Detecting temporal changes in the extent of High Nature Value farmlands: The case-study of the Entre-Douro-e-Minho Region, Portugal

摘要: Abstract In the European Union, socio-ecological systems underlying maintenance of low-intensity farming supporting occurrence several species and habitats are known as High Nature Value farmlands (HNVf). Detecting trends change in extent location HNVf is essential to monitor impact policies on biodiversity. However, assessing changes challenging, due lack tested approaches data with adequate spatial temporal resolutions. We address such challenge by evaluating usefulness an existing methodological framework analyse agrarian region Entre-Douro-e-Minho, Northwestern Portugal between 1989 2009. Changes 2009 were analysed for whole study area, within outside areas designated conservation. Results depicted a trend decreasing 2009, irrespective being inside or nature conservation designation. This provides early warning that designation does not ensure persistence. consider this research represents advance field assessment monitoring. particular, providing approach analyze over time types relation under distinct legal protection (such Natura 2000 network), it can help assess role designations have protecting indicate where additional agricultural policy support mechanisms may need be targeted.