LIFE15 NAT/ES/000805 Progress Report Covering the project activities from 01/05/2019 to 31/08/2020

Reporting Date 27/11/2020

Conservation and management of Basque mountain grasslands LIFE OREKA MENDIAN

Data Project Project location: : Euskadi FRANCE: Pyrénées-Atlantiques Project start date: 01/09/2016 Project end date: 01/11/2021 Total budget: € 3,743,705 EU contribution: € 2,246,223 (%) of eligible costs: 60 %

Data Beneficiary Name Beneficiary: Fundación HAZI Fundazioa Contact person: Mr Mikel de Francisco Postal address: Granja Modelo s/n 01192 Arkaute SPAIN Telephone: +34 945003240 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Project Website: www.orekamendian.eu

Section 1 - Overall assessment of the achievements and as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still viable

The LIFE OREKA MENDIAN project aims to improve the conservation condition of 14 habitats of community interest and 2 species of daffodils from Appendix II of the Directive, an objective that is still considered viable. Looking at the overall figures, technical progress is quantified at 66 %, the expenditure incurred at 64 % and the time invested at 80 %, for an elapsed time period of 75%.

A actions The preparatory actions were practically completed for the Interim Report. A computer application has been designed and installed on the mobile devices of DFG/HAZI staff as a basis for managing the grasslands of the NPS (Natural Protected Spaces): it is used to update SIPASTOS, directly including the actions carried out in the field. The DFA will install this tool on the mobile phones of five of its technicians soon. The DFB will adapt the necessary information into a more general application being designed by that organisation to manage the natural environment and monitor its work.

Monthly samples continue to be collected (years 2019 and 2020) in the 90 cages (Euskadi) and 36 cages (Iparralde) that constitute the Monitoring Network ( action A3 ). The deliverable, “Partial report on grassland production of habitats 6170, 6210*,6220*, 6230*, 6410, 4020*,4030, 4040*, 4090. Year 2019” has been produced. Neiker is comparing the results of the field measurements with the modelling of biomass production in habitat 6230* (mountain meadow) using satellite images.

C actions Conservation actions continue to be performed in the Special Conservation Areas (ZECs in Spanish), with different execution rates. In total, during the period of this report, actions have been performed to fulfil the objectives of surface and structural improvement in 610.9 ha of pasture habitats (habitats 6230, 6210, 4030 and 4090), monitoring of animal behaviour for the use of grasslands with 18 more GPS collars, protection/restoration of four wetland-quagmire areas (habitats 4040, 7210, 7230), control of invasive species ( Phytolacca americana, Cirsium ) and placement of information to safeguard daffodils in the natural parks of the ZECs in . Specifically, the actions performed since the last report are: C1- Armañón - 16.6 ha of manual clearing and 8.4 of mechanical clearing of fern C2 - Ordunte C3 - Ukiola - protective enclosure of the Arangio pond C4 - Gorbeia -BIZKAIA: Clearing and removal of 127 ha of invasive thistles from the grassland, clearing of 30 ha of gorse. Fencing for the protection/restoration of the Arraba quagmire, increase of 3.7 ha in the grazing area due to the transformation of the cypress plantation into grassland in the quagmire area. : 90 ha heath-gorse clearing, clearing and temporary opening of the Oketa quagmire for its restoration (it was becoming scrubland). Fern-breaking roller tested as an alternative to fern clearing for the recovery of habitat 6230, in 70 ha. C5 - Izki – Clearing of 4 ha of gorse, 1 salt point/scraper C6 – /Aratz – ALAVA: 2 salt points/scrapers. GIPUZKOA: clearing of 51.3 ha, 12 GPS collars, installation of a temporary enclosure (permeable to small livestock) and an

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information panel in the Urbia quagmire, placement of 2 information roll-ups on daffodils in the Aranzazu and Zegama natural parks. C7- Jaizkibel – Clearing of 43.4 ha of fern, 6.1 km of renovation of closures for Grazing Management Units, control testing of the invasive plant Phytolacca Americana C8- Aiako Harria – clearing of 10.5 ha of fern, 5 ha manual and selective clearing for the recovery of the threatened species Dapne cneorum C9- Pagoeta - 16.8 ha of fern clearing and 32.2 ha of manual gorse clearing, 1 information roll-up on daffodils in the natural park in the ZEC. C10- Hernio/Gazume – survey to locate water and supply the drinking trough. 2 GPS Collars C11 – Aralar - 1 information roll-up on daffodils in the Lizarrusti natural park, 3 GPS collars C12 – Izarraitz -1 GPS collar to monitor the foraging of goats over the action area with prescribed burnings. C13 – Entzia – Installation of 1 drinking trough and improvements to 3 further drinking troughs C14 – Arkamo/Gibijo/Arrastaria – clearing of 6 ha of thorn patches to restore habitat 4090, 1 salt point/scraper, refurbishment of the Pozo La Pared drinking trough C15 –Sierra de . Contracts with sheep/goat shepherds to manage the grazing, and thinning of borders for the maintenance of firebreaks, 1 salt point/scraper, clearing of 11 ha of heath-gorse in Recilla.

