Abstract. Farming systems of high natural and cultural value represent approximately 30% of farmlands in the European Union and are associated with a high species and habitat diversity and/or the presence of species of European conservation concern. This study aims to synthesize the existing knowledge on the assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services, the social-ecological drivers of change and the innovations developed around high nature value (HNV) farming systems.

Abstract. Agri-environmental schemes (AES), a subtype of payments for ecosystem services (PES), aim to address Europe’s environmental and climate objectives by incentivising farmers to maintain or shift to farming practices that deliver additional ecosystem services (ES). We develop a theory of change (ToC) for AES, reviewing nine European case studies at different implementation stages, yet all featuring innovative contract solutions to increase ES provision (e.g., water quality, pollination) and enhance bird and grassland biodiversity.