x
Copied to clipboard!

Conservation and return of steppe birds to lowlands of Slovakia

Reference: LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE-4-STEPPE-BIRDS/101074480 | Acronym: LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The project is expected to halt the decline and improve the population trend of 10 rare steppe bird species in southern Slovakia. Project aims to return the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) as a breeder to Slovakia and to foster the return of European Roller (Coracias garullus) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Other target species include Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Garganey (Spatula querquedula), Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris), Scops Owl (Otus scops) and Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosseta); 9 SPAs are targeted. Most of the target species have presently a declining population trend – at EU level and especially in the project area. The aim of the project is to reverse these negative trends and to stabilize and increase the populations of the target steppe bird species on the northern border of the Pannonian bioregion. Besides the target bird species, we expect positive impacts on other species and habitats of EU importance: *Osmoderma eremita, Apium repens, Marsilea quadrifolia and salt marsh and grassland habitats (e.g. *1340, *6120, 6210, *6260). The project actions will lead to an increase in abundance and biodiversity of pollinators in the farmland areas targeted by 15%. The project will restore 700 ha of grassland habitats, of this 140 ha by returfing of arable land. Sustainable management by extensive grazing or mowing will be developed. 1600 nest-boxes will be installed for the Roller and Red-footed Falcon. 200 ha of land will be purchased, 90 ha long-term leased. 30ha of wetlands will be restored, which will improve the water retention by 30,000 m3 every spring. This, together with planting of 1000 trees and returfing of land will increase carbon sequestration by 169.7 tC/year. Communication and awareness raising activities will reach over 520,155 people including wide public but also the key stakeholders. Active participation and cooperation with local farmers, communities and volunteers (600) will be involved. The project will mobilize funds from CAP 2023-2027 by fostering the effective use of eco-schemes and establishing 10 km of biodiversity corridors (perrenial flowering bands, lines of trees and shrubs). A robust monitoring programme will be used to evaluate the impact of eco-schemes on biodiversity, with particular focus on pollinators. The monitoring results, together with feedback from cooperating farmers, will be used for designing nature-friendly CAP schemes for the period 2028-2035. A strong communication, replication and policies package is included to support their advocacy. Moreover, the project aims to pave the way for the restoration of 1500 ha of wetlands in SPA Medzibodrožie, catalyzig the effective use of funds from the RENEW EUROPE plan for Slovakia.


ADMINISTRATIVE DATA


Reference: LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE-4-STEPPE-BIRDS/101074480
Acronym: LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS
Start Date: 01/12/2022
End Date: 30/11/2028
Total Eligible Budget: 6,657,660 €
EU Contribution: 4,460,630 €

CONTACT DETAILS


Coordinating Beneficiary: SLOVENSKA ORNITOLOGICKA SPOLOCNOST/BIRDLIFE SLOVENSKO ZDRUZENIE
Legal Status: PRIVATE
Address: ZELINARSKA 4, 821 08, Bratislava,
Contact Person: Matej REPEL
Email: Send Email
Website: Visit Website


ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ADDRESSED

SPECIES

Name Threat Status Europe Version
Falco vespertinus - Birds Near Threatened v.2024
Otus scops - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Coracias garrulus - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Recurvirostra avosetta - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Anthus campestris - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Limosa limosa - Birds Vulnerable v.2024
Spatula querquedula - Birds v.2024
Tringa totanus - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Lanius minor - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Lanius collurio - Birds Least Concern v.2024
Anas querquedula - Birds Least Concern v.2024

NATURA 2000 SITES

Code Name Type Version
Medzibodrozie SKCHVU015 SPA v.2021
Lehnice SKCHVU012 SPA v.2021
Senianske rybniky SKCHVU024 SPA v.2021
Ostrovne luky SKCHVU019 SPA v.2021
Dolne Povazie SKCHVU005 SPA v.2021
Parizske mociare SKCHVU020 SPA v.2021
Cerová vrchovina - Porimavie SKCHVU003 SPA v.2021
Zitavsky luh SKCHVU038 SPA v.2021
Dunajske luhy SKCHVU007 SPA v.2021

PARTNERSHIPS

Name Status Type
 SLOVENSKA ORNITOLOGICKA SPOLOCNOST/BIRDLIFE SLOVENSKO ZDRUZENIE ACTIVE Coordinator
 BROZ OCHRANARSKE ZDRUZENIE ACTIVE Participant