NATURE
Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
colours C/M/Y/K 32/49/79/21 1
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
European Commission Environment Directorate-General
LIFE (“The Financial Instrument for the Environment”) is a programme launched by the European Commission and coordinated by the Environment Directorate-General (LIFE Units - E.3. and E.4.).
The contents of the publication “Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the institutions of the
European Union. FOREWORD
Authors: João Pedro Silva (Nature expert), Justin Toland, Wendy Jones, Jon Eldridge, Ed Thorpe, Eamon O’Hara, Tim Hudson , Christophe Anne-Laure Barberousse Thévignot (AEIDL, Communications Team Coordinator). Managing Editor: Angelo Salsi (European Commission, DG Environ- LIFE Nature “Best of the Best” coordinator 2010 ment, LIFE Unit). LIFE Focus series coordination: Simon Goss (DG Environment, LIFE Communications Coordinator), Evelyne French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Jussiant (DG Environment, Communications Coordinator). The following people also worked on this issue: Aidas Pivoriunas, Transport and Housing Ainhoa Darquistade Fadrique, Aixa Sopena, Alberto Cozzi, Anastasia Koutsolioutsou, Andrej Baca, Anne Simang, Audrey Thenard, Bent Jepsen, Camilla Strandberg-Panelius, Chloe Weeger, Claudia Pfirrmann, Cornelia Schmitz, Darline Velghe, Donald Lunan, Edyta Owadowska, Emilian Burdusel, Emmanuelle Brunet, Enrico Quaglino, Felix Bergmann, Georgia Valaoras, Ieva Mardega, Ilaria Vielmini, Inga Racinska, Inta Duce, Ioana Lucaciu, Isabel Silva, Iva Rossi, Ivan Norscia, Ivaylo Zafirov, Jan Sliva, Jean-Paul Herremans, João Salgado, John Houston, Jorg Bohringer, Jose Carlos Perez Edrosa, Kaia Treier, Katerina Raftopoulou, Lubos Halada, Lynne Barratt, Manu Harchies, Marion Pinatel, Michael Lorenzo, Michele Lischi, Mitja Kaligaric, Monica Marrucci, Neil Wilkie, Peter Bezak, Peter Gajdos, Rolands Ratfelders, Sandro Angiolini, Sara Mora, Stefano Grignolio, Tiziana Nadalutti. Pro- duction: Monique Braem (AEIDL). Graphic design: Daniel Renders, Anita Cortés (AEIDL). Acknowledgements: Thanks to all LIFE project beneficiaries who contributed comments, photos and other useful material for this report. Photos: Unless otherwise This is the third year of the LIFE Nature Best Awards, the LIFE Unit’s means of acknowledging those specified; photos are from the respective projects. Cover photos: LIFE06 NAT/P/000191, LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125, LIFE04 NAT/ projects that have proven to be exemplary in their area of work. AT/000003, LIFE05 NAT/F/000135. Photos page 5: LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125, LIFE06 NAT/P/000191, LIFE05 NAT/D/000057, LIFE05 NAT/E/000058. Photos page 24: LIFE05 NAT/F/000135, LIFE04 NAT/ES/000056, LIFE04 NAT/AT/000003, LIFE05 NAT/S/000108. This publication is published in English with a print of 3 300 copies and is also available online. As in previous years, following an initial review carried out by its external monitoring team, the European Commission selected the most outstanding LIFE Nature projects completed by the end of 2010. The HOW TO OBTAIN EU PUBLICATIONS Member States and external monitoring team then reviewed this initial selection of 18 ‘Best’ projects, Free publications: drawn from a total of 11 Member States (see p. 4) and awarded the most exemplary projects the status • via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu); • at the European Commission’s representations or delegations. You can obtain their contact details on the Internet of ‘Best of the Best’ (BoB). (http://ec.europa.eu) or by sending a fax to +352 2929-42758. Priced publications: As the LIFE National Focal Point for France, I was responsible for coordinating the selection process. • via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu). Priced subscriptions (e.g. annual series of the Official Journal of the European Union and reports of cases This was no easy task, in fact, such was the high standard of the projects this year, that six were awarded before the Court of Justice of the European Union): BoB status, as opposed to five in earlier years. These six projects can provide a shining example of what • via one of the sales agents of the Publications Office of the European Union (http://publications.europa.eu/ others/agents/index_en.htm). a successful, well-designed and well-executed LIFE Nature project looks like.
Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union. The BoB projects have targeted a broad range of endangered species and habitats across several Freephone number (*): 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 Member States – a fitting tribute to the diverse and wide-ranging work of LIFE Nature to improve the (*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed. conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats, and to support the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu). Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication. I would like to thank the project beneficiaries and their partners for their excellent work in favour of nature Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2011 conservation and biodiversity. I would also like to thank the other National Focal Points and members ISBN 978-92-79-21315-1 of the monitoring team who helped evaluate the contenders for the awards. ISSN 1977-2734 doi:10.2779/69174 The higher profile that the best projects receive through the LIFE Nature Awards, which are presented © European Union, 2011 during Green Week each year, ensures that more people know about the LIFE+ programme and the Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. projects it sponsors. I sincerely hope that they continue to grow in stature and range in the coming Printed in Belgium years, illustrating the value of LIFE as a well-managed programme, converting its funding as efficiently Printed on recycled paper that has been awarded as possible into meaningful projects. the EU Ecolabel (http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabel/) 2 3
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
The “Best of” initiative
CONTENTS The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European
Commission’s LIFE Nature Unit have announced the Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010. INTRODUCTION The 18 projects selected represent the most successful of the recently completed LIFE
Nature projects, in terms of best practices and/or demonstration actions on nature
conservation and the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives
Foreword ...... 1 United Kingdom: Aiding Sweden: Indirect action biodiversity through boosts freshwater pearl Introduction...... 3 a chalk river restoration ...... 21 mussels...... 31
France: Bats and bogs The “Best of” initiative...... 3 Best LIFE Nature benefit from LIFE in projects 2010 ...... 24 Best of the Best LIFE the Rhône Alpes...... 32 Nature projects 2010 ...... 5 Austria: Protecting Romania: Helping increase natural forests of the Dalmatian pelican Spain: Conserving Upper Danube...... 25 numbers...... 33 temporary ponds on Minorca...... 6 Spain: LIFE helps Sweden: Back to reintroduce bearded nature for Östergötland’s Ireland: Balancing vultures to Andalusia...... 26 agricultural landscape...... 34 agriculture and nature in
the Burren ...... 9 France: Restoring Denmark: Measures to Commission Photo: European the functionality of river protect meadow bird The winners gather at the LIFE Nature Best Awards ceremony, held at the European Commission in Brussels during Green Week 2011 Portugal: Creating habitats...... 27 habitats ...... 35 suitable conditions for Iberian lynx conservation....12 France: Better long-term Spain: LIFE restores important wetlands by a he LIFE Nature component of the decided to identify and reward those best EU-27 (see table) and contribute to prospects for Rhône LIFE programme co-funded a practice projects with the greatest long LIFE Nature’s main objectives: sup- historic canal...... 36 T Germany: Human streber...... 28 total of 1 256 projects between 1992 term impact. This, the third Best LIFE porting the implementation of the EU’s factors enable successful and 2010, with a total budget of more Nature Projects exercise, is the product Habitats and Birds directives and the floodplain habitat France: Conserving List of available LIFE than €2 billion. For the LIFE+ fund- of an identification and evaluation process establishment and management of the conservation...... 15 the endangered aquatic Nature publications...... 37 ing period, 2007-2013, More than 280 based on a set of criteria developed by the Natura 2000 network of protected sites. warbler...... 29 LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity projects LIFE external monitoring team in collabo- Ireland: Restoring have been approved so far. This repre- ration with the European Commission. “The work you’ve done shows how sents a total investment of some €800 well you’ve spent your money and our critically rare natural Hungary: Egyek-Pusztakócs million. A total of 18 projects were selected as money,” said Simon Goss, Communica- woodlands...... 18 restores valuable grassland ‘best’ projects, with six awarded the tion Coordinator, LIFE Units, DG ENV, habitats...... 30 To help improve the dissemination of title, ‘Best of the Best’. The projects at the LIFE Nature Awards ceremony in LIFE Nature project results, the LIFE Unit selected were drawn from across the Brussels in May 2011. 4 5
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 INTRODUCTION Photo: European Commission Photo: European LIFE Nature head of unit, Angelo Salsi (right) and Stefan Leiner (Head of Nature unit), congratulates representatives of the Romanian Best project
How were the best directives to Natura 2000-site-based bearded vulture, aquatic warbler, and projects selected? projects (on a single or multiple sites) Dalmatian pelican, endangered fish with actions targeting several species species, such as the Rhône streber, Scoring of completed LIFE Nature pro- and habitats. as well as several grasslands, forest, jects was initially launched in the sum- wetland and river habitats. Actions to mer of 2006. Since then, projects are Species targeted by the Best Projects promote biodiversity were an impor- technically assessed by the LIFE Unit’s 2010 included mammals such as the tant part of a number of the successful external monitoring team, provided by Iberian lynx, bird species including the projects. the Astrale consortium. For the current best projects exercise, the monitors ranked all the projects that had ended The Best LIFE Nature projects 2010 by December 2010 to produce a first list. The final selection was then undertaken Best of the Best LIFE Nature projects 2010 by the Member States, under the coor- BASSES - Management and conservation of temporary ponds in Minorca Spain dination of Anne-Laure Barberousse of Best of Farming for conservation in the Burren Ireland the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustain- Lince Moura/Barrancos – Recovery of Iberian lynx habitat in Moura/Barrancos site Portugal able Development, Transport and Hous- Lippe-Aue - Optimisation of the pSCI “Lippe floodplain between Hamm and Hangfort” Germany ing, the LIFE+ National Contact Point RPWHI – Restoring Priority Woodland Habitats in Ireland Ireland for France. Projects were marked out STREAM – River Avon cSAC: demonstrating strategic restoration and management United of 100, with scores awarded according Kingdom the Best to the following criteria: Best LIFE Nature projects 2010 • Short-term improvement in conserva- tion status (max. 30 points); Donauwaelder - Alluvial forests and slope forests of the Upper Danube Valley Austria • Short-term leverage effect (additional Preliminary actions and reintroduction of the bearded vulture Spain France resources mobilised) (max. 10 points); LIFE TBFPA - Headwater streams and faunistic Heritage associated LIFE Nature Programme for the conservation of the Rhône-Apron (Zingel asper) and its habitats France • Long-term sustainability of improved Acrocephalus Bretagne - Conservation of the Aquatic Warbler in Brittany France conservation status (max. 30 points); EPU (HNP) Grassland restoration and marsh protection in Egyek-Pusztakócs Hungary • Long-term leverage effect (max. 20 Fpmswe - Freshwater Pearl Mussel and its habitats in Sweden Sweden points); Life plateau de Montselgues - Preservation of the heathlands, peatlands and bats of France • Long-term regional / national / inter- Montselgues projects national impact (max. 10 points). Pelecanus crispus Romania - Saving Pelecanus crispus in the Danube Delta Romania Natural meadows and pastures of Östergötland - restoration and maintenance Sweden The actions of the selected projects REMAB - Restoration of Meadow Bird Habitats Denmark range from the targeting of individual Canal de Castilla - Wetland restoration and management: Canal de Castilla Special Spain species listed in the Habitats or Birds Protection Area 2010 6 7
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
Inventories, management and monitoring
At the start of the project, the research team was aware of just 26 ponds on the island; by its conclusion, an inventory of some 76 temporary ponds’ habitats had been made, including the mapping of their biological and cartographic characteristics. The project team is still discovering new ponds: there are now believed to be 82. As a result of the project’s dissemination activities, farm- ers have contacted the local authority to determine whether they have a pond on their land, says Eva Cardona of the BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST Island Council of Minorca.
