ABSTRACT
In densely populated areas—and some rural ones—the search for suitable areas for compensation measures is becoming increasingly difficult due to limited availability and high maintenance costs. The willingness of farmers or other private landowners to provide additional land is very low, not least triggered by the increasing competition for land to grow corn for bioenergy.
In addition to the relevant environmental support programs, the ecosystem account, or “Eco Account,” in combination with the state Biotope Network Plan can be important instruments for developing biodiversity nationwide. In densely populated areas, characterised by a strong shortage of land, the Eco Account for biotope connectivity purposes can facilitate implementation of mitigation measures, particularly within a core biotope network area. The Riederwiesen project in the Esslingen area serves as an example here, where nature conservation was integrated with flood protection measures. Outside densely populated areas the situation is different. Although the availability of space is not limitless, the cost of implementing restoration measures has a strong influence on sustainability. This aspect plays an important role, especially in the urgent tree pruning and grassland measures needed in traditional orchards, which are highly valuable for biodiversity in Baden-Württemberg. An example is the Allmendingen, Swabian Alb initiative.
This aspect is particularly crucial for the urgent tree pruning and grassland management measures needed in traditional orchards, which are highly valuable for biodiversity in Baden-Württemberg.
