SUMMARY

FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Action plan geographical scope

2. DEFINITION, DESCRIPTION AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION

2.1. Habitat definition and description

2.1.1 Priority habitat identification

2.1.2 Dynamic stages of succession

2.1.3 Differences across countries and regions. Interpretation problems

2.1.4 Conclusions and recommendations

2.2 Ecological requirements

2.2.1 Soil (including water and nutrients availability)

2.2.2 Topography

2.2.3 Climate

2.3 Related habitats

2.4 Related species

Mammals

2.5 Ecosystem services and benefits

2.6 Geographic distribution

2.6.1. Trend of surface area

2.6.2 Distribution of the habitat 6210 in Natura 2000

3. CONSERVATION STATUS, THREATS AND PRESSURES

3.1 Conservation status and trends

3.1.1 Conservation status at biogeographical region level

3.1.2 Conservation Status of the habitat at Member state level in each biogeographical region

3.1.3 Trend in conservation status of the habitat 6210

3.2 Conservation status of the habitat in Natura 2000 sites

3.3 Methodologies for conservation status assessment and monitoring

3.3.1 Reference sites for the habitat type in Favourable Conservation Status

3.3.2 Favourable Reference Values

3.3.4 Conclusions and recommendations

3.4 Threats and pressures

3.4.1 Main threats and pressures identified for the habitat

3.4.2 Identification of areas where action is urgent to combat high impacts

3.4.3 Procedures and methodologies to determine and assess the main threats and pressures to the habitat

3.4.4 Conclusions and recommendations

3.5 Climate change effects

3.5.1 Evidence of climate change effects on 6210 habitat

3.5.2 Habitat vulnerability to climate change and its adaptation capacity

3.5.3 Conclusions and recommendations

4. HABITAT CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

4.1 Background and context

4.2 Overall objective of this action plan

4.3 Setting objectives at biogeographical and country level

4.3.1 Targets and quantitative values for conservation objectives

4.4 Setting conservation objectives at site level

5. CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION MEASURES

5.1 Key management practices for maintenance of the habitat in good condition

5.1.1 Grazing

5.1.2 Mowing

5.1.3 Management for wildlife

5.1.4 Managing conflicts of interest

5.2 Grassland restoration

5.2.1 Managing scrub

5.2.2 Control of weed and invasive species

5.3 Grassland re-creation

5.3.1 Habitat management and monitoring after recreation

5.4 Planning for conservation management in a specific area

5.5 Criteria to prioritise measures and to identify priority areas for action

5.7 Main stakeholders to define and implement the measures

5.8 Challenges, difficulties and possible solutions

5.9 Conclusions and recommendations

6. KNOWLEDGE AND MONITORING

6.1 Habitat monitoring methods

6.2 Criteria to select monitoring sites/localities

6.3 Conclusions and recommendations

6.4 Monitoring effectiveness of the action plan and conservation measures

6.5 Review of the action plan

7. COSTS, FUNDING AND SUPPORTING TOOLS

7.1 Cost of conservation measures

7.1.1 Cost assessment

7.2 Potential sources of financing

7.2.1 Common Agricultural Policy funding

7.2.2 LIFE projects

7.2.3 European Regional Development Fund and other EU funds

7.2.4 Other approaches and support tools for grazing and shepherding

7.3 Main funding gaps and difficulties

7.4 Conclusions and recommendations

ANNEX

1. Habitat definition

1.1 Definition according to the Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats

1.2 Habitat definition according to the EUNIS

1.3 Habitat definition based on the European checklist of vegetation

2. Description of related habitats

3. Recent LIFE projects targeted to conservation of dry grasslands