LAND: Integrating scientific and traditional knowledge in adaptive management of semi-natural hay meadows.

This project aims to assess whether management plans implemented through the Action Plan for Hay Meadows (APHM) address the best management strategies based on both ecological and social aspects. Possibilities of adaptive management and use of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are key issues. The project has developed knowledge about 1) local ecological consequences of predefined mowing dates; 2) the influence of the landscape context on vascular plant species richness, especially the richness of semi-natural grassland species; 3) the social and cultural context, including TEK, present and future. The results of this project have enabled development of recommendations to be implemented in the Action Plan for Hay Meadows in Norway. The study took place in the regional county of Møre og Romsdal, Norway, but has been supplemented by results based on studies in other regions in Norway as well as Romania. The analyses are based on data obtained through botanical surveys, interviews, and stakeholder meetings. The results indicate that the Action Plan for Hay Meadows in Norway has been a success, both in its aim to maintain biodiversity but also in the positive response from those (farmers and other users) that are performing the management, as well as the local communities. However, there are potential to improve the action plan through adaptive measures. Further, concern for the socio-economic and cultural sustainability of the communities that are to carry out this management have to be incorporated in the future development of the action plan. Phenology of semi-natural grassland plants varies between species and between years. This mean that a predefined cutting date is not an optimal management recommendation. Some TEK species, i.e. species previously used to define when to start mowing, did show some correlations with semi-natural grassland plants. The landscape context matters. Road verges, arable land and other grasslands less intensively managed can be important stepping stone areas for semi-natural grassland species. The ENGKALL project found evidence that the area of such habitats in the landscape within one to two km from semi-natural grasslands was important for the species richness within the grassland (the hay meadow). The project also found evidence for a positive correlation between pollinators and a heterogeneous mowing regime, i.e. that different hay meadows (or substitute habitats such as the stepping stone areas referred to above) are cut at different dates within a growing season, in the cultural landscapes. The Action Plan for Hay Meadow in Norway has secured proper management of hay meadows of high biological value. Local stakeholders found preservation of the hay meadows and open landscapes in general important. Without the management plan, a large part of the meadows would have had inappropriate management, such as applying fertilizers, the use of grass movers and earlier cutting dates. Some would not have been managed at all. However, a main finding and worry is the uncertainty concerning the long term management of the meadows, as the main part of the owners and users are in their late 60s. Only a small number of the properties have high chances of successors to manage the meadows. This reflect the general structural development within agriculture, and in particular for more marginal and remote areas, where a large part of valuable species, habitats and landscapes are found. Based on the results from the project we define the following recommendations: 1) Do vary the cutting from year to year; 2) Within the growing season leave some parts of the meadow to be cut later; 3) Include a landscape perspective when defining conservation measures; 4) Assess possibilities to reintroduce spring and / or autumn grazing 5) Assess possibilities for alternative organisation of the hay meadow management, and whether it could become a part of rural business activities or NGOs 6) Increased payments may be necessary if these ecosystem services are to be ensured on a long term perspective 7) Technology: Improve/increase schemes for investments in machinery adapted to steep and stony terrain 8) Assess possibilities for marketing of hay, business development and re-connect landscape and function. 9) Apply an integrated approach to see how the Action plan for hay meadows can interact with other landscape policies and measures. Many counties are already doing this in their practical work, however, there is a need to see how Norway?s overall policies and measures directed towards cultural landscapes, biological diversity and environmentally friendly farming practices, in which agricultural and rural change are taken into consideration in order to achieve sustainable and future oriented management and results.

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.