Interreg Project – CarEX – Preserving Biodiversity through the Protection of Dry Grasslands

The aim of the project is to develop effective management approaches for dry hillside grasslands, valuable Natura 2000 habitats, in order to ensure a favorable state of biodiversity and raise public awareness about the importance of ecological corridors connecting sites with similar ecosystems.

To achieve the project goals, field research will be conducted using both traditional species inventory methods and the innovative DNA metabarcoding approach. Research results will be presented through public events including workshops, consultations, lectures, and discussions with local communities, opening a broad public dialogue with local landowners and users of grassland areas, public and professional institutions and organizations involved in nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, as well as the wider interested public. In this way, the project aims to build a social consensus around active and responsible protection of the most valuable natural areas and habitats.

Some of the project activities include:

• Determining the biological diversity of birds, butterflies, and plants on selected dry grassland plots and assessing the impact of different land management practices. Special emphasis will be placed on orchid mapping, as orchids are among the indicator groups for grassland conservation status.
• Developing protocols for invertebrate sampling and comparable laboratory analysis using DNA metabarcoding.
• Designing a management strategy for dry hillside grasslands and integrating ecological corridors into the protected areas network based on research results.
• Organizing a photography competition and exhibition of selected works, promoting the inspiring beauty of natural hillside grasslands.

The project will define key factors for the sustainable management of endangered dry grasslands in two protected areas: Kozjansko Park in Slovenia and Žumberak–Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park in Croatia.