D actions The monitoring protocols established to assess the effect of the C actions on the project objectives continue to be applied, both in the field ( action D1 ) and with Drones-LIDAR (D4). In addition to continuing to assess the evolution of the habitats after the clearing, methods for controlling invasive species (thistles), ferns (fern-breaking roller vs . clearing) and goat grazing to control the forming of scrubland are being tested. The deliverable “First partial report monitoring the impact of the measures on the Project’s objectives” has been prepared. Specific monitoring of butterflies, quagmires and populations of daffodils continues (2020 Reports delivered). In Iparralde, the effects of the actions included in the Natura 2000 contracts and others continue to be monitored: 51 sample plots in 32 management areas, and modelling with satellite images is being tested in order to monitor (years 2017 to 2020) burning areas ( action D7 ). A GIS-VIEWER has been designed to process data derived from the demonstration action of monitoring animal behaviour with GPS collars. This tool allows for searches (use of Management Units, preference of animals for certain habitats or slopes, etc.) that are highly useful for managers and researchers, and even for the livestock breeders themselves. During the 2020 campaign, 138 GPS were controlled within this action (49 purchased with the OREKA MENDIAN Project and the rest from Neiker, the Orezco and Zeanuri Livestock Breeders Association and individual livestock breeders who provide data voluntarily).

Financial information continues to be collected regarding the percentage of spending that is considered local ( action D2 ). The deliverable “Socioeconomics of agricultural holdings that use the ZECs” has been developed, together with an attached report on the “Features of the High Natural Value System for extensive livestock farming in 15 protected areas in Euskadi”.

We are working on the impact of the Project on ecosystem services ( action D3 ). This action has been developed following the TESSA methodology. In Euskadi, 61 surveys have been conducted to analyse each particular space in the Project and a global overview. In Iparralde,

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62 personal surveys have been conducted and an online questionnaire has been launched (188 responses), the data from which will be analysed in the first half of 2021. Delivery of the Reports related to this action is expected in June 2021.

In summer 2020, seven drone flights were carried out in order to correlate the monitoring of the creation of scrubland with the LIDAR methodology ( action D4 ). These flights are expected to be repeated in the summer of 2021 to compare results of the scrub growth. Some of the flight zones include field monitoring plots (D1), so they will be used to compare the results of the two sampling methods.

The deliverable related to the trend analysis ( action D6 ) is being finalised, based on landscape changes and livestock practices in different regions of Iparralde.

All members of LIFE OREKA MENDIAN collect the parameters regularly requested by HAZI related to the degree of execution of their actions. HAZI has reviewed the fulfilment of the Project indicators (action D5) and is able to say that: - The Project has been deployed in all planned Natura2000 sites, through conservation actions (C) in Euskadi and through monitoring (action D7) in Iparralde. - All natural parks have elements to publicise the Project to their visitors (information panels, leaflets, bookmarks, video), strengthened with the travelling photography exhibition that has already visited the ZECs in Gipuzkoa. - The work planned to maintain or improve the surface of the habitats of community interest is being carried out. - Measures have been adopted to mitigate impacts on the two daffodil species of interest. - A total of 12,418 visits to the Project’s website have been recorded, and 587 professionals related to the Project have been trained/informed. The international Expert Group has been formed to increase the impact of the Project in the EU. - The number of equivalent workers (FTE) so far is 10.1.

E actions E1: Communication plan : The website (http://www.lifeorekamendian.eu) is up and running, 16 news articles have been published since the last report (exceeding the expected indicators) and various documents of interest have been posted. A monthly average of 196 visits to the website have been recorded over these months. Seven information panels about the Project have been installed in areas of Bizkaia and Alava with a high footfall. In Gipuzkoa, it was decided to place information displays inside the natural parks. Action E1 has generated various face-to-face awareness raising events: assembly of the stand at six livestock fairs, five guided botanical excursions in Gipuzkoa (more than 70 attendees), photography exhibition touring through six natural parks, etc., which were interrupted in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and have not been resumed to date. Moreover, an article was published in the magazine Sustraia along with various in the local press in Iparralde, we participated in the “Postcards from EUinmyregion” competition, the photographs from the exhibition were posted on the DFA’s Instagram (average of 50 “likes”), we participated in the SEO Birdlife LIFE Followers Project campaign on Natura2000 day, we supported the filming of the film “ Pastoreo en Gorbeia ” (Shepherding in Gorbeia), a press release was issued in Gipuzkoa, etc.

Action E2. Local participation - In Euskadi, the Pasture Habitat Conservation Plans (PCHP) presentation workshops have not been possible due to the pandemic-related restrictions. The

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progress of the Project has been presented at the two Board meetings (Gorbeia and Izki) held. In Iparralde, there have been face-to-face meetings, specifically a Technical Committee (7/2/20) and three meetings with owners/livestock breeders (28-29-30/7/20, 40 participants).

