The projectis implemented by EUCC in cooperation with EAF partner NGOs and scientific experts from C&EE. The implementation took place during the period  January 2009-May 2010. The project was funded by the SMOM Programme (Subsidieregeling Maatshappelijke Organisaties en Milieu) of the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.

The start of this EUCC project has been stimulated by the current lack of recognition and not enough knowledge on the role of biodiversity conservation in Europe for saving carbon sinks. When working under the umbrella of EECONET Action Fund (EAF, www.eeconet.org), the project explores opportunities to link carbon sequestration to biodiversity conservation. The focus is on wetlands and grasslands, as these ecosystems are given the highest priority in the objectives of EAF to contribute to stop biodiversity decline in Europe. The project results demonstrate that  EAF  supported actions on strategic land purchase and restoration measures for biodiversity conservation contribute for saving carbon sinks. The most important impact of EAF projects is that protection and restoration of small areas can ensure avoidance of degradation and sustainable management of much larger areas. The case studies conducted at Tarkhankut Peninsula (Ukraine) and River Mesta (Bulgaria) for linking of biodiversity with carbon sequestration objectives, can be further used as demonstration projects for the development of a carbon sequestration programme under the umbrella of EAF. The case study at Dragoman marsh (Bulgaria) contributes to increased knowledge on carbon sequestration in post restored fresh water marshes and can be further used also for studies in other wetland areas. For the further development of a Carbon Sequestration Programme, we need to identify projects at areas larger than the EAF sites: for this purpose we should use already achieved results within EAF supported projects for the protection of nature areas or include new threatened areas. When developing and realizing carbon projects at nature conservation areas, knowledge on carbon sequestration needs to be „translated“ into needs of nature conservation. European environmental policies should consider inclusion of carbon funding in biodiversity conservation projects. Restoration and sustainable nature management are both important in order to combine the purposes of biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Therefore, it is substantial that sustainable management and improved management are included in carbon-funded projects.

To download the full project report, please click here.