Report from Workshop 20-21 October 2008, Konstanz:

The future of European semi-natural grasslands

In October 2008, 53 participants from 14 different European countries were assembled in Konstanz, Germany, to discuss the future of semi-natural grasslands. The over all aims of the workshop was to identify gaps of knowledge and to suggest new research projects necessary for the conservation of European semi-natural grasslands. What are the main obstacles for conservation? What needs to be done concerning research and sharing of knowledge within and between countries?

Participants' final reflections and "take home messages"

One clear need is a common definition of grasslands in Europe. We need to have a common understanding on what semi-natural grasslands are. What is a grassland, how is it managed, what does the vegetation consist of?

There is a clear link between cultural heritage and biodiversity. Semi-natural grasslands must be understood in a historical context, so that we can learn for future management. Countries in east Europe are extremely valuable for several reasons; both for being biological "hot spots" and for the opportunity to learn about traditional management practices that will enable better management practices.

It is very important to be able to influence the policies concerning grasslands. We need a mass influence in Brussels. No the least for the benefit of less favoured areas.

The group discussions at the workshop reached a barrier, consisting of policy limitations.

In order to save values in semi-natural grasslands we need to have the farmers and community perspective, and also include history and traditions. In the discussions it became clear that we often have the same problems in many different countries, and the farmers are central. How can we create valued products from semi-natural grasslands? Grass biomass energy production may be a potential product. There is a need for many different solutions because of the different conditions and possibilities farmers face, including the economic and social situation. Farm management must also be linked with biodiversity. Research need to be in a wider context, including the implementation practical aspects.

There is a diversity of approaches out in Europe . Maybe the solution is to go back to locally adapted systems? Given the large diversity, is there a general solution? How can we gain more impact from local initiatives? What is the right level to address, administrative and/or local?

We apparently have many problems in common. We also have a common vision, next we must go for finding the solutions. We do not start from scratch. Maybe there is no big lack of knowledge, but more a matter of communication. Communication is important both between and within disciplines. Exchange itself is valuable and exchange of experiences may be underestimated. There are good examples for communication from many areas. But we need to know more about what are functioning methods to communicate? Is there an internet forum for semi-natural grasslands? There are still big scientific gaps concerning practice and policy.

The workshop was well arranged and one important gain was the discussions and meeting all people. But what concrete will come out of it? Did we really identify the knowledge gaps? May be we should have focused more on questions.

Full report from the workshop >