1. Ktisis Cyprus University of Technology

To promote and enable the long term conservation of high nature value farmlands in Cyprus

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Primary Data

Project title
To promote and enable the long term conservation of high nature value farmlands in Cyprus
Code
AGROLIFE
Project Coordinator
Start date
02-06-2014
Expected Completion
01-06-2017
 

Description

Abstract
The growing recognition that the conservation of biodiversity in Europe depends on the continuation of low-intensity farming systems resulted in the concept of high nature value farming (HNVF). In the Mediterranean in particular, HNVF includes some of the most traditional agricultural crops such as cork oaks, olives, carob and vineyards. In Cyprus, carob groves and vineyards are among the crops that are inextricably linked with the economic and cultural character of the island. At the same time these crop systems, when farmed at low-intensity, support species of fauna and flora that are important at the national or European level, while providing a number of other ecosystem services. Despite their importance, these HNVF types on the island are now threatened by intensification, abandonment and lack of awareness about their role.