PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus) is an Annex I species of the Birds Directive, assessed as Critically endangered in the EU in the latest European IUCN Red List assessment. The global population trend for the species has shown rapid decline (30-49%) during the period 1998-2008, accompanied by breeding range fragmentation. The wild population of the goose in the Fennoscandian geographical area - covering parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia - was estimated in 2004 at only 20-30 breeding pairs or respectively 60-80 individuals. The most significant threat to the species has been identified under the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) as being hunting along all flyways within theWestern Palearctic (AEWA International Single Species Action Plan, 2008). This project therefore addresses the whole European flyway of the bird, stretching from the breeding grounds in the northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden, via the staging areas in Finnmark (northern Norway), the western coast of Finland, western Estonia and eastern Hungary, to its wintering grounds on the Greek and Turkish border. The need for this flyway approach requires the involvement of eight partners from four European countries, including national authorities, NGOs, a research institution, a National Park Authority and the secretariat of the UNEP/AEWA. It builds on a previous LIFE project targeting the same species (LIFE05 NAT/FIN/000105).
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Safeguard LWfG project was to implement urgent conservation actions in wintering and staging grounds of the Fennoscandian population of the lesser white-fronted goose, in seven Natura 2000 sites - three in Greece, three in Bulgaria and one in Hungary. It sought to halt an alarming population decline. The project aimed to establish a network of experts and trained observers to provide up-to-date information, and to introduce a Smart Patrol System (SPS) for surveilling the wintering sites. The project planned to provide suitable foraging and roosting habitats, taking into account the new monitoring information, and to promote international co-operation and networking of relevant bodies for the conservation of the species, including the creation of complementary national species action plans. Awareness-raising campaigns aimed to reduce the detrimental effects of illegal hunting, by targeting both the general public and specialised target groups, such as hunters.
RESULTS
The Safeguard LWfG project over six years of actions improved the conservation status of lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus) (LWfG) in key wintering and staging sites within its European flyway. While still endangered, the Fennoscandian LWfG population doubled in size, the negative population trend was reversed, and the population is showing an annual increase in size of 15%.
The project contributed directly to the significant increase of the Fennoscandian LWfG population from 75 individuals in the first wintering season of the project, to 144 in the fifth season and 131 in the sixth and last season.
Most of the project actions will continue to be implemented after the project and, combined with the legacy of the extensive conservation and dissemination work accomplished, a long-term positive result is expected for the development of the Fennoscandian LWfG population.
The project team established a Smart Patrol System (SPS), a novel high-tech patrolling system that was implemented for the first time, at least on a European level. It contributed to the enforcement of hunting laws at the Greek LWfG sites, and resulting in zero LWfG mortality as a result of hunting. At least 50 employees of local authorities participated in the SPS scheme. The new patrolling schemes in the Bulgarian LWfG sites also resulting in increased enforcement of hunting legislation and minimised mortality of protected waterfowl. A widespread LWfG field monitoring network was developed, reaching beyond European borders, which resulted in the discovery of new LWfG sites and the establishment of new national or regional teams that will also continue working after the project.
Comprehensive analysis of the LWfG diet was conducted and published for the first time in Greece and Hungary. This was essential for the habitat restoration actions that improved around 700 ha of LWfG habitat in Greece and Hungary.
The project contributed directly to the implementation of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), especially its International Single Species Action Plan for the Lesser White-fronted Goose, adopted at the Meeting of the AEWA Parties in 2008 - within the EU and beyond. As Contracting Parties to AEWA Bulgaria, Finland and Hungary are obligated to adopt and implement Action Plans for the species. Three National Action Plans were developed for the LWfG in Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece, drawing on project results. The Hungarian National Action Plan was adopted and its implementation initiated during the project. Local Action Plans for coordinated action against illegal killing were also officially endorsed for the Greek LWfG sites.
The project directly contributed to the implementation of the EU Birds Directive, by reverting the negative population trend of LWfG which is listed in Annex I. As a result of the many deliverables and outputs that have been widely disseminated, the project received international attention. It is considered as a conservation success, which has been recommended for replication, including for other endangered migratory bird species such as the red-breasted goose.
The project had a significant effect on the employment and training of people. For example, the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) contacted 17 persons as external assistants for the implementation of the SPS; and 3 people were trained in the use of CCTV surveillance, advanced patrolling techniques and wildlife identification. Most of the people trained and employed were local, in an area with few job opportunities. The Natura 2000 network is now viewed in a more positive light, and as a revenue opportunity.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
