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Project title

High Nature Value Farmland and Forestry Systems for Biodiversity

Primary Funding Agency

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)

Lead Applicant

James Moran

Project Abstract

The HNV_FarmForBio project will develop a (geo-spatial) methodology to identify, characterise and map the national extent of HNV farmland and forest areas (Tasks 1 & 2). For the first time, we will investigate an approach towards assessing the quality (in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem service provision) of HNV farmland and forests (Task 1 & 3), using national scale indicators of HNV quality. This approach will build on experiences and guidance from existing quality assessment of forest areas (i.e. National Forest Inventory). We will model incentives for the maintenance and enhancement of HNV farmland and forest areas, not only for biodiversity, but also for associated ecosystem services (including carbon storage and water quality) (Task 4). This approach will facilitate the development of an integrated policy framework incorporating a range of innovative agri-environment climate measures and areas of biodiversity enhancement for forests and farmland (Task 4). The HNV_FarmForBio project will provide a methodology that will contribute to the baseline indicator for HNVFF for Ireland, under the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The project will answer questions in relation to the management of our HNV farming and forest areas, including understanding the existing state and establishing systems for monitoring change.

Grant Approved

�125,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/11/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/10/2022