Outputs

Conservation Plan

Major work of the project released on 1 November 2025

Wet grasslands are vital ecosystems, home to iconic bird species like the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa limosa), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), and Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). Yet, these habitats, and the birds that depend on them, are under multiple threats like habitat fragmentation, intensive agriculture, climate change, and increasing predation pressure.

Here we present a Strategic Conservation Plan (SCP) for Wet-Grassland Breeding Birds, a collaborative effort to reverse the declines of bird populations and restore biodiversity of wet grasslands and wet meadows in Germany. This plan was developed in the framework of the LIFE IP GrassBirdHabitats (LIFE19 IPE/DE/000004) and is available for download below.

A bird with a long beak and an orange head stands in shallow water. Grass is reaching out...
Wetland wanderer: The Black-tailed Godwit in its natural habitat. Photo: C. Marlow/NLWKN
Key priorities for action

The SCP outlines a clear roadmap for conservation, emphasizing:

  • Holistic conservation: Implementing the ten key measures described in this plan, such as habitat optimization and predation management, concurrently for maximum impact.
  • Bold objectives: Scaling up efforts through national projects to mobilize resources and foster innovation.
  • Climate action synergies: Integrating bird conservation with climate adaptation measures, like peatland restoration, to attract funding and support.
  • Stable financing: Securing long-term funding through EU programs, climate initiatives, and innovative mechanisms.
  • Research and innovation: Filling knowledge gaps with cutting-edge research through telemetry studies, applied research, and AI-supported monitoring.
  • Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation among federal states, NGOs, farmers, and policymakers to align efforts and share best practices.
Arrangement of hexagons that combines concise words and corresponding images: Financing,...
Key priorities for action: Six priorities to move forward the conservation of wet-grassland and meadow breeding bird conservation in Germany. Credit: A. Maasri/NLWKN
Success stories and lessons

The SCP features 11 case studies from four German states:

  • Lower Saxony
  • Bavaria
  • Schleswig-Holstein
  • North Rhine-Westphalia

These examples highlight effective strategies, ranging from holistic conservation approaches and result-based payments for farmers to predation management programs, aimed at fostering knowledge transfer and scaling up successful initiatives.

A map of the German federal states with four states highlighted. Each state has a text...
Success stories: The topics of the 11 case studies from Lower Saxony, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and North Rhine-Westphalia showcasing wet-grassland breeding bird protection in Germany. Credit: A. Maasri/NLWKN
A call to action

The SCP is a blueprint for change, but its success depends on collective effort. We urge policymakers, conservationists, farmers, and the public to:

  • Adopt the plan’s recommendations in local and regional strategies.
  • Advocate for stronger support for wet-grassland bird conservation.
  • Collaborate across sectors to make bird-friendly practices standard.
  • Support research and innovation to improve conservation outcomes.

Strategic Conservation Plan

The SCP is currently available only in English. Key messages from the SCP will later be distilled into succinct, clear German versions. You can download the full plan below.

  • Strategic Conservation Plan for Wet-Grassland Breeding Birds in Germany

    (14 MB)

    download pdf