PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Beskydy Protected Landscape Area is located in the northeast of the Czech Republic and hosts important alluvial forest habitats in the Morávka river basin where priority species like Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) fish and the European Otter (Lutra lutra) are resident.
The invasion of the Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)and Impatiens glandulifera plant presented a major threat to species protected by EU law in this part of the Czech Republic. Several steps to remove the Japanese knotweed plant had previously been unsuccessful due to limitations of scope and scale. The lack of an overall River Basin Management Plan for the area’s important water resources had also hindered removal of invasive species.
OBJECTIVES
The project focused on the proposed site of Community Interest (pSCI) Morávka river basin, which is part of the pSCI Beskydy area. Project actions were to concentrate on eight habitats and establish a plan for combating the invasive plants in a way which would also revitalise the habitats’ biodiversity. Outcomes were expected to create a habitat management model which successfully fostered cooperation of key stakeholders to implement restoration actions and raise positive awareness about Natura 2000, whilst at the same time demonstrating good practice examples that could be replicated elsewhere in the region.
RESULTS
The project was well implemented and achieved its principle objectives. Extensive fieldwork resulted in more than 90% of the invasive Japanese knotweed species within the project area being removed. Outbreaks of another invasive species, Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) were also tackled. In addition higher than expected numbers of trees and shrubs were able to be planted to support the overall habitat restoration process.
Methodological approaches developed by the project highlighted useful lessons for the beneficiary and its partners. These included safe techniques for using herbicide chemicals in wetland environments and the methods were disseminated to other interested parties. Public awareness actions also proved productive as well as well as popular with local stakeholders such as schools.
Positive Natura 2000 characteristics were promoted by the project’s ability to support employment during and after the LIFE funding period, via jobs and through service contracts.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
The project was well implemented and achieved its principle objectives. Extensive fieldwork resulted in more than 90% of the invasive Japanese knotweed species within the project area being removed. Outbreaks of another invasive species, Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) were also tackled. In addition higher than expected numbers of trees and shrubs were able to be planted to support the overall habitat restoration process.Methodological approaches developed by the project highlighted useful lessons for the beneficiary and its partners. These included safe techniques for using herbicide chemicals in wetland environments and the methods were disseminated to other interested parties. Public awareness actions also proved productive as well as well as popular with local stakeholders such as schools.
Positive Natura 2000 characteristics were promoted by the project’s ability to support employment during and after the LIFE funding period, via jobs and through service contracts.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