This inventory helped develop manage- ment actions and led to the inclusion of all of the project’s target sites in the Natura 2000 network, thus provid- ing legal protection. The management Excavation of an experimental temporary pond for educational purposes in Santa Eularieta actions also improved the conservation status of many of the ponds in the short term and highlighted the effectiveness Fraga i Arguimbau of the local govern- tus of species. The project also worked of habitat restoration. The project ment says that they wanted to encour- with the Balaeric University to study typically removed invasive species, age a “natural colonisation” of the habi- algae, as well as institutes in Valencia cleared vegetation, controlled road tats. Monitoring of the project areas is and Madrid for the study of bryophytes Spain: Conserving temporary access and restored traditional drain- continuing after-LIFE and new species and dragonflies respectively. Minorca’s age systems and stone walls. Many of continue to be discovered on a regular ornithological association was enlisted these actions have been included in basis, including aquatic birds and some to help research the bird species that ponds on Minorca an agri-environmental scheme for the rare crustaceans. One such species, a depend on the ponds. Biosphere Reserve Agricultural Con- fairy shrimp, Branchinecta ferox, was tract (CARB), which will help ensure the found at the Torrellafuda site for the first Studies carried out for the LIFE project long-term continuity of pond conserva- time in the 1970s. also showed that the Mediterranean The LIFE BASSES project demonstrated effective measures for preserving an important tion actions. tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) and the The beneficiary partnered with experts Balearic green toad (Bufo balearicus) – and uncommon pond habitat; the knowledge and experience acquired has become a Target species that will benefit from from several institutions for the moni- species of European Community inter- reference source for the conservation of this type of habitat. the project include the European pond toring side of the project. The Univer- est listed in Annex IV of the Habitats turtle (Emys orbicularis), Hermann’s sity of Girona carried out a study of Directive – are compatible and don’t tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the the macro-crustaceans found at 14 suffer from inhabiting the same pond. emporary Mediterranean ponds the island’s rich biodiversity. Examples shrubs. Led by the island’s local author- water fern, Marsilea strigosa. However, ponds, which allowed assessments to The population of the toad is decreas- Tare home to a wide range of flora of temporary ponds are found in south ity, the LIFE BASSES project (LIFE05 the LIFE BASSES team decided not be made on the impact of management ing in Minorca, however, and “conser- and fauna. These freshwater ponds are and northwest Minorca on the island’s NAT/E/000058) took actions to clear to reintroduce endemic species. Pere programmes on the conservation sta- vation of the ponds is very important for generally small and are formed in cavi- calcareous rocky plateau, as well as on shrubs and then reintroduce livestock ties or shallow depressions. Species the northern siliceous soils. grazing as part of a long-term conserva- The LIFE project implemented management plans for the Natura 2000 sites with temporary pond habitats that rely on these ponds have adapted tion programme for the priority habitat. to the extreme conditions of droughts The presence of too much shrub veg- and flooding periods, and many are etation around a temporary pond can It achieved this task by designing an thus exclusive to temporary ponds. create excessive shade, whilst an integrated management model for the excessive input of organic material can most important temporary ponds on On Minorca, temporary ponds support lead to eutrophication of the water. The the island; improving knowledge about several species endemic to the Balearic presence of cattle around these habi- the dynamics of the temporary ponds Islands, such as Romulea assumptionis, tats helps to regulate the vegetation habitat; restoring degraded temporary from the iris family, and Polygonum around them in a natural way. However, ponds; and raising public awareness romanum subsp. balearicum, from the the abandonment of livestock farming about the importance of conserving knotweed family. They are also vital to activities favours excessive growth of this habitat. 8 9
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
this species,” says project leader, Irene Estaún.
Positive outcomes
Rebuilding the dry-stone walls at many of the ponds – the government employed a specialist company to carry out this work – had the advantage of allowing farmers to control cattle graz- ing. For example, at Es Mal Lloc (which means “the insane place”) cattle control the invasive plant species, Paspalum paspaloides. Keeping down this plant has led to the expansion of the water surface and enabled native species to BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST flourish.
Actions were taken to restore and Photo: Aixa Sopeña expand a relatively large pond on a Specimen of Triops cancriformis, a living fossil found in the ‘Bassa verde’ lagoon in Minorca site in the military compound at Binis- sermenya. One of the main problems at this site was the use of tracks that out to the island’s community through ject set up a multidisciplinary technical cut through a corner of the pond area a travelling exhibition, which toured six committee. It also improved operational for exercise and training purposes. An municipalities in 2008 and 2009, attract- systems for environment management agreement was reached with the mili- ing more than 3 000 visitors. within local government departments. tary, however, to block off these tracks. “Verbally, it was easy to get an agree- Long-term impact Furthermore, the project can be con- ment, and they were very responsive sidered as a reference for management to our recommendations,” recalls Ms. One of the key outcomes of the project of Mediterranean temporary ponds. Estaún. was the development of a management The LIFE monitoring team believes that Ireland: Balancing plan for Minorca’s temporary ponds. This many of the actions taken by the pro- The project also encouraged good envi- sets out several regulations and an action ject are of great interest for managers of ronmental practice to prevent pollution. plan to ensure the good conservation similar habitats. agriculture and This resulted in 14 farms agreeing to status of the ponds, as required by the carry out measures to benefit the ponds. Habitats Directive, and to prevent further nature in the Burren deterioration of their ecological status, Another important piece of awareness- following the Water Framework Direc- raising was targeted at local school- tive’s guidelines for aquatic ecosystems. children, with the creation of a pond on The Burren LIFE Project (BLP) successfully piloted a conservation farming scheme publicly-owned land for teaching pur- Specific objectives of the management poses. “Every year the schools take a plan include: maintenance of the ter- to boost the high nature value of important limestone habitats in the west of Ireland. tour of the pond,” says Ms. Estaún, who ritorial surrounding landscape and the It laid the foundations for a large scale environmental farming initiative, for the whole explains that it was necessary to create existing land use structure; mainte- SPAIN an artificial pond because of the fragile nance of the natural hydrogeomorphol- region, which is now underway.. nature of the naturally occurring ones: ogy of the ponds; conservation of the Project number: LIFE05 NAT/E/000058 “It is not a good idea that everyone uses natural dynamics of the pond’s hydro- them.” period; maintenance of the physico- Title: BASSES - Management and conser- ocated along Ireland’s western Farming is an integral part of this land- ‘transhumance’ tradition of winter graz- vation of temporary ponds in Minorca chemical profile of the water; mainte- LAtlantic coastline, the Burren is one scape, and many generations have ing livestock on the upland grasslands, At this educational site, the children can nance of the trophic state of the water; Beneficiary: The Island Council of Minorca of Europe’s most remarkable limestone successfully farmed the region. The have proven to be key to the survival learn about the ponds’ natural cycles conservation of the biodiversity of spe- Contact: Irene Estaún areas. Extending over more than 60 000 extensive, low input farming systems of the diversity of plant and insect life and about the frogs and crustaceans cies and genetics; maintenance of the Email: [email protected] hectares, the dramatic karst landscape practiced by the farmers (mainly with in the region. that can be found in this habitat. Dis- ponds’ ecosystems and associated Website: http://www.cime.es/lifebasses/ supports a variety of priority habitats for cattle, but also sheep and goats) have play panels have been erected and habitat diversity; and maintenance of en/index.php conservation included in the Habitats helped preserve the Burren’s natural Livelihoods threatened many visitors to the information centre the function of temporary ponds. Period: Sept-2005 to Aug-2009 Directive, including limestone pavement, heritage, particularly from the threat of also view a short video on the impor- limestone heaths, orchid-rich dry cal- scrub encroachment (primarily hazel Despite the long agricultural tradition, Total budget: e1 014 000 tance of conservation. As well as the To improve the effectiveness of the dif- careous grasslands and almost unique, and blackthorn). In addition, Burren recent decades have seen a disruption e608 000 educational pond, the project reached ferent areas of expertise, the LIFE pro- LIFE contribution: disappearing lakes known as turloughs. farming practices, notably the reverse of the balance between farming and 10 11
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
the Burren region. This has resulted in Individually tailored management plans a number of threats. In particular, agri- were drawn up for each of the farms, fol- cultural intensification has impacted lowing the collection of baseline agricul- on water quality, whilst a reduction in tural and environmental data, and exten- winter grazing has resulted in extensive sive consultation between the project scrub encroachment. Livelihoods in the team and the farmer. The priority tasks farming and the tourism sector are also identified in these plans were translated threatened. into the detailed project actions that were carried out on the project farms Blueprint for sustainable each year. The plans were reviewed reg- farming ularly by the project team and the farmer and updated accordingly. The project’s overall objective was to develop a blueprint for sustainable agri- BLP solutions cultural management of the Burren’s priority habitats. The project was run by The project provided solutions to a BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST the National Parks and Wildlife Service number of key issues: (NPWS), the project beneficiary, and had • For the issue of undergrazing of win- the support of the Burren Irish Farmers Limestone heaths are common in the Burren, where they contain a wonderful mixture of terages, the project extended the Association and Teagasc (the Irish Agri- acid-loving and lime-loving plants winter grazing season by 25% using Turloughs are disappearing lakes, formed where a limestone depression is intermittently culture and Food Development Agency), a range of measures; flooded, generally in winter. They are normally filled through underground springs and holes as well as local communities. Visits to other important limestone project is that it was “farmer-led” and • In a bid to encourage farmers to cut areas in Europe were conducted to that support was very strong from the down on the use of silage, a special quality, animal health and farmer income. to around 145), managing more than 13 A pilot project of this nature requires a compare notes on site-selection. Stud- Burren farming community right from supplementary feed, the BLP ration, All indicators showed that arguably the 000 ha of Annex I habitats. considerable amount of preparation and ies addressing the impact of the land the off. This was reflected in the 80 or was formulated, tailored to suit the only way the Burren priority habitats monitoring in order to ensure that the use stipulations on habitat quality, so ‘expressions of interest’ from farm- area and to animals’ mineral and can be conserved is through the adop- “LIFE allowed us to develop a blueprint pilot mechanisms would be transferable soils and water quality were also car- ers who attended the public meetings nutritional requirements. This led to tion of the measures promoted by the for environmental farming in the Burren, to the whole Burren farmland region. ried out and matched with data on the held in 2004-2005 to inform them of the a decrease of 61% in silage use and LIFE project. Concerning the priority to test and cost it on the pilot farms and These preparations, covering the first condition of livestock and the costs of project. consequent point source pollution; habitats, there was a 25% increase of to gain the support of the farmers,” says three years of the project, included: (i) management. • The karst nature of the Burren means overall grazing levels on project farm Mr. Dunford. In his view, the new pro- talking to the local farmers and generat- Project manager, Brendan Dunford, that water is often in short supply, as winterages. This led to a 32% increase gramme would not have been launched ing support for the scheme; (ii) selection Farmer-led agrees, noting that securing the sup- most of the water flows underground (677.2 ha) in the amount of land classed without the initial, targeted experience: of the pilot farms; and (iii) the drawing up port and trust of farmers and recognis- and in a very unpredictable manner. as “well-grazed”. Where grazing levels “LIFE was a hugely important process,” farm management plans for each of the According to Sharon Parr, project sci- ing their expertise is also crucial to the The limited water availability restricts increased, there was a decrease in the he believes. selected sites. entific coordinator, a key aspect of the future continued management of the grazing levels and impacts animal amount of dead vegetation that sup- region. He says an important lesson welfare. The project improved water presses the growth of flowers – resulting learnt under LIFE – and now transferred facilities by installing nose pumps in an increase in the famed Burren flora. Nineteen of the original BLP farmers are now participating in the new programme to the new Burren Farming for Conser- and tanks on 18 farms including 26 vation Programme (BFCP), funded by new troughs and pumps; Mainstreaming the pilot the Irish Rural Development Programme • Poor farm infrastructure makes hus- – is that a ‘top-down’ approach won’t bandry difficult and less effective. Importantly, the success of this LIFE work nearly as well as “asking the farm- Therefore, the project restored 15 project has resulted in its continuation ers what they feel needs to be done” km of internal stone walls using local and mainstreaming under the (2010-12) to maintain the priority habitats on their labour; Burren Farming for Conservation Pro- farms. Another tip learnt under LIFE, • Restricted access affects the winter gramme (BFCP). Under the programme, IRELAND and now applied under the new pro- grazing areas and stock herding: the €1 million each year for three years has gramme, is to deal in practicalities and, project created access through clear- been allocated by the Department of Project number: LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125 importantly, “keep it simple”. ing scrub from 55 km of paths and Agriculture and Food to support high Title: Farming for conservation in the Burren 5 km of trackways (for vehicles); and environmental value farming, with tour- Beneficiary: National Parks and Wildlife Meanwhile, at the start of the BLP in • Scrub encroachment on priority habi- ism spin-offs in the Burren. The pro- Service (NPWS) 2004, a rigorous process was used to tats reduces biodiversity. To address gramme is managed by the NWPS, Contact: Brendan Dunford select the 20 pilot farms representative this, scrub was cleared from 100 ha working from the former project offices. of the diversity inherent in the Burren of priority habitats. It contains some real innovations, learnt Email: [email protected] – from 40 ha to over 400 ha – and rang- under LIFE, such as a simple, one- Website: www.burrenlife.com ing in conservation status from “favour- Only way forward page farm plan and a payment for the Period: Aug-2004 to Jan-2010 able” to “very unfavourable”, with some production of species-rich grasslands. Total budget: e2 230 000 farms almost completely overgrown The project monitored the outcome of Massively oversubscribed, 117 farmers LIFE contribution: e1 673 000 with scrub. its actions on priority habitats, water are already involved (a figure set to rise 12 13
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
Through community engagement and habitat restoration, a LIFE Nature project in to ensure the recovery or reintroduction of the species in the medium-to-long- Portugal has played an important role in efforts to preserve the critically endangered term. Iberian lynx. The specific goals of the LIFE project were to link core areas of lynx habi- tat to allow the species to expand its habitat range, create good shelter and Portugal: Creating suitable increase the populations of lynx prey species, especially rabbit, numbers of which had fallen sharply as a result of conditions for Iberian the impact of myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, as well as the lynx conservation abandonment of traditional agricultural activities. BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST nce found throughout the Ibe- tive. It is both the most threatened car- Iberian lynx population had fallen just Management measures were imple- Orian Peninsula, numbers of Ibe- nivore in Europe and the world’s most to 50 individuals by 1980; the last con- mented across an area of 7 694 ha rian lynx (Lynx pardinus) have dwindled threatened feline. firmed presence of the species in the using an innovative approach that did significantly in recent decades. Factors country was in 2001. not require compensatory payments to Rabbit “nest” protection site built by the project contributing to the alarming decline of The LIFE programme has supported be made to landowners and manag- the lynx population include the destruc- and continues to support actions Restoring a meta- ers. Seven management agreements some 650 existing specimens of such “Our goal with public participation was tion of its preferred habitat, Mediterra- across the Iberian Peninsula aimed population were signed, each of which included native species. Monitoring of rabbit not only to reach people but also to lis- nean woodland; the growing scarcity of at conserving this highly endangered a site management plan, drawn up in droppings suggests that these actions ten to people - to know what were their its main prey, wild rabbit (Oryctolagus species. In 2006, the Lince Moura/Bar- The project site is one of the most likely collaboration with the landowner/man- have had a positive effect on rabbit concerns; what were their thoughts and cuniculus); and the impact of poaching. rancos project (LIFE06 NAT/P/000191) places in Portugal where isolated indi- ager. Project manager Eduardo Santos abundance. feelings about conservation; about the was established to restore and main- viduals might be found, as a result of from LPN believes that an important Natura 2000 network; about lynx con- Numbers have fallen to such an extent tain key areas of Iberian lynx habitat its proximity to Andalusia, Spain (where element of the project was the fact that Significant work was also undertaken servation; about these kinds of issues,” that the species is today listed as ‘criti- and the connective corridors between the two remaining Iberian lynx popula- the management plans were designed to recover riparian habitats to act as says Mr. Santos. cally endangered” (CR) in the IUCN them in the Moura/Barrancos Natura tions are located). The site contains to integrate the conservation of the natural corridors for the Iberian lynx “Red List” and as a priority for conser- 2000 site in south-east Portugal. Once areas of habitat suitable for lynx or site’s natural values with the continu- (fencing 10 km of rivulets to keep graz- The project team planted more than 60 ha vation in Annex II of the Habitats Direc- widespread throughout Portugal, the areas that might be improved in order ation of ‘traditional’ economic activi- ing livestock away from the riverbanks, of leguminous and grass pastures ties, with special regard to promoting planting 500 trees and 200 bushes), but sustainable rural development on the much of this was destroyed by flash Project location in the Contenda special hunting zone, inside the Moura-Barrancos Natura 2000 site sites. “Almost all conservation projects floods in 2009. “We tried to recover regarding large predators face distrust what we could, but unfortunately half from people. This distrust is often to do of it was lost,” says Mr. Santos. Ironi- with nature conservation methods, not cally, the effects of the flood “showed the species – in general people regard that these kinds of actions are needed the lynx as a beautiful species, as part because one of the functions of gallery of their land, their culture. The distrust forests is exactly to prevent erosion and is because the lynx has been used as prevent washing away during heavy a flagship to stop some projects that rains,” Mr. Santos explains. people regarded as ‘development’,” he notes. Winning the trust of local communities Actions were taken to create better conditions for the rabbit population, Perhaps the biggest challenge the pro- including the sowing of 60 ha of pas- ject faced was to gain the support of tures to improve feeding conditions and local people for its actions. “We had the installation of 100 rabbit shelters, 72 to get people to know us and start to water suppliers, 15 watering points and trust us,” says Mr. Santos. To this end, 120 feeders. The project team also cre- the beneficiary implemented a public ated areas of natural refuge by planting participation programme, holding four and seeding more than 3 000 plants of meetings involving residents from the typical native species (holm oak, cork municipalities of Moura and Barrancos, trees, strawberry trees, Italian buck- as well as a workshop on management thorn and oleaster) and by protecting of natural resources. 14 15
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Germany: Human factors enable successful floodplain habitat conservation
Stakeholder participation is a vital tool for sustainable nature conservation actions and
good practice approaches to involving farmers and citizens have been demonstrated by BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST a LIFE project in north-west Germany focused on restoring protected riverside habitats.
Fences were erected to restore riparian vegetation by keeping grazing livestock away from the banks of streams
Looking back, he considers the public He believes that LIFE has had a very from Spain was twice spotted in south- participation aspect (which also included important role to play in lynx conserva- east Portugal. “The ecological result for such dissemination activities as posters, tion. In the case of his own project he the species wasn’t much - it was just a leaflets, a website, guided field visits and says, “what the LIFE programme ena- vagrant animal that was in and out of lectures at fairs, universities and schools) bled was for us to implement a bigger the country,” says Mr. Santos. “But it as a major achievement in a region often project than we would otherwise have showed that the region can be reached adverse to nature conservation issues been able to do and to maintain it for by dispersing animals, lynxes - that it is and Natura 2000. “It was a very impor- several years.” In addition, Mr. Santos suitable for that. Lynxes that can dis- tant tool - It was one of the most impor- says that the groundwork laid by Lince perse to the region can settle and can tant actions of the project with some of Moura/Barrancos is feeding in to the start creating a population and, who the best results,” believes Mr. Santos. ongoing, larger-scale LIFE+ project: knows, maybe in the future breeding.” “It’s something we are still trying to do “The previous LIFE project enabled us right now... being able to work with peo- to have the necessary knowledge, con- ple - landowners, hunters and farmers nections and contacts to afterwards - and having their trust and being able prepare and ask for this new LIFE pro- to develop partnership agreements with ject. It was important.” them. To show that it is possible to work together with the common goal of con- It is not only the results that have been
serving the habitats of species such as important, the very existence of the Photo: municip_Hamm the Iberian lynx.” LIFE project had an impact on people’s attitudes, he believes: “Having the sup- Following up with LIFE+ port of the Commission shows people PORTUGAL urope’s river floodplains are well helping land users identify appropriate (a tributary of the Rhine) in north west- that we are serious about this. And that known for their rich biodiversity. management approaches; improving ern Germany (LIFE05 NAT/D/000057) Project number: LIFE06 NAT/P/000191 E LPN is continuing its Iberian lynx other people in Europe think of this as Floodplains also provide important the functionality of riparian habitats; reveals how this can be achieved in conservation work through a second a real problem and a serious problem.” Title: Lince Moura/Barrancos – Recovery of flood prevention functions and are the and supporting Member States’ com- practice. Iberian lynx habitat in Moura/Barrancos site project, co-funded by LIFE+. The goal source of raw materials for economic mitments to environmental regulations. of the Habitat Lince Abutre project First sighting Beneficiary: Liga para a Protecção da activity. Their landscape features are Conservation challenges Natureza (LPN) (LIFE08 NAT/P/000227) is to enhance valued by visitors and local residents The LIFE programme’s experience habitat for the Iberian lynx and another The work of LPN and its partners, Contact: Eduardo Santos alike, so looking after our floodplains shows that human inputs remain abso- The Lippe floodplain is home to a num- endangered species, the black vulture together with LIFE co-funded conserva- Email: [email protected] makes a lot of long-term environmental lutely fundamental for effective nature ber of species listed in the annexes (Aegypius monachus), across a wider tion projects in Spain has given the criti- Website: http://projectos.lpn.pt/lifelince and socio-economic sense. conservation work in floodplain areas of the Birds and Habitats directives, swathe of south-east Portugal and with cally endangered Iberian lynx a fighting Period: Oct-2006 to Dec-2009 (as well as elsewhere). The participation including the marsh harrier (Circus more partners: “hunting associations, chance of survival. The Portuguese ben- LIFE co-funding has been applied with of the right people at the right time with aeruginosus), corncrake (Crex crex) Total budget: e493 000 agricultural associations, other NGOs, eficiary was given a boost at the begin- good effect on a number of inter-linked the right objectives is essential, and a and kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), bullhead e state institutions,” explains Mr. Santos. ning of 2010 when a GPS-tagged lynx LIFE contribution: 370 000 fronts in Europe’s floodplain areas: LIFE Nature project from the river Lippe (Cottus gobio), Atlantic salmon (Salmo 16 17
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
salar), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) included in a proposal for a LIFE pro- The beneficiary was able to offer the and asp (Aspius aspius). ject application. Similar consultations land leases to farmers at zero cost and were carried out with other members to swap their riverside land for fields of However, as LIFE project co-ordinator of the local community at public meet- equivalent size and productivity outside Oliver Schmidt-Formann explains, ings. Conclusions from this preparatory the floodplain area. The principles of “changes that occurred in the river sys- work resulted in the design of a LIFE this approach were explained to farm- tem during the last century had badly project proposal that already enjoyed ers before the application for LIFE sup- affected the conservation status of our a considerable amount of support and port was submitted. floodplain habitats and the species that sense of ownership from the people depended on them. Intensive agriculture involved. Mr Schmidt-Formann believes It was agreed that a study would be was producing nutrification problems that this early involvement of the main undertaken after 12 months of the pro- for water quality and drainage ditches stakeholders was possibly the most ject to determine the effects of habitat had lowered ground water levels in wet- important success factor of the project. restoration work on the farmland. The
