Life Wiesenvgel Nrw Tender

Duration 01-OCT-2020 to 31-DEC -2027Total budget 18941146.00 EU contribution 11364687.00 Project descriptionBackgroundThe loss of suitable habitats and low reproduction rates have caused populations of eight meadow bird species protected under the EU Birds Directive to decline in North Rhine-Westphalia NRW. As a result the curlew black-tailed godwit redshank snipe lapwing meadow pipit shoveler and garganey have inadequate conservation status. These eight bird species have nesting and staging sites resting and feeding places for migratory birds in lowland wet meadows. However intensive agriculture and an insufficient water regime have resulted in habitat loss and sites are increasingly fragmented. In addition predation by foxes invasive raccoons and wild boar has increased substantially while recreational visitors can also cause problems e.g. clutches being abandoned due to free-roaming dogs.North Rhine-Westphalia forms a connection in the chain of breeding sites between northwest Europe and inland central Europe and provides a coherent Natura 2000 network of core breeding and staging sites. It covers more than one-quarter of the German part of the Atlantic region and 2 of the whole Atlantic region.ObjectivesThe LIFE Wiesenvgel NRW project aims to stabilise andor increase populations of eight species of meadow bird improving their conservation status in the Atlantic region in North Rhine-Westphalia. Previous LIFE projects for lowland wet meadow birds in North Rhine-Westphalia have had a positive impact locally on breeding populations. LIFE Wiesenvgel NRW will further develop the core sites for these species with a strong impact on the overall population. The project will help secure strengthen and increase biodiversity in eight special protection areas SPAs characterised by meadows in line with the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020.LIFE Wiesenvgel NRWs specific objectives are To secure favourable habitats for the eight bird species in core areas of the target sites which comprise a total of some 15 000 ha resulting in sustainable reproduction rates. The project aims to achieve this through the following - Connection of meadow sites owned by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia local authorities or trustsfoundations - A meadow bird-friendly water regime with large flooded areas in winter and spring and lower water levels in summer allowing meadow bird-friendly agricultural use and near-natural groundwater levels - Meadow bird-friendlyagricultural use as either meadow with two mowings in the non-breeding season and pasture with low-density cattle during the breeding season or meadows sustained for mowing using insect-friendly machinery without the use of fertilisers and pesticides and stopping of agricultural work during the breeding season - A non-fragmented open landscape with few or no trees - Flower- and insect-rich meadows with high food supply for bird