PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The valuable natural environment of the Vistula river valley is partly protected by several Natura 2000 sites, including the “Middle Vistula Valley” SPA. This special protection area includes a 210 km-stretch of the Vistula River and covers an area of 308 km². Some 280 bird species have been recorded in this area. Of these, 160 species regularly breed here – at least 23 of these are listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. The Vistula and its tributaries (Bug, Narew, Wkra and Bzura) also provide important migration corridors for many European bird species, such as those breeding in Scandinavia, the northern part of Russia, the Baltic countries and northern and central Poland. Various rare and endangered European mammals and butterfly species also use migration corridors provided by the river and its tributaries. The Vistula in its central course forms natural sands islands, which together with its specific plant and animal species, makes it a unique habitat. Moreover, many relict tundra plant species, as well as a complex of natural habitats dominated by poplars and willows are found in the Vistula Valley. The river has also acted as a historical corridor for the dispersion of plant species.
OBJECTIVES
The general project objective is to restore the breeding colonies of waders, gulls and terns in the Middle Vistula Valley Natura 2000 network site (SPA), especially those within the Warsaw borders. Other objectives include:
Expected results: