PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The conservation status of habitats and species found in the deep forest valleys of the Ourthe, Amblve, Vesdre and Our basins in Belgium has been adversely affected by several human-related disturbances, both direct and indirect. This has caused the reduction and loss of habitat as well as the isolation and extinction of local species populations. Furthermore, it has degraded the ecological integrity of natural habitats and resulted in a loss of ecological connectivity, with severe impacts on local biodiversity. The main disturbances are: the loss and fragmentation of natural alluvial and slope forests resulting from spruce (Picea abies) plantations; construction of artificial dams preventing free movement of aquatic species and degradation of river habitat quality caused by artificial modifications of river beds and banks; release of fine sediments into the rivers caused by plantation management measures (such as clear-cuts); and spontaneous colonization of aquatic and riverine habitats by invasive alien species (e.g. Impatiens glandulifera, Fallopia japonica and alien crayfish species).
OBJECTIVES
The objective of LIFE VALLEES ARDENNAISES is the ecological restoration of rivers and forests in the deep valleys of the Ourthe, Amblve, Vesdre and Our basins.
Specifically, the project will:
Restore forest habitats (including alluvial, slope, ravine and beech forests) through clear-cutting 150 ha of spruce plantations on alluvial soils and steep slopes; Improve the ecological connectivity of watercourses by remediation of 38 physical obstacles; Improve the conservation state of forest habitat remnants (e.g. alluvial, slope, ravine and beech forests) on a total area of 300 ha and of aquatic river habitats covering a total length of 2 600 m; Strengthen two remnant populations of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) in the Our and Ourthe occidental rivers and reintroduce the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaretifera margaretifera) in the upper Our basin; and Raise awareness among land owners, stakeholders and citizens about the value and utility (through an ecosystem services approach) of the habitats and species involved, as well as the importance of protecting and restoring them.
RESULTS
Expected results:
Removal of spruce plantations from 150 ha, restoring this to 60 ha of alluvial forests, 55 ha of acidophilous (i.e. acid-loving) beech forests, 25 ha of slope and ravine forests, 5 ha of siliceous rocky slopes, and 5 ha of upland siliceous screes; Better ecological connectivity between patches of alluvial forests and slope forests through the strategic choice of location of the restored sites; Improved ecological integrity in 125 ha of alluvial forests, 125 ha of acidophilous beech forests, 40 ha of slope and ravine forests, 2.5 ha of siliceous rocky slopes, and 7.5 ha of upland siliceous screes; Enhanced ecological connectivity fora minimum of 200 km of watercourses; Improved ecological integrity for watercourses of plain to montane levels on individual stretches covering a total length of 2 600 m; Long-term protection of 300 ha of public or private forest land with remnant or restored habitats of community interest, through land purchases (100 ha) or long-term contracts with private or public land owners (200 ha); Release of 4 000 specimens of U. crassus and reintroduction of M. margaretifera (2 000 individuals released); and Awareness raising through measures such as field activities, targeted training, activities in schools and various publications.
