Conservation and restoration of biodiversity in Europe’s semi-natural grassland

The study identifies five general challenges to effective management of semi-natural grasslands:

• Financial struggles – Extensive grazing is less profitable than intensive farming, leading to land abandonment.
• Land-Use conflicts – Competing demands for agricultural production and conservation create trade-offs.
• Policy mismatches – Conservation policies often conflict with farming incentives.
• Climate change – Shifting conditions not only cause ecological degradation, but also present socio-economic challenges for grazing.
• Rural decline – Aging populations and depopulation threaten farming knowledge and infrastructure.

Pathways for sustainable management

To address these challenges, professionals in agriculture, conservation, and policy need to consider the following approaches:

• Holistic management – Support farmers with better incentives and reduced bureaucracy.
• Ecosystem perspective – Recognize grasslands as key to climate resilience, rather than marginal lands.
• Policy and community action – Align conservation efforts with agricultural practices and strengthen local engagement.

The study concludes that for professionals in agriculture, conservation, and policy, the message is clear: collaborative, landscape-scale solutions that balance economic viability with ecological needs are essential for preserving these valuable ecosystems.