Project: BayWa r.e. approaches to increase wind farm biodiversity
Location: Across France
Cost: 50 000 EUR (for funding agro-eco measures)
Objectives: Supported local farmers with agroecological measures and highlighted the developer’s biodiversity considerations to authorisers.
Measures undertaken: Organised workshops with local farmers and the Agricultural Chamber to define and launch measures (including natural corridors, purchasing of equipment for soil conservation agriculture, and training). Established multi-year monitoring programmes for biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Results: Successful partnerships with over 10 different local stakeholders, including with chambers of agriculture, local NGOs, and hunting associations, plus 15 agricultural approaches launched across France.
Challenges:
- Maintaining sufficient levels of farmer involvement throughout the long-term project;
- Finding the right local technical partners to help develop the approach and promote it among local farmers; and
- Integrating the environmental and agricultural issues of the approach, as agricultural landowners sometimes view environmental actors as obstacles to their activities.
Success factors:
- Understanding the local farmers’ needs and being consistent in actioning the measures helped the project be supported and not just accepted;
- Involving and regularly communicating with relevant local stakeholders and farmers in all decision-making processes; and
- Ensuring long-term follow-ups using scientific methodologies and local structures.
Images copyright: BayWa r.e.