land areas. Pond habitats were either “Because the public and farmers were study, published in February 2006, Photo: Tim Hudson filled in or even lost in places to make already aware about what was being quantified the potential loss of produc- Farmers now use extensive methods to raise livestock along the river bank way for livestock and crops. Heavy farm planned, and because they themselves tivity in fields following an increase in BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST machinery had disturbed nesting areas had helped shape the plans, we could ground water levels and more frequent tions about practical matters like how bullhead - were counted in a 12 month LIFE+ project (LIFE08 NAT/D/000010), for birds and recreation pressures from start work straight away on our restora- prolonged periods of natural flooding. many cows I could graze in different period. New habitat features such as which is extending the coverage of the public were also causing a strain tion plans once we got the green light This provided a tool for the LIFE team to fields, what type of fertilisers I could or a shallow bed oxbow and sandy river “action blocks” and building on its on sensitive parts of the river system. for the LIFE funds.” calculate how much land different farm- could not use and what would this mean bank zones were also established. As a predecessor’s core principles of stake- These issues were all compounded ers would be offered during the land for the amount of fodder I could grow result, the sand martin (Riparia riparia) holder participation. As former Minister by a programme of engineering works Land leasing swap. Farmers working in the areas for the cows. The LIFE project gave me has now returned to the project site in for the Environment and Conservation, that disconnected sections of the river most affected by the floodplain resto- the answers to these questions and significant numbers. Agriculture and Consumer Protection and altered natural flow patterns in an Land acquisition was the first priority ration were offered leases for more of that helped me decide to get involved. of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, attempt to control flood risks.” for the LIFE project and some 100 ha the compensatory land located outside Another point that influenced my deci- As well as this coordinated hydro-engi- Eckhard Uhlenberg observes, “The LIFE of riverside fields were bought, cover- the floodplain zone. sion was the security and flexibility that neering activity, LIFE provided finance project ‘Lippe Floodplain’ is a good To counteract these threats to the eco- ing five batches of land. These “action a longer-term lease gave me.” to cover the costs of establishing new example of how rivers can be restored logical integrity of the floodplain nature blocks” linked up with existing farm- In addition, the LIFE team worked species-rich alluvial woodlands and a in such a way that that economic, social reserve, Hamm City municipality started land owned by the municipality to cre- closely with farmers to ensure that they Restoration outcomes network of visitor facilities (information and ecological demands are made preparing a plan to restore the river ate a mosaic of 180 ha that the LIFE properly understood the changes that panels and viewing towers). “The visitor compatible. This only became possible Lippe floodplain to its former condition. team now controlled in full. Special were being proposed to their business LIFE co-financed a wide range of facilities have been carefully located to as a consequence of the early forging “It was essential that we got partners purchasing arrangements had been operations. One of the farmers, Heinrich habitat conservation actions. These direct people towards sites with higher of co-operative ties between users and on board from the local water author- agreed in advance with farmers dur- Freisfeld, remarks that he had some res- included the removal of obstacles to ‘carrying capacities’ and away from owners of the affected areas.” ity (Lippeverband) and our neighbour- ing the early consultation period which ervations about the project at the start. natural flood channels and excava- parts of the floodplain that are more ing local authority (Kreis Warendorf),” meant that they could continue to work “I wanted to know what type of exten- tion of six new flood channels to help sensitive to disturbance,” notes Holger notes Mr Schmidt-Formann. “We also their land using a lease procedure that sive agriculture I was being asked to water flow faster into riverside mead- Ruhmann from the LIFE project team. received a great deal of useful assist- excluded any use of intensive agricul- take on and I needed to know how this ows, and remain there longer. Ponds of ance from NGO partners at the environ- tural practices. would affect my business. I had ques- standing water were dug and allowed Public involvement and mental group ABU Biologische Station. to colonise naturally with native plant accolades After securing this core partnership, Local fishing groups were involved in monitoring the LIFE project species. Existing ponds were deepened our next step involved reaching out to and the creation of new standing water The project also realised the importance speak to the people who would be most features provided a patchwork of tem- of raising public awareness of its work: affected by any changes to the river: porary and permanent pond habitats for “What people don’t know, they don’t farmers and the citizens of Hamm.” populations of dragonflies and amphib- want to protect.” A programme of pub- GERMANY Photo: Bunzel-Drüke ians, which in turn have attracted bird lic events took place based on ideas A series of consultation meetings and species including the first pair of white that emerged during the preparatory Project number: LIFE05 NAT/D/000057 sessions were organised with these storks (Ciconia ciconia) to breed in the consultations. These included public Title: Lippe-Aue - Optimisation of the vital stakeholders. Agenda topics nature reserve. excursions through the water meadows pSCI “Lippe floodplain between Hamm included discussing options for rein- and two festivals celebrating the habitat and Hangfort” stating former wetland areas, convert- Dykes have been removed and river restoration work. Public feedback from Beneficiary: Stadt Hamm, Umweltamt ing intensive farmland into meadows, sections reconnected. A new 500 m these events such as, “I never knew that Contact: Oliver Schmidt-Formann reconnecting river sections and improv- fish pass channel was built as a near- we could help wildlife in this way” high- ing recreation facilities. natural stream in the water meadows lights how LIFE’s public relations invest- Email: [email protected] to overcome a weir. LIFE enlisted the ments paid off in gaining local support Website: www.life-lippeaue.de Discussions were held with individual help of local angling clubs to monitor for the nature conservation work. Period: Jan-2005 to Jul-2010 farmers, the Chamber of Agriculture the success of this fish pass and 10 Total budget: e5 515 000 and a farmer’s association to kick-start 000 fish of 33 species - including the Restoration work on the Lippe floodplain LIFE contribution: e2 757 000 dialogue about what actions might be rare spined loach (Cobitis taenia) and is now being developed further by a new 18 19
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ditions to allow the native woodlands to “re-emerge and to regenerate” in future years. Principal objectives were to remove non-native trees and to con- trol invasive non-native species, and to reinstate natural water regimes at the wet habitats. Other goals were to control grazing and animal trespass; to carry out the manual planting of yew; and to raise public awareness of these special woodland habitats.
Three of the sites served as ‘LIFE demonstration sites’, where work also involved public awareness and educa- tion. They were selected because of BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST their unique ecological characteristics and proximity to population centres: • Clonbur (292 ha) on the Co. Galway/ Co. Mayo border – an ash/hazel woodland associated with limestone pavement; • Hazelwood (24 ha) in County Sligo – an alluvial (river) woodland where the Ash/ hazel natural woodland associated with limestone pavement at the Clonbur hydrology remained relatively intact, ‘demonstration site’ on the Galway / Mayo border offering good prospects for restora- tion despite the invasion of non-native Restoration techniques out intervention in the form of planting. species; and Ash was particularly successful, reach- • A site in Cahir Park (9 ha) in Country A number of different restoration ing average heights of 150 cm after only Tipperary – an example of a rare wood- approaches were used; some of these three years. Ireland: Restoring critically land type in Ireland, yew woodland. were standard restoration techniques, whilst others were more innovative. Another main action targeted the control One of the main restoration actions of invasive non-native shrubs, notably rare natural woodlands Site map – Ireland Priority involved removal of non-native trees. rhododendron, once planted for amen- Woodland Locations Very often this meant felling non-native ity. Shrub removal was carried out using conifers, such as Norway spruce, larch, chainsaws and, in order to prevent Sitka spruce and broadleaves such as regeneration, herbicides were applied This large scale project, run by Coillte Teoranta targeted the restoration of more than beech, sycamore and horse chestnut. to the freshly cut stumps. These sites 550 hectares of Ireland’s priority natural woodland habitats on nine Natura 2000 Where machinery was used, sensitive were re-visited to remove unwanted extraction methods were incorporated seedlings and re-growth. sites. Significant improvements in habitat quality were achieved on all sites and these e.g. running on brash mats made of improvements are expected to endure. the tree branches and tops, to avoid Some of the woodlands restored are soil compaction or damage to sensi- bordered by non-forested land. Some tive limestone pavement. At most sites, adjacent areas contain populations he LIFE Nature RPHWI project Under threat The nine restoration sites from across the habitat was too sensitive to allow of deer and feral goats. Uncontrolled T(LIFE05 NAT/IRL/000182) targeted Ireland were carefully selected from machine access and so many trees grazing threatens natural regeneration four native woodland habitat types found Natural woodlands once covered most ecological surveys, carried out prior to were felled manually. In some cases, old of woodlands. Therefore the sites were in the Republic of Ireland – alluvial, bog, of Ireland, but over time and with the the commencement of the LIFE project non-native trees (e.g. Spanish chestnut, protected by fencing (including deer ash/hazel woodland associated with impact of human activities, only a small by the beneficiary, Coillte Teoranta – large silver fir, horse chestnut, lime and fencing) and repairs to existing walls. An limestone pavement, and yew woodland. proportion still remains. Ireland’s prior- the Irish forestry board, an organisa- poplar) were retained for their biodiver- innovative river gate was also designed These habitat types are restricted in their ity woodland habitats are threatened by tion responsible for Ireland’s publicly- sity value. and installed to prevent browsers enter- distribution, not only in Ireland, but across issues such as past afforestation with owned commercial forests. “These ing the restored woodland. Europe. As such they are recognised as non-native tree species; the spread of were very special sites: picked because Natural regeneration priority for conservation under the EU invasive exotic trees and shrubs; drain- of their priority status, their rarity, and Another restoration technique was the Habitats Directive. These are woodlands of age of alluvial areas and bog woodland; because they all offered clear poten- Natural regeneration was the pre- use of ‘coffer dams’ at one of the wet extremely high nature conservation value overgrazing and animal trespass; as well tial for restoration,” explains project ferred restoration method, which was woodland sites. These were used to providing habitat, shelter and food for as a general lack of appreciation of their manager, Sean Quealy. The overall achieved by allowing native trees to block manmade drains. Care was taken many endemic plant and animal species. value. aim was to put in place the right con- seed and grow naturally on site, with- to ensure that the restoration works did 20 21
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not negatively impact on neighbouring lands, or inundate woodland areas not United Kingdom: Aiding usually flooded. Some 330 dams made manually on site from untreated larch were installed, and according to moni- biodiversity through toring, are showing very good results. a chalk river The project successfully achieved its target of restoring 550 ha of some of restoration the most important woodlands in Ire- land: The areas are already beginning to show signs of recovery with a return to natural woodlands. Targets for removal of non-native conifers and broadleaves This LIFE project demonstrated how pilot interventions can recreate a more naturalis- were exceeded and targets were also tic chalk river, offering significant biodiversity benefits, including to target species. The achieved for the removal of exotic inva- BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST sive shrubs. project is a great example of how important working with stakeholders can be to the long-term success of habitat restoration efforts. Yew success
A notable success of the project was its Sean Quealy (right), project manager, next to the LIFE information board at the entrance to restoration of yew woodland, since the Bishop’s Wood (alluvial woodland) near Durrow in County Laois yew (Taxus baccata) is especially scarce in Ireland. Originally the aim was to add Continuing to excel in 2010, in recognition of this important 33.5 ha, but restoration works resulted in work. “Funding through the LIFE instru- 55 ha being added to the national inven- The project excelled at dissemination. ment was vital, as the project would not tory of yew woodland. To supplement Under the guidance of Breda Lyons, have taken place without it,” believes natural regeneration of the yew, plant- project administrator and PR manager, Philip Murphy, responsible for EU affairs ing was carried out using cuttings taken strong links were developed at local and at the forestry board. “The support and from locally-grown specimens – grown national level, which endure after-LIFE. guidance we received from the monitor- at Coillte’s tree research improvement The project continues to inform peo- ing team, desk officers and the LIFE Unit nursery – and planted back at their origi- ple about its actions, mainly through and other strong network connections nal woodland site. Tree guards and tree its website; and the demonstration were invaluable to the project success.” mats were used to protect them from sites are open to the public. All Coillte grazing or competing vegetation. woodlands have an open access forest policy.