Action E3. Technical participation - The coordination session on “The role of mountain grasslands in the socio-economics of agricultural holdings” took place (17/02/20, 65 participants), as well as a meeting of experts to present the posting of the North Peninsular Database Project on the Project’s website (17/02/20, 19 participants) - Updating of this database (323 articles). In Iparralde, an online tool is being developed to help manage pasture habitats. The Training Course on “Biodiversity of mountain grasslands and extensive livestock farming” was held (23/01/20, 59 participants). Presentations of talks related to LIFE have been made at seven conferences/seminars, technical training courses/seminars have been attended. Face-to-face conferences have been restricted since the start of the pandemic and have been replaced by an online format as far as possible.

Action E4. Visibility in Europe - An exchange visit was made by eight members of the Oreka Mendian Project to two Italian LIFE projects: PastorAlp & Xero-Grazing (8-9/10/19). The visit scheduled for 2020 has been suspended due to the pandemic, as have the planned exchanges with LIFE Quebrantahuesos and LIFE Montserrat. The draft of the Report “An overview of sustainable practices for the management of mountain grasslands in Europe” has been completed. In view of the delays in the development and adoption of the relevant EU policies for the 2021-2027 period (CAP, EU strategy on biodiversity between now and 2030, etc.), it was agreed to postpone the publication of the report to allow the final version to include these policies and develop recommendations based on the 2021-2027 legislative framework. In addition to the planned action, a leaflet on “Examples of good practices in the sustainable management of mountain grasslands” has been produced in English and translated into French and Spanish. This leaflet will be published at the same time as the final study.

F action The project management action (action F1) has included holding two technical committee meetings (17/02/20, Arkaute and 11/06/20, video conference) and one meeting of the Monitoring Commission in Iparralde (01/07/20). NEEMO made follow-up visits on 19/06/19 and 17/06/20. HAZI, as coordinating beneficiary, is supervising the appropriate progress of the entire project, with the help of the other members. The degree of delay in executing the conservation actions (C), partly derived from the impact of COVID-19, has led to a request to extend the Project until 31/12/2022 .

Section 2 - Identified deviations, problems and corrective actions taken in the period

The project’s objectives are not expected to be modified, but the work plan is expected to change, with the request for a one-year extension to the initial schedule, above all to deal with accumulated delays in 2020 derived from COVID-19. The project is demonstrating its viability. The initial budget is expected to be modified slightly with regard to the distribution among members, but not the total amount.

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During the assessment period of this progress report, some difficulties have been detected that would impede compliance with the planned schedule and level of investment. The preparatory actions have been carried out correctly, but the execution of the specific conservation actions (C) and the communication and participation actions (E) are being delayed in some cases. In our opinion, the methodology chosen to implement the project is correct, but more time is required given that the planned execution level has not been reached in 2020. If the Project extension is accepted, these delays are not expected to compromise the final results.

C) The interim report already foresaw an extension to the execution period for some C actions due to the delay in drafting the PCHPs, internal coordination issues, contracting difficulties, etc. Most actions in Bizkaia were delayed pending settlement of the awarding of the tender in which they are included. This settlement, which occurred in August 2020, ensures the execution of the planned actions before 31 December 2021. In Alava and Gipuzkoa, the budgets allocated for Project actions have been notably lower in 2020 than in previous years, partly due to being diverted towards health emergencies. Acceptance of the extension increases the chance of executing all the actions/budget planned for these two members.

D1-D7) The monitoring actions under Neiker’s responsibility (D1.1) will end this year, 2020, in accordance with the pre-established schedule. In the event of an extension, the extra monitoring of some actions (repeating the fern-breaking roller test, for example) may be proposed. Likewise, if the requested extension is accepted, CEN-NA will carry out an extra sampling (5th year) of the actions monitored in action D7, consequently delaying the deliverables related to this action.

D3) For the analysis of the ecosystem services, personal interviews have been conducted in Iparralde that will be analysed in order to draft the deliverable, along with an online survey for the general public. CEN-NA needs time to analyse the data from the online survey and incorporate them into the final report on this action. Therefore, the deliverable related to this action (scheduled for June 2020) will be delayed until mid-2021.

E1, E2, E3) The outreach and face-to-face training actions have been severely affected by the pandemic. With the extension, it is expected that this type of action will also be carried out during 2022, to compensate for those planned that could not be carried out in 2020. Although some of the scheduled courses are given through online platforms, others require practical work in the field, workshops, livestock fairs, etc., that will have to wait until the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted.

E3) The “Guide for developing the Grassland Plans in PUMs (Public Utility Mountains) to access agro-environmental aid under the Rural Development Plan (RDP 2014-2020)”, with delivery planned in the application for 31/12/2017, remains pending, awaiting the definition of subsidies for the next RDP (2021-2027).

E4) The two pending exchange visits to LIFE projects are not viable at the moment due to the pandemic. They are postponed until the current travel restrictions are lifted. We will also assess whether to carry out webinar exchanges, on Good Practices on Mountain Grasslands, with other LIFE Projects. The COVID-19 restrictions also caused the postponement of the European Mountain Convention (scheduled for September 2020) until September 2021.

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