PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The unique inland delta of the Nida River in central Poland is one of the richest areas in Europe in terms of biodiversity. Unfortunately, due to ill-considered land drainage carried out over many years, the condition of habitat types of EU importance has deteriorated significantly, which also threatens the conservation status of many characteristic species of the area. Therefore, it is necessary to improve water conditions of this area. This will contribute to the restoration of unique natural values, with respect to the Birds and Habitats Directives.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE4DELTA_PL project aims at improving the water conditions of the inland delta of the Nida River in Poland; thereby contributing to the restoration of the area’s unique ecosystems and mosaic of habitats, and the conservation status of its charateristic species.
Specific objectives are to:
Create ‘gene reserves’ to conserve plant species typical of the region that are threatened with extinction; Restore pastures, abandoned in the 1980s, to improve the conservation status of meadow habitats and species, and also help create new jobs and restore cultural patterns related to pastureland; Raise the awareness of the local community about the threats and the need to protect the most valuable ecosystems of the region, as well as to educate a wider audience; and Assess the socioeconomic effect of the activities carried out, to increase their replicability potential. Expected results:
Improved water conditions in the inland Nida River delta and Pińczów forest complex by building 8 hydroengineering facilities, and restoring old river beds over 16 km, drainage ditches over 28 km and eutrophic water bodies on 6 ha; Purchase of 110 ha of land for conservation actions; Improved habitat conservation status of Alluvial forests on 98 ha, Lowland hay meadows on 193 ha, and Molinia meadows on 28 ha; Initiation of pasturing by 60 cows at five grazing stations on 232 ha; Improved habitat conditions for six bird species on 285 ha; Construction of 10 nests for white stork (Ciconia ciconia) and a nesting platform for white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) with an existing one strengthened; Reintroduction of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) at one site; Restoration of thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) by establishing at least 20 shoals, reintroduction of the freshwater snail Anisus vorticulus on four sites,fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) on six sites, northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus) on two sites, and Desmoulin's whorl snail (Vertigo moulinsiana) on 20 microsites; Maintenance of the gene pool of plant species, including the reconstruction of 0.6 ha of semi-natural dry grassland and scrubland habitat and the establishment of a substitute site for the plants Serratula lycopifolia, Carlina onopordifolia, Dorycnium germanicum and Linum flavum; Reduced risk of human impacts on the inland delta of the River Nida through measures that channel tourist traffic and construct visitor infrastructure (e.g. 3 110 m of educational pathways and a birdwatching tower and a platform), along with increased awareness of environmental protection and Nature 2000; and Improved economic status of the local community by providing them with new opportunities to earn money.
