Traditional agriculture in the lower Prut meadow

Abstract

The data shown in the present paper belong to a more extensive study which was the starting point of a Project “Traditional Agriculture for Nature – European Recognition of South-Eastern Europe Landscape” which WWF Carpathians-Danube Programme has developed together with the European Forum for Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (EFNCP). The Project aimed at the identification of alternative measures that could help in the preservation of traditional agriculture methodologies – as a support for landscape preservation and rural community well-being in naturally preserved areas. The High Nature Value Farmland (HNVF) is at present one of the European priorities for rural development. The traditional agricultural system that contributes to the preservation of biodiversity ( plant and animal species and associations dependent on this environment), habitat and rural landscape conservation , natural resources protection and preservation, tradition and custom asssociation with the natural cycle. Decision No. 2151 from November 30th 2004 concerning the setting up of protected natural areas status for other new areas has also included the Lower Prut Low Meadow Natural Park (8,247 ha) in the group of protected natural areas with corresponding management abilities.