LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS

The project is expected to halt the decline and improve the population trend of 10 rare steppe bird species in southern Slovakia. Project aims to return the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) as a breeder to Slovakia and to foster the return of European Roller (Coracias garullus) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Other target species include Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Garganey (Spatula querquedula), Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris), Scops Owl (Otus scops) and Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosseta); 9 SPAs are targeted.

Most of the target species have presently a declining population trend – at EU level and especially in the project area. The aim of the project is to reverse these negative trends and to stabilise and increase the populations of the target steppe bird species on the northern border of the Pannonian bioregion. Besides the target bird species, we expect positive impacts on other species and habitats of EU importance: *Osmoderma eremita, Apium repens, Marsilea quadrifolia and salt marsh and grassland habitats (e.g. *1340, *6120, 6210, *6260). The project actions will lead to an increase in abundance and biodiversity of pollinators in the farmland areas targeted by 15%. 

The project will restore 700 ha of grassland habitats, of this 140 ha by returfing of arable land. Sustainable management by extensive grazing or mowing will be developed. 1600 nest-boxes will be installed for the Roller and Red-footed Falcon. 200 ha of land will be purchased, 90 ha long-term leased. 30ha of wetlands will be restored, which will improve the water retention by 30,000 m3 every spring. This, together with planting of 1000 trees and returfing of land will increase carbon sequestration by 169.7 tC/year.

Communication and awareness raising activities will reach over 520,155 people including wide public but also the key stakeholders. Active participation and cooperation with local farmers, communities and volunteers (600) will be involved. The project will mobilise funds from CAP 2023-2027 by fostering the effective use of eco-schemes and establishing 10 km of biodiversity corridors (perrenial flowering bands, lines of trees and shrubs). A robust monitoring programme will be used to evaluate the impact of eco-schemes on biodiversity, with particular focus on pollinators. The monitoring results, together with feedback from cooperating farmers, will be used for designing nature-friendly CAP schemes for the period 2028-2035. A strong communication, replication and policies package is included to support their advocacy. Moreover, the project aims to pave the way for the restoration of 1500 ha of wetlands in SPA Medzibodrožie, catalysing the effective use of funds from the RENEW EUROPE plan for Slovakia.