Yew plants were grown from cuttings Importantly, the project sites will con- taken from mature specimens of local provenance tinue to be managed as part of Coillte’s nature conservation programme (whereby 15% of the Coillte forest estate is managed primarily for bio- diversity). “The entire area has been returned to native priority woodland IRELAND and will improve and endure,” says Mr. Quealy. He credits in particular, “all halk stream habitats are char- channels and bank sides that offered a which require fine sediment for breed- Project number: LIFE05 NAT/IRL/000182 those closely involved in managing the Cacterised by stable water flows perfect habitat for a number of fish and ing, and to the bullhead (Cottus gobio). Title: RPWHI – Restoring Priority Woodland habitats”, notably the ability of the for- and temperatures, since porous chalk other flora and fauna species. The river was typified by flowing water Habitats in Ireland est managers to embrace the project acts as an aquifer, absorbing rain and vegetation, particularly water-crowfoot ethos and adopt the project restora- Beneficiary: Coillte Teoranta (The Irish regulating the speed at which water As a healthy river, the River Avon was (Ranunculus). Its river banks and veg- Forestry Board) tion techniques and objectives. “They enters the streams. The River Avon in an important breeding site for wild sal- etation provided habitat for a wealth of dealt with sites very sensitively, show- Contact: Sean Quealy southern England (also known as the monid fish species that require gravel biodiversity, including water voles (Arvi- ing great understanding of all aspects of Email: [email protected] Salisbury Avon or Hampshire Avon to beds, such as the brown trout (Salmo cola amphibius), Desmoulin’s whorl snail woodland management.” Website: www.woodlandrestoration.ie distinguish it from other English rivers trutta), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (Vertigo moulinsiana) and many bird and Period: Jan-2006 to Dec-2009 of the same name) is one of the most and grayling (Thymallus thymallus). insect species. As well as being among the Best of the important chalk streams in the UK and It was also home to fish such as the Total budget: e2 595 000 Best LIFE project winners, Coillte was Europe. For hundreds of years, moder- brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) and Human intervention in the river had signifi- LIFE contribution: e1 305 000 also awarded an Energy Globe Award ate human intervention had generated sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), cantly increased since the Second World 22 23
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War. In the name of flood defence, the need for a more strategic approach to and flow deflectors in the water. Wooden improvements to the river, and to the river was dredged substantially and river restoration. posts were driven into the riverbed in quality of fishing.” obstacles removed from the water- specific shapes and filled with woody course to enable the water to flow Two simultaneous projects were devel- material. These structures collected sed- Looking back at the project sites more faster. To manage floodplains for more oped working on different aspects of iment and developed often significant than a year after the project’s end, the intensive agricultural use, channels these challenges. Alongside the LIFE plant life, providing shelter and habitat project workers have noticed other ben- were dug to increase the speed of drain- project, the stakeholders put together for numerous species. At other sites, efits. Recreating more naturalistic rivers age. Jenny Wheeldon, STREAM project a successful application to the UK Her- whole trees were fixed in place in the seems to have encouraged landowners manager, highlights the extent of the itage Lottery Fund for a project focus- watercourse. Other approaches tried at to leave a much more naturalistic look to human intervention: “There are hun- ing on community engagement, dealing different sites included fixing trees in the the bankside areas, with only selected dreds of man-made structures – known with invasive species, improving biodi- watercourse, adding stones and gravel areas cut back for public access. This as hatches - along the river, diverting versity and raising public awareness. at strategic locations along the edge of offers a much better habitat for water water to different uses, including fish One of the major advantages of this was the river and even pushing raised river- voles, the endangered Desmoulin’s whorl farms and gardens.” that media actions, awareness events banks back into the river course. snail and other biodiversity than the pre- and information boards could be jointly viously more intensive management. These interventions had a significantly organised, reinforcing each other. These actions changed the horizontal BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST BEST OF THE BEST PROJECTS THE BEST OF BEST negative effect on biodiversity. Dredg- and vertical profile of the river, creat- LIFE STREAM successfully demon- ing the river for flood events meant that The LIFE project pooled existing data ing obstacles that the water has to flow strated that targeted forms of one-off for large periods of the year, only a small Photo: Jenny Wheeldon from all the available sources and set around and areas of different depths. intervention could restore more natural- amount of water was travelling slowly Surveying the fish species of the Salisbury Avon about studying the River Avon to iden- This generated areas of quicker and istic river dynamics, enabling the river down the bottom of the oversized river- tify the degraded sites. “We knew the slower movement, which helped clean to recreate varied habitats through bed. The removal of obstacles from the Understanding the river’s could engage people better in develop- river was in a bad state, but we found the gravel bed in some areas and natural processes. It was also able to water meant that the diversity of riverbed needs ing conservation strategies, events were that over 60% of the river qualified as deposit fine sediment in others. “The show the advantages of more natural habitat was significantly decreased. The organised to bring stakeholders together significantly degraded,” remembers varied water speed creates a varied rivers to stakeholders ranging from reduction in wetland meadow habitat The international importance of the to identify the main threats to the river Ms. Wheeldon. From these stretches, river bed, which restores the mix of anglers associations to river and water and changes to riverbanks saw numbers rare habitats and species in the river habitat. By taking on a facilitation role, a panel of river restoration experts conditions needed by different species authorities. This work has played a key of insects and birds drop, as well as the and its major tributaries is recognised the university project helped identify the selected six demonstration sites for of plant and fish to prosper,” explains role in the development and implemen- Habitats Directive annex II-listed Desmou- by its designation as a Special Area of right stakeholders to engage with. Dia- restoration actions, based on practical Ms. Junghanns. tation of the current and ongoing Stra- lin’s whorl snail and vertebrates such as Conservation (SAC). In the same area, logue was seen to improve because Eng- feasibility and likelihood of success. tegic Framework for the Restoration of the water vole and otter (Lutra lutra). the Avon Valley Special Protection Area lish Nature was seen as an equal partner One of the major successes of the the River Avon, which plans to restore (SPA) seeks to protect the wintering in the process rather than the leader. Pilot restoration actions project was that it was able to engage the whole river and valley in a coher- Typical water Ranunculus habitats found in grounds of internationally important stakeholders effectively. As well as a ent way. the River Avon system bird species such as Bewick’s swan The LIFE STREAM project (LIFE05 NAT/ One management technique imple- lot of effort on public information and (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) and gad- UK/000143) emerged in 2005 as a fol- mented involved establishing islands awareness-raising, the project worked wall (Anas strepera) on the river’s flood- low-up project. Led by English Nature to reassure different stakeholders that plains. Biodiversity Action Plans have – which became Natural England – the Panels from a project exhibition their needs would also be met. Key been developed for a number of nation- project aimed to demonstrate a range tools in this were modelling technol- ally important populations of waterfowl, of innovative river restoration tech- ogy to predict and assess the impact of Photo: Jenny Wheeldon rare plants and invertebrates in the area. niques appropriate to chalk rivers and interventions on flood risk and specific thus restore the watercourse habitat for hatch operating protocols for the open- A LIFE in UK Rivers project (LIFE99 associated species. It also sought to ing and closing of hatches to ensure that NAT/UK/006088) led by English Nature integrate the management of the river the needs of both local landowners and in co-operation with other UK environ- SAC with the adjacent Avon Valley SPA. the river ecosystem were met. These UNITED KINGDOM mental bodies increased understand- protocols are now being used nationally. ing of the ecological requirements of Dagmar Junghanns, team leader for Project number: LIFE05 NAT/UK/000143 seven of the UK’s SAC rivers and how River Avon projects, recalls the impor- Perhaps the key stakeholder was the Title: STREAM – River Avon cSAC: demon- to develop related conservation strate- tance of this enhanced stakeholder local anglers association. The rich inver- strating strategic restoration and management gies. At the same time, a locally driven dialogue: “We were not drafting a strat- tebrate life and characteristic transpar- Beneficiary: Natural England (formerly Wessex Chalk Stream Project provided egy and then seeking consultation and ent shallow water make chalk rivers par- English Nature) seed funding for habitat restoration approval on that basis. People approved ticularly suited to fly fishing. Fishing is an Contact: Jenny Wheeldon and river management actions on the of the approach because they were important source of income to landown- River Avon. It started to build important involved in creating it.” Together, the ers along the river system and generates Email: jenny.wheeldon@naturalengland. org.uk relationships between local authorities, stakeholders agreed a list of the major local employment. Initially some fishing conservationists, landowners and key conservation gaps and challenges, clubs were sceptical about the effect of Website: http://www.streamlife.org.uk stakeholders, particularly fishing clubs. including: invasive alien species; public river ‘restoration’ works on fish or fish- Period: Aug-2005 to Sept-2009 awareness; protecting endangered spe- ing quality. But, says Ms. Wheeldon, “By Total budget: e1 570 000 In co-operation with a PhD student who cies; enhancing wider biodiversity; the working closely with the anglers asso- LIFE contribution: e628 000 was investigating how the beneficiary private ownership of key land; and the ciations we were able to jointly achieve 24 25
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Austria: Protecting natural forests of the Upper Danube BEST PROJECTS BEST
Natural forests have become a rare habitat type in Central and Eastern Europe, as
modern technology has extended forestry areas hitherto inaccessible to machines.
A LIFE project in the Upper Danube valley in Austria showed a large forest area, home
to a wide range of important species, can be safeguarded against exploitation.
he ‘Alluvial and slope forests of Return to a natural state target amphibians, the yellow-bellied Tthe Upper Danube Valley’ project toad and the great crested newt (Tritu- (LIFE04 NAT/AT/000003) secured the Some of the forested areas targeted by rus cristatus) at the end of the project. long-term protection of 440 ha of mature the LIFE project were covered by non- forests through land purchase and the native spruce trees as a result of previ- The project team carried out exten- signing of special compensation agree- ous plantation forestry practices. Thus, sive public relations activities, includ- ments with landowners in exchange for an important aspect of the project was ing press trips by boat, excursions for the ending of timber production. the signing of contracts with landown- locals and stakeholders, and a travelling ers for the clear-cutting of allochtonous exhibition on the project and its objec- In total, the project purchased some 170 trees followed by replanting with appro- tives. In addition, to these and other ha of semi-natural forest areas, which can priate native species after the project initiatives, such as a project website now become natural forests, and safe- end. with games for children, the beneficiary guarded an additional 260 ha from forestry also created a ‘visitor path’ in the forest activities for the next 150 years. Together The project beneficiary, the regional to inform visitors about natural habitat with already-existing nature conservation government of the Upper Danube, types and species found in the project and natural forest areas, these newly pro- hopes that returning the forest to a area. tected zones form the ecological heart of more ‘natural’ condition and reintroduc- the Upper Danube Valley. ing traditional low-key forestry practices will benefit many species endemic to Rising timber prices failed to hamper the the area. Natural forest is an important project, which was also able to purchase habitat for many endangered animal and a further 224 distinctive and ecologically plant species, such as the yellow-bellied important old trees outside its core areas. toad (Bombina variegata) and the black Best LIFE stork (Ciconia nigra). Clear-cutting of non-native species was an important part of the project Another aim of the project was to improve the breeding situation for stag AUSTRIA beetles (Lucanus cervus) by providing Nature more dead wood. The creation of artifi- Project number: LIFE04 NAT/AT/000003 cial stag beetle habitats, the beneficiary Title: Donauwaelder - Alluvial forests and believes, has demonstration value and slope forests of the Upper Danube Valley results can be transferred to other areas. Beneficiary: Land Oberösterreich Contact: Anita Matzinger Actions were also carried out around projects Email: [email protected] forest margins, including the restoration of natural boundaries, the conversion Website: www.donauleiten.com of intensive grassland to hay meadow Period: Oct-2004 to Sept-2009 and the digging of 22 new ponds to host Total budget: e3 750 000 Annex II-listed amphibians. Monitoring 2010 LIFE contribution: e1 500 000 indicated the presence of two of those 26 27
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
Spain: LIFE helps France: Restoring reintroduce bearded the functionality vultures to Andalusia of river habitats BEST PROJECTS BEST BEST PROJECTS BEST
LIFE support has helped fund a programme to return the majestic bearded vulture Important aquatic species have benefitted from LIFE support for coordinated actions to
(Gypaetus barbatus) to the skies of southern Spain. Winning the acceptance of the improve habitat functions on more than 50 km of headwaters at 13 sites in eastern France. local community and interest groups has been crucial to the success of the project.
