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Protection of meadow orchards and fruit tree alleys supporting biodiversity, the cultural heritage of our landscape, old varieties, and the sustainable development of agricultural landscapes.
The project focuses on improving green infrastructure through the maintenance of orchards and orchard lanes, which play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity. These habitats provide a refuge for many species and preserve old fruit varieties with valuable genetic information. Unfortunately, many new plantations suffer from poor management and the spread of invasive species. The project aims to promote sustainable management and restore the ecological value of these habitats.
A key element of the project is cross-border cooperation between Northern Bohemia and Saxony, based on the historical and ecological links between the regions. The outcome will be a bilingual knowledge database containing information on meadow orchards, varieties and their distribution. This database will support the exchange of expertise, the transfer of best practices and the sustainable use of the landscape. The project will also analyse the benefits of orchards through ecosystem services and involve landowners and other stakeholders.
An integral part of the project is fruit processing and support for regional supply chains, which can contribute to the long-term sustainability of meadow orchards. The focus is on economic viability and the promotion of traditional fruit growing that supports biodiversity and local communities. The project combines ecology, tradition and sustainable development to protect the natural heritage and create healthier landscapes.
IEEP is responsible for assessing the benefits of meadow orchards in the landscape using the concept of ecosystem services, evaluating biodiversity and identifying landowners’ motivations and barriers to planting and maintaining fruit trees.
| Funding Agency: | Interreg Česko – Sasko 2021-2027 |
| Duration: | 1/2025 – 12/2027 |
| Contact person: | Lenka Dubová, e-mail: dubova@ieep.cz |
| Researchers: | Jiří Louda, Marek Hekrle and others |
| In cooperation with: | Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (Germany; Lead Partner)
Czech Union for Nature Conservation (ČSOP, Czech Republic) Landschaftpflegeverband Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge e.V. (Germany) |
| Project budget: | 1.157.687,35 EUR |
| ERDF funding: | 926.149,87 EUR |
| Web-site: | in preparation |