Project overview
Central Europe Biodiversity Innovative Communities
Central Europe is challenged by a loss of biodiversity caused by an unsustainable management of ecosystems. Many rural communities miss support for a transition of their ecosystems. This shortcoming is tackled by the Central-BIC project, in which the partners develop new tools and methodologies for managing ecosystems sustainably. They involve producers and consumers directly in testing tailored solutions for three supply chains: livestock, agriculture, and integrated tourism. Activities include the set-up of a network of Biodiversity Stewardship Communities that offers replicable good practices for habitat protection.
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2,35m €
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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8
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Countries
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10
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Regions
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12
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Partners
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1
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
About the project
Central-BIC – Working Together for Biodiversity and a Sustainable Rural Future
The Central-BIC project aims to address one of the European Union’s most pressing challenges: the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services (ES). It also seeks to raise awareness among rural communities and consumers about the importance of nature's value, while reducing conflicts between local populations and conservation efforts.
Main Objectives:
- Raise awareness about the environmental, social, and economic value of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Develop new practical tools for the sustainable management of ES, moving beyond traditional bans and subsidies.
-Support the ecological transition of rural economies.
-Build strong, collaborative networks between nature conservation actors and local communities.
Key Activities:
-Conduct biodiversity assessments and monitoring in selected pilot areas, involving both producers and consumers.
-Design and implement practical actions tailored to three key sectors: livestock farming, agriculture, and integrated tourism.
-Facilitate international exchange through three thematic Open Groups, connecting experts, local actors, and stakeholders.
- Further develop and apply PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) mechanisms – systems that offer financial rewards for conservation services.
-Create new tools and communication strategies to reach farmers, consumers, and markets.
- Deliver coaching, community involvement, and on-the-ground testing to support the adoption of innovative approaches.
Expected Results (over 30 months):
- Development and testing of two tailored solutions (PES and BSC models) through community-based actions and stewardship for habitat restoration.
- Active protection of natural habitats and increased awareness and participation of local communities and stakeholders.
- Establishment of a sustainable network of Biodiversity Stewardship Communities (BSCs) and C-BIC4BICs, designed to continue beyond the project's end.
- Creation of a shared, inclusive collection of best practices, offering replicable solutions for other parks, regions, and rural areas across Europe.
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
Liguria Region
Vice Direzione Generale Agricoltura, Risorse naturale, Aree Protette e Interne e Marketing territoriale
Project partner
Ufficio Progetti
Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and EU Funds
European Projects
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management
Roadmap
OUR CHALLENGE
The aim of Central-BIC is to support joint action by the European Union in addressing the following important issues:
- the decline in biological diversity (biodiversity) and the deterioration of natural services,
- the lack of knowledge among people, especially rural communities and consumers, and the possibilities for preventing conflicts arising from this in relation to nature conservation.
This problem affects a wide range of actors: local, regional and national authorities, nature conservation areas (e.g. national parks), civil society organizations, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises, business support organizations, and the general public.
OUR PURPOSE
New approaches are needed to make rural economies more sustainable and preserve nature's valuable services (such as clean water, fertile soil, and biodiversity). We need tools that look beyond economic benefits and take into account the long-term interests of communities and nature.
Several EU strategies have already recognized this challenge, but solutions are still pending. Central-BIC aims to provide practical, innovative tools and solutions that can truly help in this transition—for the benefit of nature and local communities.
ESTABLISHING COOPERATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND LOCAL ACTORS
The aim of Central-BIC is to bring together local actors, scientists, social and economic experts and other partners to implement new, effective solutions.
The emphasis is on close cooperation – both locally and within the entire partnership – to jointly test innovative methods and support their practical application.
We continue to work on PES (payment for ecosystem services) schemes, involving local communities as widely as possible. We also support the process with tailored support, testing opportunities and the active involvement of consumers.
CREATE TRANSNATIONAL SOLUTION
Preserving biodiversity or changing consumption habits cannot be achieved alone – it requires broader cooperation.
We can only succeed if we share and compare experiences gained in different areas and try out proven methods in other places. This requires flexible, adaptable and reusable solutions – ones that work in practice.
LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Local solutions, international knowledge.
In designated pilot areas, we involve producers and consumers in assessing and monitoring biodiversity. We share our experiences with scientists, experts, and local communities in three international, open professional groups.
We implement practical measures tailored to three main sectors: livestock farming, agriculture, and integrated tourism. In addition, we are developing new tools for the sustainable management of ecosystem services and for informing markets, consumers, and communities, including PES (payment for ecosystem services) models.
News
Events
Pilot actions
Outputs
Biodiversity Action Plan (B-AP)
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PESs) Strategy
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PESs) Action Plan
PESs, ESs management and socio economical sustainable development model
Biodiversity Stewardships Communities (EU-Central BSCs) model
Project documents
Newsletter
PP8 Association of Municipalities of Małopolska Region
Zadar County PP5
PP11 Development Agency of Idrija and Cerkno
PP13 University of Debrecen
PP6 Ifuplan Germany
PP8 Association of Municipalities and Counties of Małopolska is Poland'
PP3: LAG EASTERN VENICE
PP11 Slovenia
PP13 Hungary
PP4 Croatia
Project images
Central - BIC
Priority 2: Cooperating for a greener central Europe
SO 2.4: Safeguarding the environment in central Europe
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