abitat functionality is a fundamen- nent crossing points was set up to protect nce-common in Andalusia, the Key actions in this regard included their objec- Htal factor for sustainable ecosys- streams from machinery crossing during Obearded vulture became extinct advocacy work to limit the danger to the tives to be tems. Gaps in functionality can lead to a farming or forestry activities; livestock in the region in 1986. Efforts to create the vultures from power lines and partner- accepted. “If breakdown in essential features of a hab- fences were added along river banks and conditions for the reintroduction of this ships with local hunters and stockbreed- people see us itat. These in turn can lead to the spread water holes; and foresters were helped to large raptor species began immediately, ers to negate the biggest threat to as neighbours, as of further habitat degradation and result find ways of reducing their contact with leading to the establishment of a vulture the species: death by acci- friends, they see us as in the long-term malfunction or even total water sources during felling and harvest- breeding centre in the Sierra de Cazorla dental poisoning. The pro- part of their life, and by loss of an overall habitat. ing. All these actions fed into a strategy in 1996. The NGO, Fundación Gypaetus, ject team worked with extension they see the project developed with LIFE support to purify and which established and runs the centre, local intermediar- and the birds as part of their life Knowing these basic nature conservation Inventories of habitat condition and improve water quality in the park’s head- successfully applied for LIFE funding fol- ies to develop too. This is a very important facts, staff from France’s Regional Natu- species status provided a crucial baseline waters. lowing the birth of its first captive-bred the ‘Towns part of this kind of project.” ral Park of Morvan had been concerned for project actions chicks in 2002. Against Poi- about the long-term condition of headwa- The combination of these core outcomes son’ (RMCV) The LIFE team’s success in combining ter streams in the Bourgogne and Franche- habitats. Priority actions focused on find- from LIFE’s co-finance period has sig- The goal of the LIFE project (LIFE04 NAT/ network. As technical achievements with a human Comté regions. These headwaters have a ing sustainable ways to boost the physical nificantly strengthened the beneficiary’s Gypeaetus ES/000056) was to take action to ensure a result, 31 barbatus perspective, including listening to the major knock-on effect on the downstream integrity and ecological continuity of water ability to carry out its nature conservation the viability of the future reintroduced pop- towns – cov- needs and wishes of local people, has functions of river systems within the natu- courses in order to strengthen the conser- obligations, and so safeguard a vital mix ulation (i.e. to ensure the released vultures ering 519 899 sown the seeds for the long-term suc- ral park. In addition, protected species vation status of protected species in the of fully functional habitat features in its would be capable of surviving and breed- ha - and managers of 32 225 ha of land cess of the bearded vulture reintroduc- such as the white-clawed crayfish (Aus- park. Inventories of habitat condition and headwaters. ing independently). As well as enabling the used for hunting have signed steward- tion programme in Andalusia. tropotamobius pallipes), freshwater pearl species status provided a crucial baseline beneficiary to add extra staff at the vulture ship agreements banning the use of mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), brook to start the work, and against which to breeding centre, LIFE funding was also poisoned bait and lead ammunition. The lamprey (Lampetra planeri) and bullhead measure progress. This essential ground- used to provide technical support for pre- network has also supported the pros- (Cottus gobio) relied heavily on the quality work identified opportunities to improve paratory actions, releases and monitoring, ecution and conviction of people caught of headwater habitats. the connectivity of rivers and streams by including interaction with other bearded poisoning illegally. removing obstacles and restoring natural vulture reintroduction programmes (e.g. To address these issues, a LIFE Nature flow patterns. LIFE03 NAT/F/000100). Although four of the 19 bearded vultures project (LIFE04 NAT/FR/000082) was reintroduced to the wild by the beneficiary initiated to help build and mainstream Agreements were established to remove The first reintroductions of vultures born in have been killed by poison, “The balance local capacity in headwater management six ponds and two others were by-passed. FRANCE the Cazorla captive breeding centre took is certainly positive,” says Fundación SPAIN skills. The goal of the project was to help Positive results from this technique place in 2006. By 2011, some 19 birds had Gypaetus. “We have shown that with the regional authorities implement wildlife included the return of brook lamprey and Project number: LIFE04 NAT/FR/000082 been released, of which 11 were still alive, active participation of rural groups, that Project number: LIFE04 NAT/ES/000056 conservation legislation stemming from bullhead into streams. Other techniques Title: LIFE TBFPA - Headwater streams a better ratio than most species reintro- is, the real managers of the land, threats the EU Habitats Directive. In addition, - such as introducing a fish ladder, re- Title: Preliminary actions and reintroduction and faunistic Heritage associated duction programmes. linked to bad practice in the exploitation of the bearded vulture work on the project has also contributed establishing the natural course of water- Parc Naturel régional du of natural resources can be controlled.” to requirements in the Water Framework ways and restoring riparian zones - led to Beneficiary: Beneficiary: Fundación Gypaetus Morvan, France Threat management Directive regarding the realisation of River improvements in the densities of bullhead Don Jesus Charco To this end, the LIFE project also pro- Contact: Basin Management Plans. and river trout (which provide ‘host’ fish Contact: Laurent Paris Equally importantly, LIFE support ena- moted three other threat management Email: [email protected] functions for pearl mussel larvae). Enhanc- Email: [email protected] bled the identification and control of networks: Veterinarians Against Poison, Website: www.gypaetus.org Headwater habitats ing habitat connectivity also proved pro- Website: www.liferuisseaux.org present and emerging threats in the rein- Hunters Against Poison and Stockbreed- Period: Nov-2004 to Oct-2009 ductive for the long-term survival of white- Period: Oct-2004 to Sept-2009 troduction areas, and awareness-raising ers Against Poison. For Fundación Gypae- Much of the LIFE project’s co-finance was clawed crayfish populations. Total budget: e1 649 000 Total budget: e13 224 000 activities among the local population, tus, it is essential that conservation teams invested in testing and demonstrating new Water quality was a key target for the LIFE LIFE contribution: e1 237 000 LIFE contribution: e1 612 000 tourists and wider Andalusian society. link with the local community in order for techniques for restoring the headwater project. As a result, a network of perma- 28 29
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
France: Better long-term France: Conserving prospects for Rhône the endangered streber aquatic warbler BEST PROJECTS BEST BEST PROJECTS BEST
A French LIFE Nature project targeting a critically endangered fish species, the Rhône Improvements to the coastal marshes of Brittany have increased the amount of
streber, has made a significant contribution towards its long-term conservation. favourable habitat on the stopover route for migrating aquatic warblers, the rarest
European warbler species.
he Rhône streber (Zingel asper), To conclude, although the Rhône stre- Talso known as Rhône-Apron, is ber remains critically endangered, the he aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus Actions bring results Other awareness-raising activities tar- a fish of the perch family, only found in measures implemented during the LIFE Tpaludicola) has an estimated breed- geted at local residents, schoolchildren the Rhône river catchment. It is in criti- project have gone a long way towards ing population of 12 500-20 000 individu- In order to ensure the long-term manage- and other stakeholders included publica- cal danger of extinction. Its population securing its future conservation. The als, mainly found in Poland and Belarus. ment of the coastal habitats in a manner tions, activities and events, as well as a declined seriously during the 20th cen- continuation of the project seems The species’s main stopover places en favourable to the aquatic warbler, the feature film that won an award at the 23rd tury, falling from an estimated presence assured: 10 additional weirs will be route to its wintering habitats in tropical project used LIFE funding to purchase Bird Film Festival in Ménigoute, France. along 2 200 km of rivers to 380 km today. equipped with suitable fish passes western Africa are in the coastal marshes 39.5 ha of marshes and signed manage- The main cause of this decline has been over the next few years, completing of north-western France. In recent dec- ment agreements with the owners of two Finally, the LIFE beneficiary not only contrib- hydraulic engineering works such as the work already done to reconnect ades, these marsh habitats have suffered sites. uted to the development of action plans for dams that have created barriers and thus the different sub-populations and to from a lack of adequate management. the three targeted Natura 2000 sites, but as isolated sub-populations of the species open-up a much larger part of the river Changes to the wetland zones, such as Significant restoration actions were car- a direct result of the LIFE project it has also from each other. River pollution and flow basin to natural re-colonisation. Finally drainage, water pollution and landscap- ried out by the project team: hydraulic been asked to produce a National Action changes resulting from water abstraction Rhône streber (Zingel asper) a National Action Plan for the species ing have reduced their ecological value works (e.g. digging of ditches) and the Plan for the aquatic warbler for 2010-2014 for agricultural purposes have also led to is almost finalised and is expected to as a resting and feeding habitat for the installation of floodgates will allow the by the French Ministry of Ecology. This will a severe degradation of the fish’s habitat. itats. The construction of these passes, confirm the continuation of the work aquatic warbler. controlled flooding of 270 ha across the help ensure the measures implemented and removal of other small obstructions started under LIFE. three project sites; 47 ha of reed beds during the course of the project are widely A first LIFE project targeting the Rhône to fish circulation, was only completed To address this issue, the “Acrocepha- were cut back and invasive plant species disseminated and replicated to the long- streber (LIFE98/NAT/F/005208) con- in the final months of the project. As a lus Bretagne” project (LIFE04 NAT/ (including Pampas grass and Japanese term benefit of the aquatic warbler. siderably improved knowledge about result, it is too early to assess their effec- FR/000086) set out to maintain or knotweed) removed from a 30 ha area. its ecological requirements. It also con- tiveness in halting the overall decline improve the ecological status of three The project team also erected 2.8 km of ducted a feasibility study for in vitro of the species, but the first monitoring important stopover marshes in Brit- fencing to enable grazing of the cleared rearing for reintroduction purposes; and results are very encouraging. tany and to disseminate the know-how areas. These actions will not only con- published guidelines for a long-term con- gained to other coastal marsh restoration tribute to the conservation of the aquatic servation strategy. Captive breeding efforts. Knowledge of the species would warbler, they will benefit other species be improved through radio-tracking and such as the European otter, great bittern, The overall goal of this second project Another key result was the project’s by carrying out an inventory of additional water vole and nesting bird species. was to implement the various conser- captive breeding and trial release pro- FRANCE spring migratory stopover sites. vation measures proposed by the initial gramme. In collaboration with pro- Radio-tracking and ringing of the war- FRANCE Project number: LIFE04 NAT/FR/000083 project. Specific objectives included: ject partner Besançon Natural History Cutting of invasive plant species blers enabled the beneficiary to assess 1. Improving genetic exchange and Museum, in 2005 tests started on the Title: Programme for the conservation the relative importance of sites to the Project number: LIFE04 NAT/FR/000086 increasing population size through the reproduction of the fish in captivity. This of the Rhône-Apron (Zingel asper) and its species and, subsequently, to develop Title: Acrocephalus Bretagne - Conservation habitats construction of fish passes at impass- led to the hatching of thousands of fry a regional strategy for its conservation. of the Aquatic Warbler in Brittany able dams; and and confirmed, for the first time, the Beneficiary: Conservatoire Rhône-Alpes The LIFE project’s monitoring efforts also Beneficiary: Bretagne Vivante - SEPNB des Espaces Naturels (CREN) 2. Determining the feasibility of reintro- feasibility of this ex-situ methodology led to the discovery of an aquatic warbler Contact: Bertrand Rivoal ducing the species through trials in for conserving the species. Trials were Contact: Marianne Georget wintering site in Senegal. Email: bretagne-vivante@bretagne-vivante. several test sites, using both hatchery then carried out in 2006, 2008 and 2009 Email: marianne.georget@espaces- asso.fr and wild fish. releasing individuals, bred in captivity, naturels.fr The project produced a widely distributed Website: http://www.life-sterne-dougall. into the river Drôme. In total, some 1 Website: www.aprondurhone.fr technical guide to aquatic warbler conser- org/anglphragmite.php An important achievement concerned 700 individuals were released. The early vation measures for use by site managers. Period: Apr-2004 to Mar-2010 Period: Jan-2004 to Apr-2009 the construction of five fish passes to results of these pilot reintroductions are This can be applied both to the 200 stopo- Total budget: e3 508 000 Total budget: e965 000 allow intra-population mixing and popu- very encouraging: monitoring has con- ver sites identified in France, as well as to LIFE contribution: e1 579 000 e lation increases between favourable hab- firmed their survival after two years. those in other countries. LIFE contribution: 724 000 30 31
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
Hungary: Egyek-Pusztakócs Sweden: Indirect action restores valuable boosts freshwater grassland habitat pearl mussels BEST PROJECTS BEST BEST PROJECTS BEST
This project in Hungary improved the conservation status of natural and semi-natural Freshwater pearl mussels face significant threats across Europe. The LIFE Fpmswe
grassland habitats amongst the marshes of the Hortobágy National Park and estab- project in Sweden (LIFE04 NAT/SE/000231) achieved notable conservation results by
lished a system of long-term management through extensive grazing. targeting actions at riverbeds and host fish in particular.
