Project name:
Mosaic of LIFE – Habitat restoration, grassland birds conservation status improvement and promotion of nature based solutions through resilient mosaic Mediterranean landscape
Project duration:
1.9.2025. – 31.8.2030.
Total project budget:
4.850.315,57€
Association Biom budget:
European Commission 60%- 2.910.189,20€
Lead beneficiary:
Biom association
Project partners:
Ecological Association “Krka” Knin
Krka National Park
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Fire Association of Split-Dalmatia County
Associated partners
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition – State Institute for Nature Protection
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Public Institution for Management of Protected Parts of Nature in the Split-Dalmatia County – More i krš
Public Institution Nature of Šibenik-Knin County
Contact:
Tomislav Hudina, tomislav.hudina[at]biom.hr, Project manager
Project goals
To conduct the restoration activities on a minimum of 560 ha and improve management of additional 1020 ha of bush-encroached Natura 2000 target grasslands and significantly increase the number of nesting pairs of the four target bird species in the project area through upscaling activities and transfer of knowledge from the Dinara back to LIFE project to the wider region.
To empower livestock farmers, decision makers and other stakeholders to preserve the target Natura 2000 grassland habitats and associated species by improving the economic profitability of traditional extensive agriculture and boosting resilience to climate change.
To advocate for the preservation of the mosaic landscape by making it more resilient to climate change through the application of nature based solutions and the testing of legal options related to the Nature Restoration Law and national legislation.
To raise awareness about the importance of mosaic landscape conservation, target habitats and related species, and promote traditional agricultural practices and EU policies that contribute to solving existing challenges.
Project summary
The Mosaic of LIFE aims to implement the restoration activities and enhance the conservation status of 4 Natura 2000 target bird species and 4 grassland habitat types across 8 Natura 2000 sites in Central Dalmatia, Croatia. The primary challenge addressed by the project is the widespread bush encroachment on grasslands due to the abandonment of traditional agricultural practices, leading to the degradation of habitats. Through the implementation of large-scale restoration activities, including the mechanical removal of woody vegetation, prescribed burning, and the promotion of traditional grazing practices, the project seeks to perform restoration activities on at least 560 ha of grasslands and improve the management of an additional 1020 ha. These efforts are expected to increase the target habitats conservation status and population of the target bird species and contribute to the resilience of the landscape against climate change. A key aspect of the project is the development of Recommendations for preserving landscape mosaicism, ensuring that future spatial planning and land management take into account the needs of the target species and habitats. These recommendations will be integrated into Natura 2000 management plans, ensuring long-term sustainability. The aims to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including local farmers, forestry managers, firefighters, and public institutions, fostering collaboration and ensuring the continuity of restoration activities beyond the project’s lifespan. Additionally, the project will promote awareness of the importance of mosaic landscapes, traditional agricultural practices, and EU biodiversity policies among local communities and the general public. By combining top-down policy advocacy with bottom-up community engagement, the Mosaic of LIFE project aims to create a resilient, biodiverse landscape that supports both nature and local livelihoods, serving as a model for similar initiatives in the Mediterranean region.
The Mosaic of LIFE project is co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, Government of the Republic of Croatia Office for Cooperation with NGOs, and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.