The Master thesis explores the specifics of dry grasslands in Slovenian Istria with the main focus on achieving Natura 2000 targets related to endangered species and habitats conservation. Nature conservation and agriculture aspects are confronted to evaluate the status of grasslands in Pregara village wider area from 19th century up to the current days. Optimal dimension of grasslands and economic parameters of agriculture production are defined within the thesis as well as the opportunities for more efficient Natura 2000 site management. The results demonstrate an evident regression of grasslands in the research area due to land abandonment. Consequently, an evident decline of favourable status of protected species and habitats is expected. The model shows great opportunities for harmonizing ecosystem demands of endangered butterfly species and habitat types in Natura 2000 site with organic free range cattle breeding. Additionally, the economic analysis show the eligibility of agri-nature conservation model with Common Agriculture Policy subsidies representing a great proportion of the total farmʼs yearly income. This proves that positive impacts on the protected species and habitats in the research area could be generated already following existing subsidies. However, new innovative measures should be developed especially based on more intensive interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange in priority areas as well as with regard to management and ecosystem specifics of individual farm.
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