he Egyek-Pusztakócs marsh sys- nonic loess grasslands and pannonic salt Arable land over 150 ha was converted he freshwater pearl mussel (Mar- of host fish, which would demonstrate Ttem is a mosaic of dry and wet steppes. Seeds of three species of native into 100 m-wide strips of 10 different Tgaritifera margaritifera) has a wide- reproduction. The complex life cycle of grasslands, astatic and permanent grass were harvested or purchased and crops, half of which were left standing spread but fragmented and declining the freshwater pearl mussel means that it marshes, and arable land in Hortobágy the soil of lands previously used as alfalfa, throughout the winter. This extensive agri- distribution across Europe. In Sweden, will take 5-10 years before it is possible to national park in Eastern Hungary. Drain- grain or sunflower fields prepared through culture provided excellent food and shel- the mussel has disappeared from around assess the real conservation impact of the age for intensive agricultural practices deep ploughing and disk harrowing. The ter for small mammals (numbers up to 10 40% of the rivers and streams in which project actions. Encouragingly, however, had dried up and fragmented much of the sowing of either an alkali mixture or a times greater than in intensively farmed it was found 100 years ago. Reproduc- young trout have already been found in area, contributing to eutrophication, acidi- mixture of loess seeds - on low-lying and areas). The number of birds of prey using tion levels are low or failing in most of the restored areas. fication, the spread of invasive or general- higher plateau areas respectively - was the croplands for feeding was seen to remaining ones. ist species and reduced biodiversity. conducted in the autumn. increase. The demonstration role of the LIFE project The species is threatened by a range has not been limited to the project sites Construction of a water system covering The spring saw mowing to prevent the The project’s results suggest that the of factors that either affect the mus- or dissemination materials. Fpmswe also a total area of 5 000 ha began in 1976. spread of weeds, which nevertheless pro- restoration process can quickly lead to sel directly or its host fish, brown trout contributed to the implementation of the This has preserved the flora and fauna of tected the young grass shoots from the conditions approaching those of target and salmon. These include acidification national action plan for the species and alkaline marshes that have largely disap- sun. Further management took the form alkali steppes. Indeed, the diversity of and pollution, inadequate regulation of gathered important information about the peared elsewhere in Europe and Hun- of either mowing or grazing, with extensive flora on the restored loess grasslands water-flow, and habitat degradation (e.g. water quality requirements of pearl mus- gary. However, it had not been possible grazing the preferred technique for max- resembled an 11-year-old naturally through silting). sels. This has resulted in amendments to to restore the valuable grassland habitats, imising the diversity of grassland plants revegetating site. Photo: Lennart Henrikson the SEPA Handbook for managing acidity leading to LIFE’s intervention. and animals. A grazing scheme covering The counteract these threats, the LIFE Sofi Alexanderson releases freshwater levels in lakes and streams. pearl mussels into Silverån stream almost 2 600 ha was established with Fpmswe project focused its activities on Restoring the grasslands the participation of 18 farmers or farming 21 rivers and streams in southern and companies on long-term rental contracts. central Sweden, containing some 5% removed and replaced with deciduous The LIFE EPU project (LIFE04 NAT/ of the country’s freshwater pearl mus- species. HU/000119) worked to restore pan- A specific grazing effort – including the sel population. These “demonstration purchase of Hungarian grey cattle - was rivers” were selected according to the Land use along parts of the river outside allocated to marsh edges to open up viability and size of the mussel popula- of and upstream from mussel populations Egyek puszta - traditional use of reeds homogenised reedbeds. An additional tions, geographical location and chances have a significant impact on the species. measure was the successful burning of HUNGARY of success, and in each methods were As a result, the LIFE project placed a lot 120 ha of reedbed in the dry year of 2007. developed and tested for achieving a of emphasis on stakeholder consulta- SWEDEN
Photo: Jan Sliva This reduced the reed cover in sample favourable conservation status for the tion and dialogue. Project partners from Project number: LIFE04 NAT/HU/000119 plots from about 67% to 41%, with eight species. the regional nature conservation authori- Project number: LIFE04 NAT/SE/000231 Title: EPU (HNP) Grassland restoration and plant species re-appearing. ties and forestry authorities were actively marsh protection in Egyek-Pusztakócs Title: Fpmswe - Freshwater Pearl Mussel Key restoration activities carried out by involved in negotiating water rights with and its habitats in Sweden Beneficiary: Hortobágy National Park The project purchased 55 ha of cropland the LIFE project included the removal or landowners across five Swedish counties. Directorate Beneficiary: Världsnaturfonden WWF near the three most threatened marshes bypassing of migration obstacles imped- Szabolcs Lengyel Contact: Lennart Henrikson and converted it to grassland to create Contact: ing host fish along 10 watercourses. The project also re-introduced 1 000 mus- ecological corridors and several buffer Email: [email protected] Gravel and small stones were deposited sels at nine locations along one stream at Email: [email protected] zones that eliminate the runoff and infil- Website: http://www.life2004.hnp.hu/ in fast-flowing sections of eight water- Silverån. The mussels were taken from a Website: www.wwf.se/flodparlmussla tration of chemicals from remaining crop- Period: Sept-2004 to Dec-2008 courses to improve river bed ecology and healthy and relatively abundant popula- Period: Nov-2004 to Nov-2009 lands. It also purchased 306 ha of grass- actions were taken to manage the banks tion in the River Sällevadsån. Monitoring Total budget: e1 040 000 Total budget: e1 007 000 lands near two goose-farms to remove of two small rivers where spruce trees found that the mussels were surviving, but LIFE contribution: e700 000 LIFE contribution: e503 000 geese from the area. and other encroaching vegetation were could not yet find glochides on the gills 32 33
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
France: Bats and bogs Romania: Helping increase benefit from LIFE Dalmatian pelican in the Rhône-Alpes numbers BEST PROJECTS BEST BEST PROJECTS BEST
LIFE projects can help Member States generate multiple benefits for habitats and spe- A significant population of the endangered Dalmatian pelican is found in the Danube Delta.
cies in protected areas. This is demonstrated well by a multi-pronged project from A LIFE project has contributed to a large increase in numbers of breeding pairs as well as
southern France. to the long-term survival of the species in Europe.
any of Europe’s peat bogs have method which resulted in the restoration were threatened by plans to close min- ithin its entire geographical predation by wild boars. Moreover, the Mbeen drained to improve their of 13.5 ha of peatland. ing sites that supported, among others, Wrange, from the Balkans to knowledge of wardens and the general economic potential for grazing or timber the region’s largest hibernation colony of Mongolia, the Dalmatian pelican (Pele- public was improved through aware- planting. Such practices can adversely Local land managers played crucial roles lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hip- canus crispus) is classified as vulnerable ness activities and the production of affect bog biodiversity as well as lead in realising the LIFE plans and farmers in posideros). Intensive negotiations with on the IUCN Red List. Romania is home comprehensive dissemination materials. to the loss of carbon greenhouse gases particular took an active interest in the mine owners and public safety authori- to one of the last remaining strongholds More than 140 stories about the project when soils dry out and erode. Numerous conservation work. Four agricultural busi- ties led to an innovative agreement that of the species; the Danube Delta popu- appeared in the local and national media. LIFE projects are co-financing efforts to nesses plus the regional Chamber of Agri- has made the mine caves inaccessible to lation, which was targeted by the LIFE reverse these habitat degradation trends. culture and Conservation worked closely people but still suitable for bats. Pelecanus crispus Romania project Extensive monitoring activities (including An excellent example of this work can be with the LIFE project team to identify (LIFE05 NAT/RO/000169), represented the use of a microlight plane to survey found in southern France on the Plateau practical agri-environmental solutions for Experiences from these win-win wildlife around one-third of the European popu- inaccessible islands in the delta) revealed de Montselgue in Ardèche. sustainable land use on the plateau. Vari- outcomes for the plateaus bogs and bats lation outside the former Soviet Union. that the project actions have helped sta- ous techniques were tested to determine have helped inform the development of bilise the breeding populations of three Forming part of the Rhône Alpes region, options that provided both income earn- biodiversity policy at national level, and The Dalmatian pelican breeds in five col- sites, and increase the population of two this plateau hosts an important “active ing opportunities for farmers and nature the project’s Best award has in part been onies, all located within the Danube Delta sites (Rosca-Buhaiova and Ceaplace raised bog” habitat that is protected by conservation benefits for wildlife. attributed to this type of LIFE legacy. Biosphere Reserve. The LIFE project was island). In 2009, a 10-year high in the the EU Habitat’s Directive. Other valu- established to help protect and increase number of breeding pairs was recorded Pelican colony sign and wardens able nature conservation features in the The full impact of experiments in different the number of breeding pairs by tackling on Ceaplace, with a 28% increase on the surrounding area include dry heathland mowing, burning and grazing systems disturbances and mortalities caused by Dalmatian pelican population before the habitats, whilst populations of four bat are still being assessed by the LIFE pro- anglers and hunters, as well as habitat LIFE project. species rely on the plateau’s abandoned ject partners and initial results indicated degradation. Greater breeding success mining sites for roosting and breeding.The that the techniques used can be repli- would also be achieved by increasing One important aspect of the awareness- LIFE Plateau de Montselgues project set cated in similar environments elsewhere. areas for breeding; consolidating islands; raising activities was the involvement of out to establish a co-ordinated continu- Technical guidelines and reference and managing reeds to ensure larger hunters, fish-farmers and fishery manag- ous programme of habitat support work sheets were produced for this purpose, habitat areas (i.e. through prevention of ers, who attended a meeting in Novem- in order to secure a sustainable future for and are available to help farmers choose access to colonies, permanent patrolling ber 2006 on the most favourable man- the plateau’s wildlife. adequate management techniques in FRANCE and monitoring). agement techniques for biodiversity in heath and peatland areas. general and the Dalmatian pelican in par- ROMANIA Bog and bat conservation Project number: LIFE05 NAT/F/000135 More breeding pairs found ticular. This know-how was also included Other transferable best practice gained Title: Life plateau de Montselgues - in a brochure targeted at the fish-farming Project number: LIFE05 NAT/RO/000169 Preservation of the heathlands, peatlands The project began by drawing up a man- by the LIFE project relates to its work The project team installed artificial struc- industry. Title: Pelecanus crispus Romania - Saving and bats of Montselgues agement plan for a package of habitat with the plateau’s bat populations. These tures (an underwater wood protection Pelecanus crispus in the Danube Delta improvement measures over 300 ha of Beneficiary: Conservatoire Rhône-Alpes des wall, mobile platforms and a 350 m2 fixed Another positive outcome of the project Beneficiary: Danube Delta Biosphere Espaces Naturels - Antenne Drôme-Ardèche peatland. These measures involved re- Monitoring the recovery of dry heathland platform) to create 47 additional pelican was the designation of all six breeding Reserve Authority wetting the raised bog and removing vegetation Contact: Laurence Jullian breeding units. A total of 150 markers on sites covered as Natura 2000 network Contact: Grigore Baboianu patches of forest and scrubland to pre- Email: [email protected] electric lines are now limiting the num- Special Protection Areas (SPAs). How- Email: [email protected] vent trees and shrubs soaking up water. Website: www.life-montselgues.eu/spip. ber of fatalities caused by collisions; the ever, the approval of the main strategic Website: www.dalmatianpelican.ro In other parts of the plateau, trees were php?rubrique1 installation of six information boards, 12 documents for future conservation man- removed more selectively and thinned to warning signs and marker buoys close to agement – a management plan, designa- Period: Nov-2005 to Sept-2009 Period: Oct-2005 to May-2010
reconnect and enhance the functional- Photo: CREN Pascault B. the pelican colonies is minimising human tion of the sites as core areas within the Total budget: e657 000 Total budget: e465 000 ity of wetland habitats. Seven different disturbance; and a fence has been con- Danube Delta and a national action plan e e LIFE contribution: 493 000 wildlife corridors were created using this LIFE contribution: 232 000 structed at one site (Bisericuţa) to reduce – is still pending. 34 35
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
Sweden: Back to nature Denmark: Measures for Östergötland’s to protect meadow agricultural landscape bird habitats BEST PROJECTS BEST BEST PROJECTS BEST
Thanks to LIFE Nature, 41 Natura 2000 sites tied to the agricultural landscape of the Habitat loss is a major threat to meadow birds, whose populations have declined
county of Östergötland have been successfully restored and managed. across Europe in recent decades. This Danish project demonstrated effective habitat
restoration measures.
