PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project area is in the south-western tip of Finland and consists of a large dispersed archipelago in the Baltic. The area has largely escaped the impact of economic development. The archipelago and surrounding sea is sheltered and constitutes the most significant breeding site for seabirds along the entire Finnish coast. The islands and mainland shores contain priority habitats under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) such as western taiga forest subtypes and raised bogs. These are of great significance as conservation areas for various species of endangered animals and plants. The flagship species is considered to be the white-tailed eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) which is listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). Thanks to earlier work by conservationists, the number of nesting eagles stood at 24 pairs in the project area in 1994, but this encouraging situation could only be maintained if the threats to the habitats in which the eyries (nests) are located can be kept at bay. These threats are expanding leisure and recreational use and connected activities such as construction of holiday homes, which damage habitats and disturb peaceful nesting sites. Away from the shores, land ownership changes and potential intensified forestry exploitation are a threat to some habitats. The project extends across two very distinct political entities: "mainland Finland" and the autonomous region of the Åland Islands.
OBJECTIVES
The principal measure to ensure the protection of the habitats and species consists of land acquisition. Five sites, including one entire island, have been selected as prime targets, with back-ups in case purchase of these proves impossible. All the sites targeted are vital nesting sites for the white-tailed eagle. However, the most important result of the project could be a demonstration in practice of how conflicts between the interests of landowners and the conservation of habitats and nesting sites can be solved positively and sensitively, given that local opinion tends towards seeing nature protection and the traditional way of life as being in opposition. Four mainland sites and one island were identified for purchase (target 232 ha minimum). Dead trees used for nesting would be supported – the eagle nests can weigh up to 3 tonnes and trees can collapse or be blown over.
RESULTS
This project concentrated on land purchase – some 201 ha of land and 25 ha of water were bought. Establishing territories and identifying the most suitable sites for purchase was mostly pre-project work. During the preparation work for the identification of Natura 2000 sites (not part of the project) it was confirmed that no management would be needed on the sites in the next 50-100 years - there was no need for management intervention besides purchase to prevent development or disturbance. Tree strengthening or artificial nest creation was considered to be unnecessary for the project (some was undertaken in the project area but not as part of the project). The project speeded up protection of the target species – five significant habitat sites were protected under a nature Conservation Act. Public awareness-raising activities and international co-operation with other eagle conservation programmes also formed part of this LIFE project. This project concentrated on land purchase – some 201 ha of land and 25 ha of water were bought. Establishing territories and identifying the most suitable sites for purchase was mostly pre-project work. During the preparation work for the identification of Natura 2000 sites (not part of the project) it was confirmed that no management would be needed on the sites in the next 50-100 years - there was no need for management intervention besides purchase to prevent development or disturbance. Tree strengthening or artificial nest creation was considered to be unnecessary for the project (some was undertaken in the project area but not as part of the project). The project speeded up protection of the target species – five significant habitat sites were protected under a nature Conservation Act. Public awareness-raising activities and international co-operation with other eagle conservation programmes also formed part of this LIFE project.