Abstract
Semi-natural habitats are key habitats for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. In Norway, the Action Plan for Hay Meadows (APHM) was implemented in 2009. The APHM intend to be an adaptive management tool and stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluating in order to adapt management. The success of APHM depends on the ecological effects of local management plans and engagement of land managers. The project aim to assess whether management plans address the best management strategies based on bo th ecological and social aspects, as well as scale. The project includes the work packages: WP1) Ecological effects of management at local scale Hay meadows are formed through centuries of land-use adapted to local conditions and based on traditional ecol ogical knowledge (TEK). Management plans often advice more homogenous practices. We will examine how the management plans deviate from traditional management and how these differences influence ecological processes. WP2) Landscape effects on biodiversity in hay meadows Species composition of a hay meadow depends on the surrounding landscape but management plans are usually implemented at field level. We will assess how the landscape can be included in management strategies for semi-natural hay meadows. WP 3) The social construction of traditional ecological knowledge Critical to the successful adaptation of the APHM is an understanding of the nature of TEK, its role in the wider knowledge culture and the cultural sustainability of the action plan measures. We will build knowledge on the role of TEK in hay meadow management, structural constraints and how these affect behaviour and cultural constraints. WP4) Developing adaptive management together with stakeholders In adaptive management, communication and active learning between scientists, managers and authorities is important. Through stakeholder groups and a session at the Bioforsk Conference, we will apply knowledge gained through the project to scheme design.
Norway