ELN-FAB

European Learning Network on Functional AgroBiodiversity

for a more sustainable agriculture and countryside in Europe

                                                         

Problem definition

Small scale, fragmented application of FAB

Important contribution to sustainable agriculture

Need for upscaling experiences and practice

                                                         

Background of the ELN-FAB Initiative of the Ministry of VROM, the Netherlands Project started in January 2009 One year contract for ECNC in cooperation with

DIVERSITAS agroBIODIVERSITY International Project Office (AB-IPO)

Continuation in 2010-2011 The main funders and contributors currently are:

- Ministry of VROM, the Netherlands;- Ministry of Agriculture, Estonia;- European Environment Agency (EEA);- Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Switzerland;- Flemish Land Agency (VLM), Belgium.

                                                         

Mission of the ELN-FAB

ELN-FAB is set to provide a platform and facility for exchange of knowledge and practical experiences with other EU member states, between farmers, policy makers, scientists, businesses and NGOs, in order to

Enable fast and effective implementation of best practices;

Help to optimize agrobiodiversity benefits; Promote sustainable agriculture.

                                                         

Vision

By 2030 the use of agrobiodiversity to enhance ecosystem services is fully integrated into European agricultural policies and practices in a way that promotes sustainable agricultural production.

                                                         

The concept of FAB

‘those elements of biodiversity on the scale of agricultural fields or landscapes, which provide ecosystem services that support sustainable agricultural production and can also deliver benefits to the regional and global environment and the public at large’ (ELN-FAB, 2009; www.eln-fab.eu)

                                                         

Stakeholders

27 member countries of the EU + Switzerland and Norway

The primary stakeholders are:

- the land managers;- the research community;- the policymakers.

                                                         

Implementation structure

                                                         

Achievements and outputs reached so far (1)

Steering group of the network has been set up; Project communication material has been

developed: logo and brochure; Stakeholder groups were contacted on European and

national levels and other possible intermediaries who could actively participate in the project;

All the ministers responsible for environment and agriculture in the EU 27 and Norway have been informed about the project together with European Commission Directorates-General.

                                                         

Achievements and outputs reached so far (2)

Connection and cooperation with other relevant networks and companies has been explored;

A brochure about the concept of FAB has been prepared;

The official website of the project has been developed (www.eln-fab.eu);

Register of agrobiodiversity projects throughout Europe has been prepared;

Regional awareness raising workshops about FAB were organized in 2010 in Estonia and Belgium.

                                                         

Achievements and outputs reached so far (3)

Organizing ELN-FAB European seminars on a yearly basis;

Disseminating information on the network via various high-level events and forums.

                                                         

Plans on longer term

By the end of 2011 - Preparing a handbook for FAB to help the stakeholders to strengthen the role of FAB in their operations;

Further development of the organizational model, website (also helpdesk) and the database of agrobiodiversity projects;

Broadening the geographical scope of the project in order to develop a Pan-European network;

Developing joint project (research) proposals for submission to European funds.

                                                         

Thank you for your attention!