A review of policy frameworks supporting mountain grasslands in Europe

In the EU-28, grasslands are the third most dominant ecosystem (15.9% of the total surface) and they deliver numerous environmental and social beneficial outcomes and public goods. Mountain grasslands are particularly important as they make up more than half of Europe's High Nature Value farmland and are associated with a high diversity of species. Yet, in the past decades, multiple trends, such as land abandonment, intensification, afforestation and conversion to other land-use types, have led to the impoverishment and deterioration of mountain grasslands. Several studies state the importance of grassland preservation to maintain its associated benefits and to support rural livelihoods in mountain areas. Nevertheless, there is little understanding of policies and measures that contribute to achieving the conservation objectives of this habitat. This report analyses the existing policy frameworks and measures that support the preservation of mountain grasslands, with a focus on the European policy framework and the national frameworks from four European countries (France, Italy, Romania, Spain). Based on the conclusions from this research, we derive recommendations for the improvement of policy frameworks to support mountain grasslands and pastoral activities.