Actions

1 Database of existing tools and programs for private land conservation in Europe

Engaging private individuals and private corporate landowners

Assessing Private Landowners’ Opinions: Conservation Programs and Policies to expand the use of private land conservation methods and approaches in Europe.

With the support of the Life Programme of the European Union 14 discussion groups were organised among private landowners and land managers in 14 European Member States.
Discussions were organized February and March 2019, by the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO), in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Based on the outcomes of the 14 focus group discussion, the Life Programme of the European Union supported an online survey among landowners and managers all over Europe from 27 May 2019 until 29 June 2019.

The goal of the research was to identify ways for landowners to increase conservation practices on their lands, to investigate perceived challenges, to evaluate trust in key actors and existing policies, and to determine which incentives they need to engage in a conservation program.

A first overall summary was shared after closing the survey on the project website. All data results are now analysed and under final design to be shared on this website.

Engaging other conservation stakeholders

Engage with other conservation organisations and NGOs, governmental agencies, other EU projects and initiatives, EU Commission and Parliament to cooperate and share knowledge and experience. We specifically engage with the Life project ELCN, coordinated by Eurosite and NABU.

2 Identifying longer term policy opportunities

We evaluate existing tools for use in various landowner settings, compare these tools to various landowner’s circumstances and situations and evaluate the legal context for prospects for change.

3 Pilot testing of innovative tools

Share interesting examples and their lessons learned from which other private landowners can learn.

Five start cases have been selected in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and Sweden. Each case will be studied using a SWOT and PESTEL analysis. Doing so, we will be able to get a full insight on internal and external factors which could have an impact on a successful and durable implementation of a certain tool or instrument.

4 Recommendations to promote private land conservation

These recommendations will support the EU conservation agenda.