Description

Basic species and biotope protection legislation with associated regulations oblige the citizens, businesses and, in particular, the farming and forestry sectors of a country to protect and conserve that country’s species diversity and biodiversity. The greatest possible biodiversity not only stabilises the ecosystems used by humans but also provides the genetic diversity needed for breeding cash crops and livestock. Technical implementation on the farm is monitored regularly by state or private monitoring institutions.

National legislation is harmonised to a significant degree with international agreements on protecting biodiversity (e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity).

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Clear and coherent political strategy and targets for policy-makers and public authorities
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Clear responsibilities in public authorities
• Country-wide monitoring of natural resources and their quality (e. g. water, soil, forests, air, grassland)
• Good knowledge of good agricultural practices
• Participation of all stakeholders involved, e. g. science / research, agricultural advisory services, civil society, public and private sector (incl. farmers and their interest groups)
• Sanction mechanisms
• Monitoring and control system for the agricultural production processes supported
• Regular neutral inspections on farms and in agri-food enterprises

Possible Negative Effects

• Environmental laws that are too strict extend beyond the economic and technical opportunities open to farmers, thus hindering the development of farming
• Relocations