

Issues and challenges 1

• Farming systems data• Specific features (hedgerows, ponds etc) • Abandoned land/HNV confusion• Assessment of quality/condition• Sampling vs full coverage• Territorial level (parcel, commune, grid)

Issues and challenges 2

• Links to IACS/LPIS• Proxy/derived indicators• Data variation• Mutual trust• Resource constraints• Targeting vs monitoring

Where do we go now?

• RD policy post-2013 likely to be closely aligned to overall EU objectives, including biodiversity, climate change etc

• More and better environmental monitoring

• One concept, many methods

The paradox

• What is needed depends on the intended use

BUT……

• Potential use is dependent on what can be provided