Modern, multifunctional landscapes must provide a variety of ecosystem functions and ecosystem services. The diversity of species and ecosystems in these landscapes represents the essential basis of these functions and services. Europe's cultural landscapes occupy a special position in this regard. However, the agricultural productivity of modern landscapes is mainly determined by intensively managed agricultural systems with low species diversity. As a result, in many landscapes there is a diametric opposition between biodiversity conservation and agricultural productivity. Innovative land use and conservation concepts are attempting to break down this dichotomy. The resulting mosaic landscapes are characterized by different habitats and ecosystems, such as intensively and extensively used agricultural sites, fallows, and semi-natural and natural vegetation. However, it is added that different stakeholders have different expectations of landscapes and biodiversity.
The present project proposal aims to investigate the relative importance of different habitats and ecosystems in mosaic landscapes for biodiversity along a landscape complexity gradient. The goal is to identify optimally equipped landscapes with "ideal" landscape composition and configuration to support selected species groups and their ecosystem services, based on the preferences of different local stakeholders. These preferences will be discussed through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with local stakeholders and decision makers, on which targeted recommendations for action and management will be based.
