B - Convention on Biological Diversity

BBIODIVERSITY IN SECTORALAND AREA POLICIESBI.II.I. Agriculturally Managed EcosystemsIII.IV.V.VI.VII.I. IntroductionAgricultural management in the Czech Republic is similar to the practice throughout Europe, where more than40 % of land is used for agriculture and more than one half of the European Community budget is allocatedfor the Common Agricultural Policy, which is among the most important factors affecting biodiversity in the EUMember States. Agriculturally managed ecosystems contain important components of biological diversity thatare important in providing for production of foodstuffs, functioning of ecosystems and safe life. Sustainable useforms a basis for preservation of the biodiversity of agricultural ecosystems. (Decision IV/6). In relation to theglobal growth of the human population, intensive technologies and procedures have recently been introduced,with the aim of increasing agricultural production for nutritional needs. Agricultural activities have causeddestruction or transformation of certain important habitats, such as wetlands, as well as eradication of a numberof habitats and reduction of sources of food for a number of species occurring in agricultural ecosystems.VIII.IX.X.XI.In conformity with the EC Biodiversity Strategy, we are aware of the importance of agricultural use of land,selection of management approaches, as well as the socio-economic situation of the rural areas (local population)for maintaining or improving biodiversity for future generations. The objective of the CBD thematic programmeof work on agricultural biodiversity should include, without limitation, support for favourable and elimination ofunfavourable impact of agricultural activities on biodiversity.II. Current ConditionsDuring the last decade, the area of arable land in the Czech Republic slightly decreased in favour of grasslands (3% of agricultural land) and forests (0.1 % of agricultural land), either through spontaneous succession or targetedplanting. 7 % of agricultural land is currently endangered by abandonment and, without any state subsidy policy,management of this land is not economically viable. This land includes particularly wetlands, steppe grasslands(see the Grassland Ecosystems chapter) and sub-mountain grasslands with high species diversity.77