PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Air pollution is one of the main problems caused by human activities for forested areas and natural ecosystems in the Leningrad Region. Being of economic as well as social and ecological importance, these ecosystems contribute to the richness of the Region, providing inhabitants with leisure opportunities, wood, chemicals and edible products. However, until recently, the effects of pollution have been underestimated, despite scientific studies to investigate its impacts. Data has been collected from many different sources, but so far no integrated analysis has been conducted to understand the dynamics of forest and ecosystem deterioration. This should be a priority to protect these valuable forests, some of which have been left untouched in their natural old-growth state since the Second World War. The LIFE FORECAST project was elaborated as an integrated approach to this problem, employing both the analysis of scientific environmental monitoring and geographic based information.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the project was to determine the extent of forest disease due to air pollution by combining the use of advanced technologies (remote sensing and cartography) together with results of current observations. LIFE FORECAST aimed to make the best use of existing data and research, focusing on knowledge transfer. A combination of current and advanced observation methods on a testing site (Carelia's Isthmus) should permit the results to be extrapolated to other, larger areas. Doing so, LIFE FORECAST would increase the efficiency of the ecological survey and decrease the costs and duration of fieldwork for future campaigns. Moreover, data collected since 1990 in the framework of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe should permit the monitoring of biodiversity changes in space and time. Results from these observations should help clarify annual losses and changes due to pollution, as well as help to enhance the adoption of sustainable development. LlFE FORECAST's methodology could then be re-applied to benefit all areas involved in the UN/ECE programme in Russia.
RESULTS
The project succeeded in introducing an integrated analysis of the deterioration of forest ecosystems - LIFE FORECAST - combining advanced mapping and inventory methods. Environmental protection and conservation was enhanced by: - Increasing understanding of endangered forest and eco systems; - Identifying changes in biodiversity and tree species composition on the Karelian Isthmus; - Outlining prospects for forest and ecosystem conservation as a reaction to numerous and simultaneous pressures; and - Demonstrating specific changes due to air pollution. Further the combination of ecological, geographical and inventory information have allowed a more up-to-date policy formulation.The project succeeded in introducing an integrated analysis of the deterioration of forest ecosystems - LIFE FORECAST - combining advanced mapping and inventory methods. Environmental protection and conservation was enhanced by: - Increasing understanding of endangered forest and eco systems; - Identifying changes in biodiversity and tree species composition on the Karelian Isthmus; - Outlining prospects for forest and ecosystem conservation as a reaction to numerous and simultaneous pressures; and - Demonstrating specific changes due to air pollution. Further the combination of ecological, geographical and inventory information have allowed a more up-to-date policy formulation.