Ensuring consistency of tools dedicated to biodiversity and ecosystem services : case studies

Public awareness regarding key issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services gave rise to several policies aiming at their consideration in human activities. These policies led to a bunch of legal constraints and incentives that are as many tools to preserve and restore both biodiversity and ecosystem services.
However, these tools are often activated in a punctual way, following private initiatives or opportunities and without much reflection about the stakes beyond the actors’ own interests. This results in scattered actions, a lack of cohesion in land planning and sometimes conflicts between stakeholders.
Yet biodiversity and ecosystem services need a collaborative management, beyond the individualist approach, to ensure the success and continuity of launched projects.
Two case studies illustrate the collaborative and structured application of diverse tools by and for a variety of stakeholders willing to respond to specific needs.
The first case is biodiversity-oriented, as it concerns the conservation of Bromus grossus, a plant species listed in Annex II of the Natura 2000 “Habitat” directive, which only grows in agroecosystems.
The second case study worked on land multi-functionality in three Walloon municipalities, using ecosystem services as a tool for a land consolidation plan.
These two examples highlight: 1° the key actors for the launching and cohesion of the projects, 2° the strengthening steps for short and mid-term success and 3° some conflicting elements interfering with coherent development plans.