| Secondary abstract: |
Considering the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 2023-2027, we addresses the issue of biodiversity loss in agro-ecosystems, with special emphasis on the Drava Plain. Small woody landscape features can help preserve, and potentially increase, biodiversity of agriculturally intensive areas. The results of the developed spatial model indicated that the Drava Plain should be considered as a high priority area (behind Slovenian Hills and the Sava Plain) for implementing measures towards conservation or revitalization of small woody landscape features. On the other hand, the unfavorable environmental status, concerning biodiversity, in these areas was caused by land change processes (fragmentation and reduction of forest patches, the creation and consolidation of mainly fields and built-up areas), and the way agricultural areas were predominantly managed (intensive agriculture). However, along the increasing homogenization trend in agro-ecosystems, many high-quality agricultural areas were abandoned and are now facing forest progression. |