PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Rivers and streams in the boreal region are in general heavily affected by human activities. Rivers are impacted by measures to facilitate large-scale floating of timber, such as narrowing and channelizing of water courses (e.g. altering them to form straight channels), blocking of side channels, and removal of large in-stream boulders and dead wood. Commercial forestry is also detrimental to rivers; increased siltation, road crossings/construction and other activities such as clear-cutting of riparian forest have the most profound effects. In addition, old dams and dysfunctional road culverts (structures that normally allow water to flow underneath) reduce the possibility for fish, otters and other aquatic organisms to move freely in water systems.
OBJECTIVES
The Ecostreams for LIFE project aims to improve the conservation and ecological status of several aquatic habitats and species in six Natura 2000 sites using a holistic, catchment approach. The habitats targeted are Fennoscandian natural rivers and water courses of plain to montane levels. The species comprise freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), Atlantic salmon (Salmosalar), otter (Lutra lutra), small liverwort (Scapania carinthiaca), noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) and sculpin (Cottus gobio).
The project will seek to achieve the improvements by restoring habitat quality, wetland and stream hydrology, and stream connectivity. As a result, it will contribute to implementation of the EU's Habitats and Water Framework directives.
Ecostreams for LIFEs other key objectives are to:
- Enhance the ecosystem structure and function of boreal rivers to improve resilience to climate change;
- Spread the projects results and experiences to regional, national and international actors in the field of river restoration;
- Preserve and further develop aquatic ecosystem services, aiming at an inter-connection of conservation action with sustainable development of local green economies; and,
- Improve knowledge and awareness of river ecology and Natura 2000-related values among stakeholders and the public. Specifically, to enhance "water friendly" forestry practices and to avoid unwanted introduction of invasive species (signal crayfish).
RESULTS
Expected results: