LandCare programs
Transhumance - Bulgaria
This project aims to re-establish the real transhumance in Bulgaria, moving big herds of sheep to fresh grazing grounds in the spring and autumn. The transhumance is organised in such a way that people can participate and learn from the shepherd’s way of life and traditions. Ancient races of sheep and dogs, the Karakachan race is especially breed back in order to maintain the High Value Nature pastures of Bulgaria. Finally, by re-introducing lot’s of cattle in the mountains, there is a chance for the vulture again to come back.
Example: The Shepherd Tour
Take part to one of the oldest tradition in Europe: the movement of a shepherd family with its herd into upland pastures at the beginning of the summer (High Central Balkan) and to lower valleys in Autumn (Strandzha area).
This 8 day-expedition is organised in collaboration with the Bulgarian organisation for Wild Flora and Fauna (FWFF).
Farmers Adapt to Climate Change
In the “laissez- fair” scenario op the IPCC the whole mediterranean region is expected to turn into a desert climate. This programme will help farmers and their communities in South and South East Europe to adapt to climate change by giving them credits for restoration and protection of their soils. Building humus, covering the soil permanently and planting hedgerow can sequester more than 10 tons of CO2 per hectare per year. Consumers can maintain their carbon balance by paying farmers soil carbon credits. This will help the farmers to realise the investments in composting, mulching and tree planting. At the same time it makes the land soil adapted to the expected droughts and excessive erosion.
Example: Support the Strandzha Mountain communities in Bulgaria and Turkey
Small farmers in the Strandzha mountains, mainly subsistence, some are cash cropping and shepherding, will receive waste wood chips from the forest agencies for covering their soil for 10 years, and receive tree seedlings to plant against erosion. The new hedgerows will produce sufficient wood chips after ten years.
Consumers are invited to offset their carbon footprint by buying the soil carbon credits produced in this project.
The increased humus content will be measured on different sample plots, and a very comfortable fault margin is applied of 50%. Small farmers can apply for one ha, and will receive credits (20 euro per ton) for an expected sequestration in ten years of 100 ton / ha. x 50% = 1000 euro.
Harvest holidays - France
This project aims to develop culinary workshops and tours in France for people who want to discover French food, they way it is produced and are searching for their ideal supplier of French organic food products.
Example: Le Mas La Devèze
This 30-hectare organic farm is located in the heart of the Cévennes National Park. Visitors are welcome to help on the farm: harvesting shiitake mushrooms from the oak logs on which they grow, a bit of shepherding, picking various red fruits depending on the season.
Greenways - Belarus
This project aims to develop at least four micro-destinations for nature tourism in Belarus. Local networks are being supported by green entrepreneurs and local authorities and NGO’s who together try to shape the destination management and their vision of sustainability by means of Local Agenda 21. In these destinations local hiking, biking and canoeing routes are developed. On the way, you can help with harvesting berries and mushrooms, join in countryside festivals, learn to make arts and handicraft etc.
Example: The Blue Necklace of Rossony
This 200 km circular route connects two natural reserves: Krasnyj Bor and Sinsha.