PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Transitional small wetlands and coastal forests are among the most degraded and threatened ecosystems in the EU. This has resulted in many habitats and species in Mediterranean coastal areas having ‘unfavourable’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘near threatened’ conservation status according to the Habitats Directive.
Actions to improve the conservation status of habitats are particularly needed in 2 such areas along the Greek and Italian coasts, which were identified in preparatory project work. The Palo Laziale forest forms the core of the ‘Bosco di Palo Laziale’ Natura 2000 site in Italy (site code IT6030022). It covers 50 ha and is largely composed of the ‘Pannonian-Balkanic turkey oak-sessile oak forests’ habitat (habitat code 91M0). In Greece, the largest remaining riparian forest in the Mediterranean area is protected within the ‘Delta Nestou’ Natura 2000 site (GR1150010). This is of great ornithological value, but in past decades has been severely reduced in size. Previous conservation efforts included the reforestation of 60 ha by the ‘Nestos’ (LIFE02 NAT/GR/008489) project.
Habitats and species in both Natura 2000 sites face several serious threats, including shrub expansion, eutrophication and inappropriate water management, and invasive alien species.
OBJECTIVES
The main aim of the LIFE PRIMED project was to improve the conservation status of habitats and species in the Nestos Delta and Palo Laziale woods Natura 2000 sites in Greece and Italy, respectively.
The targeted habitats are ‘Mediterranean temporary ponds’ (habitat 3170), 'Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior’ (91E0) ’Arborescent matorral with Laurus nobilis’ (5230) and ‘Pannonian-Balkanic turkey oak-sessile oak forests’ (91M0), all protected under Annex I of the Habitats Directive.
Moreover, the project aimed to improve the conservation status of characteristic species, particularly Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), Jersey tiger moth (Callimorpha quadripunctaria, formerly Euplagia quadripunctaria), all protected under Annex II of the Habitats Directive, as well as species listed in the Birds Directive.
Direct conservation interventions were planned in both Natura 2000 sites, such as increasing the area of ‘Mediterranean temporary ponds’. The project also aimed to quantify the causes leading to ‘unfavourable’ conservation status of these habitats and species, and develop mechanisms to sustain management actions after the project. Moreover, it aimed to engage local residents in conservation actions, especially related to tourism to support the local economy.
RESULTS
The project has improved soil and hydrological conditions by establishing carbon-neutral water distribution networks and underground water tanks as a measure to address aridity, enhancing ecosystem resilience against drought and climate change adverse effects. The expansion of Mediterranean temporary ponds (habitat 3170) offers increased habitat stability and the self-sustained hydraulic system created, provides the seasonal water resources needed.
The recovery of Pannonian-Balkanic Turkey Oak-Sessile Oak Forests (91M0) was successful through silvicultural and conservation treatments. Better-quality and expanded Mediterranean temporary ponds and forest habitats have created better conditions and increased mainly populations of reptile species protected under the European Commission Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).
Invasive species control management was implemented to tackle and prevent the re-establishment of invasive species of mainly Amorpha fruticosa in Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior habitat (91E0), across 40 hectares of restored areas.
In total, 1 forest nursery, 2 hydraulic systems, 2 Sustainable Forest Strategic Management Plans (SFSMPs), 2 Water Resources Management Plans and 2 meteorological weather stations were completed, 1 set for each project area. These tools provide climate resilience by ensuring adaptive management of water resources and more stable abiotic conditions under different environmental conditions.
The project disseminated good practices in restoration for Mediterranean coastal ecosystems through conferences, workshops and participation in over 20 events. The findings were also incorporated into scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals and a practice manual for restoration was published, which will serve for replication purposes and ongoing conservation efforts in similar Mediterranean habitats.
Finally, the project has achieved a significant impact in capacity building and training of professionals by exceeding the target foreseen, as well as public awareness during guided tours and events. The afore-mentioned activities enhanced involvement in networking groups and EU funding initiatives which may secure the implementation outcomes in the long term.
