In this study, we explored the potential of the payment-by-results approach in supporting the maintenance of High Nature Value (HNV) grasslands in a typical HNV farming system and Natura 2000 site in Slovenia (Europe) with a high share of small farms, fragmented land ownership and long-term process of land abandonment. We tested the applicability of a hypothetical result-based scheme (RBS) for the conservation of dry grasslands and a set of associated plant indicators, and identified key obstacles to its implementation. Based on a statistical analysis of a survey with 263 farmers and a thematic data analysis of 62 farmer interviews and 10 in-depth interviews and focus groups with researchers, public officials and agricultural advisors, we found that a majority of both farmers and experts support the introduction of RBSs. The selected plant indicators were well-known among the local farmers and monitoring of their presence was preferred over the current system, which demands keeping records on the implementation of farming practices. However, although the RBSs seem to be a superior alternative to the current management-based schemes, their introduction might not be enough to ensure HNV farming systems’ successful conservation. Our results indicate a lack of institutional capacity to implement RBSs on a larger scale, particularly in terms of data support and qualified staff in the advisory service and monitoring agencies. Furthermore, experience to date and mistrust among stakeholders indicate a questionable ability and motivation of authorities to develop locally-based, flexible and innovative agri-environmental measures. RBSs alone also do not adequately address some of the root causes for the disappearance of HNV grasslands, particularly: the lack of knowledge regarding the appropriate modern farming system(s) to ensure their sustainable management in line with conservation goals; specific needs of small farmers; and the need for a socially acceptable land policy reform to enable easier access to land. We argue that systematic investment in closing the existing data and research gaps as well as in increasing the capacity of key institutions at the national and local levels are needed, particularly in European regions of high conservation priority. Furthermore, better integration of nature conservation in different rural policies and a holistic developmental approach in (remote) rural areas are necessary to prevent further abandonment of HNV farming and enable the adoption of biodiversity-friendly farming models.

在这项研究中，我们探讨了按结果付费的方法在支持维护高自然价值 (HNV) 草原方面的潜力、分散的土地所有权和长期的土地废弃过程。我们测试了一个假设的基于结果的计划 (RBS) 用于保护干草原和一组相关植物指标的适用性，并确定了其实施的主要障碍。根据对 263 名农民的调查统计分析，以及对 62 次农民访谈和 10 次深度访谈和对研究人员、公职人员和农业顾问的焦点小组的专题数据分析，我们发现大多数农民和专家都支持引入 RBS。选定的植物指标在当地农民中是众所周知的，并且比目前的系统更喜欢监控它们的存在，后者需要记录农业实践的实施情况。然而，尽管 RBS 似乎是当前基于管理的计划的更好替代方案，但它们的引入可能不足以确保 HNV 养殖系统的成功保护。我们的结果表明，缺乏大规模实施 RBS 的机构能力，特别是在数据支持和咨询服务和监测机构的合格人员方面。此外，迄今为止的经验和利益相关者之间的不信任表明，当局制定以当地为基础、灵活和创新的农业环境措施的能力和动机存疑。仅 RBS 也不能充分解决 HNV 草原消失的一些根本原因，特别是：缺乏关于适当的现代农业系统的知识，以确保其可持续管理符合保护目标；小农的特殊需求；需要进行社会可接受的土地政策改革，以便更容易获得土地。我们认为，需要系统性投资以缩小现有数据和研究差距以及提高国家和地方层面关键机构的能力，尤其是在保护优先级高的欧洲地区。此外，