Management of Natura 2000 habitats: Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp
| Title | Management of Natura 2000 habitats: Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp |
|---|---|
| Short description of the practice | Guidelines for conservation and management of Mediterranean juniper scrub habitats (Natura 2000 type 5210). |
| Keywords | Juniperus, Natura 2000, Mediterranean scrub, Habitat management, Grazing, Fire prevention |
| Organisation in charge of the good practice | European Commission, DG Environment (prepared by Comunità Ambiente, Italy, with partners) |
| Implementation level of the practice | Level: European / Regional
Country: Mediterranean EU countries (Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus) Region: Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean regions |
| Website | https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/habitats?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
| Detailed information on the practice | Arborescent Juniperus matorral is a Mediterranean scrub habitat threatened by overgrazing, succession, fire, erosion, and land-use change. The EU technical guidance (2008) proposes management tailored to primary vs secondary matorrals, including controlled grazing, scrub cutting, fire prevention, and monitoring. Funding opportunities: EU LIFE+, ERDF, EAFRD. Stakeholders : European Commission, national agencies, Natura 2000 site managers, farmers, shepherds, local communities. |
| Timeframe | Guidance published in 2008, ongoing relevance for Natura 2000 management. |
| Approximate cost | Costs vary by site and intervention; supported through EU funds (LIFE+, EAFRD, ERDF). |
| Results achieved | Practical recommendations adopted in multiple Natura 2000 sites, supporting sustainable grazing, fire risk reduction, and long-term conservation. |
| Potential for learning or transfer | High transfer potential across Mediterranean scrub habitats. Success factors: adaptation to local conditions, stakeholder involvement, sustainable funding. Constraints : high manual clearance costs, local acceptance, and land-use/tourism pressures. |
| Additional material | |
| Contact person | Name: Barbara Calaciura & Oliviero Spinelli Affiliation: Comunità Ambiente, Italy (authors of report for European Commission) |
