Challenges and solutions in managing semi-natural grasslands: Insights from Estonia

Semi-natural grasslands (SNGs) are among Europe's most diverse ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural heritage. Yet, around 90 % of their area has been lost in the past century due to intensification, urbanization, and abandonment, making effective management and restoration a conservation priority. This study examines the perspectives of Estonian SNG managers within the context of existing practices and policies. Data were collected through 280 online questionnaires and 91 structured interviews. While farmers are generally motivated to continue management, driven by values such as tradition, biodiversity, and landscape aesthetics, they face multiple barriers. These include low cost-effectiveness, rigid regulations (e.g., fixed mowing dates), limited access to biodiversity advisory services, and challenges linked to administration and land rental. Our findings highlight several shortcomings in current support schemes. Action-based subsidies often fail to reflect local ecological and socio-economic realities, reducing both efficiency and farmer engagement. To ensure long-term SNG viability, policies should become more flexible, cost-effective, and outcome-oriented. This includes adopting results-based payments, expanding advisory services, and strengthening collaboration between land managers, authorities, and conservation experts. By centering on farmers' perspectives, this study provides insights into how policy design can better align ecological objectives with practical land management. Addressing the identified gaps could enhance the sustainability of SNG management in Estonia and offer lessons for similar landscapes across Europe. • Estonia retains a significant area of well-preserved semi-natural grasslands. • Semi-natural grassland policies should be flexible, well-funded, and well-advised. • Subsidies should reflect habitat quality and ecosystem services provided. • Investment support should be easily accessible to all SNG managers. • SNG managers should be included in policymaking and recognized for their vital role.