he county of Östergötland in the scrub and invasive grasses and sedges. with some of the pollarding activities and Tsouth of Sweden holds a consid- Before long, the once rich enclosed pas- contributed to techniques and best prac- any meadow bird species have the targeted habitats for the meadow erable proportion of the country’s natu- tures turn to forest. tices. Msuffered a serious decline in birds were achieved at all four sites, cov- ral hay meadows and grazed pastures. numbers in Denmark since the 1970s. ering a total area of some 1 900 ha. Trees It is also an important region for many Breaking the chain Importantly, much of the project area has This has primarily been caused by the and reeds were cleared from 220 ha of species connected with old oaks. These been successfully entered into Sweden’s loss of suitable breeding sites: Only wet grasslands and 18 ha of Atlantic salt old, often hollow, trees host a myriad Provided that such ‘overgrowth’ has not agri-environmental support scheme. As 25% of breeding sites for dunlin (Calidris meadows. of insects, lichen and moss species. gone too far, it is possible to break the of 2010, 30 of the project sites were cov- alpine schinzii) and 15% of breeding sites For example, the largest populations of negative development. Detailed, indi- ered by the system, which will support for ruff (Philomachus pugnax) remain Actions were taken to reduce eutrophi- the rare and endangered hermit bee- vidual working plans were first drawn up and ensure the continued traditional use from that time. The Danish Ministry of cation and thus improve water quality on tle (Osmoderma eremita) - listed as a by Östergötland’s county administrative of these sites. Money for the remaining Environment has adopted a national 975 ha of the water bodies supporting priority species for conservation in the board (the beneficiary) for each of the 11 sites is also assured from funding for action plan for meadow birds covering algae Chara spp. This action targeting annexes of the Habitats Directive - are 41 sites. Various measures addressing the management of valuable habitats. 25 Special Protection Areas (SPAs). water vegetation also helped to improve in Östergötland (the species is found in the natural meadows, wooded pastures the breeding and feeding habitats for Ruff - one of the bird species helped by eight of the 41 targeted sites). and shore meadows typical of extensive Finally, all the sites have now either As part of the proposed implementation other meadow bird species, notably for this project agricultural landscapes were then imple- already achieved favourable conserva- of the action plan, the LIFE REMAB pro- the bittern and black tern at the Vestlige The LIFE ROSORIS project focused on mented, depending on the situation at tion status or are expected to achieve it ject (LIFE06 NAT/DK/000158) was set Vejler project site. national level after LIFE and actions plans sites in Östergötland with habitats that, each site. naturally as the flora and fauna develop up to restore or enhance the conserva- for all four sites are set to be drafted in for various reasons, did not satisfy the over time. tion status of four key sites for dunlin and Another significant result of the pro- 2011 for implementation in 2012. “good conservation status” requirement For example, many old worn-out fences ruff. This also meant restoring to favoura- ject was the introduction of appropri- of the EU Habitats Directive when the to enclose pastureland were removed ble conservation status associated habi- ate grazing regimes on some 900 ha of project started in 2005. In most cases, and replaced with new fencing on 80 km. tat types listed in the Habitats Directive: preferred habitat. To control predators traditional grazing and haymaking had Bushes and trees were cleared away for Atlantic salt meadows; hard oligo-meso- at the Nyord and Vestamager sites, 25 decreased or entirely ceased. There was grazing and haymaking on 425 ha. And, trophic waters with benthic vegetation of artificial fox dens were created and a an urgent need for conservation meas- after discussions with landowners and Chara ssp.; as well as improving habitats fox-blocking gate installed on a bridge. ures in these areas as, without traditional livestock owners, grazing by horses and for the great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), use, such fields are soon taken over by cattle was resumed on 392 ha. Natural black tern (Chlidonias niger) and spotted Public access for birdwatching was hay meadows were also restored on 6 ha crake (Porzana porzana). improved through the construction of a and shore/littoral meadows over 252 ha. 5 km footpath and an observation plat- Tilia trees pollarded by the project This was only just over half the area origi- SWEDEN Specific actions would set out to make form at Vestamager. In addition, more DENMARK nally foreseen by the project because the hydrological conditions in the project than 60 nature managers from Finland, Project number: LIFE05 NAT/S/000108 LIFE06 NAT/DK/000158 some meadows were actually in better areas more suitable for meadow birds; Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden and Project number: Title: Natural meadows and pastures of condition than expected and specific reduce the threat of predation, especially the UK attended a seminar to share Title: REMAB - Restoration of Meadow Östergötland - restoration and maintenance Bird Habitats Photo: Leif Lindgren interventions were not required. from foxes; restore habitats through tree, experiences on improving conditions for Beneficiary: Länsstyrelsen Östergötland scrub and reed removal; and improve meadow birds. Beneficiary: Skov- og Naturstyrelsen To encourage wildlife, pollarding of old Contact: Dan Nilsson and facilitate meadow bird-friendly man- Contact: Henning Fjord Aaser deciduous trees, including 15 old lime Email: [email protected] agement of the target sites. Although the various actions taken have Email: [email protected] trees (Tilia) and two ash trees (Fraxinus), not yet successfully stopped the decline Website: www.lansstyrelsen.se/ostergotland/ Website: www.skovognatur.dk/Naturpro- was resumed at two sites. Some 160 amnen/naturvard/aktuellaprojekt/rosoris.htm Wide-ranging benefits in numbers of breeding meadow birds at jekter/Projekter/Vestjylland/Engfugle/ young oak trees, of around 3m in height, the four project sites, it is hoped that there Period: Jan-2005 to Dec-2009 Period: Jan-2006 to Dec-2009 were also planted in three strategic e The project was highly successful in will be a notable positive long-term effect. Total budget: 2 159 000 Total budget: e1 429 000 areas to provide old trees in the future. achieving these objectives. Improve- Funding for the installations established LIFE contribution: e1 079 000 A group of experts from the UK assisted ments in the hydrological conditions of during the REMAB project will continue at LIFE contribution: e714 000 36 37
LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 LIFE Focus I Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010
Spain: LIFE restores important wetlands by a historic canal BEST PROJECTS BEST
The drainage and disturbance of wetlands alongside the Castile Canal (“Canal de
Castilla”) in northern Spain has put these important habitats and their protected bird spe-
cies under threat. This LIFE project has carried out restoration works and implemented a
management plan to guarantee the continuing conservation of both species and habitats.
he Canal de Castilla is a 207 km-long activities targeting tourists and the local Tcanal built in the 18th century to con- community, especially its schoolchildren. nect the Castillian plains with the sea. In the 20th century the canal fell into disuse Perhaps most importantly, the project Available LIFE Nature publications and became a haven for wildlife: the area drew up the Canal de Castilla Wetlands covered by the canal includes La Nava- Management Plan to establish proactive LIFE Focus Nature brochures Other publications Campos Norte and La Nava-Campos Sur: and preventive actions needed ensure the two special protected areas (SPAs) that The conservation status of the wetlands habitats, species and ecological processes are of great importance for the steppe has been improved thanks to the actions have a favourable conservation status. The LIFE preventing species extinction: Safe- LIFE and the marine environment (2006 Nature & Biodiversity Projects 2010 birds of Palencia province. of this LIFE Nature project plan, which covers a six-year period, will guarding endangered flora and fauna – 54 pp. ISBN 92-79-03447-2 – ISSN 1725- compilation (2011, 71pp. – ISBN 978-92- through ex-situ conservation (2011 – 60 5619) 79-20031-1) be implemented by all the public admin- pp. - ISBN 978-92-79-20026-7) The canal is also connected to a series of Reforestation of the banks of 30 wetlands istrations involved in the LIFE project. LIFE and European forests (2006 – 68 pp. Nature & Biodiversity Projects 2009 35 ponds on its banks. These wetlands, with typical tree species such as willow Together with the participation of private LIFE and European Mammals: Improving ISBN 92-79-02255-5 – ISSN 1725-5619) compilation (2010, 91pp. – ISBN 978-92- which include three SPAs and one SCI, are (Salix sp.) and the management (mow- entities such as the Global Nature Fund, their conservation status (2011 – 60 pp. 79-16139-1) of particular importance for the conserva- ing) and diversification of marsh vegeta- this will guarantee the continuity of the - ISBN 978-92-79-19266-1) LIFE-Nature Projects 2006 compilation (2006 – 67 pp. – ISBN 92-79-02788-3) Best LIFE Nature Projects 2009 (2010 - tion of the bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and tion on 14.1 ha have improved the habitat management actions that began with LIFE. LIFE building up Europe’s green infra- 44pp. – ISBN 978-92-79-16826-0) aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola), for target bird species of priority conser- structure (2010 – 60 pp. - ISBN 978-92- Integrated management of Natura 2000 as well as other species listed in Annex I of vation. Invasive flora and fauna species 79-15719-6) sites (2005 – 48 pp. – ISBN 92-79-00388-7) Nature & Biodiversity Projects 2008 the EU Birds Directive. were identified by the project team and compilation (2009, 87pp. – ISBN 978-92- 79-13426-5) 220 American mink were captured, giving LIFE improving the conservation status LIFE, Natura 2000 and the military (2005 of species and habitats: Habitats Direc- – 86 pp. – ISBN 92-894-9213-9 – ISSN However, in recent decades the wetlands native species such as the European pole- tive Article 17 report (2010 - 84 pp. - ISBN 1725-5619) Best LIFE Nature Projects 2007-2008 have come under threat of destruction or cat (Mustela putorius) a chance to recover. 978-92-79-13572-9) (2009 - 48 pp. – ISBN 978-92-79-13746-4) serious alteration from drainage and water LIFE for birds: 25 years of the Birds Direc- Nature & Biodiversity Projects 2007 com- extraction projects, the burning of marsh Annual monitoring revealed the impor- LIFE and Europe’s reptiles and amphib- tive: the contribution of LIFE-Nature proj- pilation (2009, 67 pp. – ISBN 978-92-79- ians: Conservation in practice (2009 – vegetation, illegal hunting and fishing, the tance of the project areas as a breed- ects (2004 - 48 pp. – ISBN 92-894-7452-1 12257-6) 60 pp. - ISBN 978-92-79-12567-6) presence of invasive alien species such ing and feeding site for the purple heron SPAIN – ISSN 1725-5619) Learning from LIFE: Nature conservation as the American mink (Mustela vison) and (Ardea purpurea) and marsh harrier (Circus LIFE and Europe’s grasslands: Restoring LIFE-Nature: communicating with stake- best practices (2008 - 68 pp. – ISBN 978- general ignorance and neglect. aeruginosus) and as a stopover point for Project number: LIFE06 NAT/E/000213 a forgotten habitat (2008 - 54 pp. – ISBN holders and the general public – Best 92-79-11635-3) the bittern. Radio tracking of marsh har- Title: Canal de Castilla - Wetland restora- 978-92-79-10159-5) practice examples for Natura 2000 (2004 LIFE funds recovery riers and purple heron provided crucial tion and management: Canal de Castilla – 72 pp. – ISBN 92-894-7898-5 – ISSN Special Protection Area LIFE and endangered plants: Conserving information about how the two species use 1725-5619) A number of LIFE publications are Europe’s threatened flora (2007 – 52 pp. The aim of the Canal de Castilla project the wetland habitats and the threats they Beneficiary: Fundación 2001 Global available on the LIFE website: – ISBN 978-92-79-08815-5) LIFE for Natura 2000 - 10 years imple- (LIFE06 NAT/E/000213) was to implement face. Furthermore, ringing and monitoring Nature http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ menting the regulation (2003 - 108 pp. a programme for the recovery, manage- of marsh passerine species, particularly Contact: Fernando Jubete Tazo LIFE and Europe’s wetlands: Restoring – ISBN 92-894-4337-5) life/publications/lifepublications/ a vital ecosystem (2007 - 68 pp. – ISBN ment, and monitoring of the 35 small wet- the aquatic warbler, showed the impor- Email: [email protected] index.htm 978-92-79-07617-6) LIFE and agri-environment supporting lands connected to the Canal de Castilla. tance of ensuring wetlands have correct Website: http://www.lifecanaldecastilla. Natura 2000: Experience from the LIFE Results show that the project has had a water levels and appropriate vegetation. org/lifecanal/ A number of printed copies of certain LIFE and Europe’s rivers: Protecting and programme (2003 – 72 pp. – ISBN 92-894- positive effect on the wetlands’ conserva- LIFE publications are available and Period: Oct-2006 to Sept-2010 improving our water resources (2007 6023-7 – ISSN 1725-5619) tion condition. Hydrological restoration of To ensure the long-term conservation of – 52 pp. ISBN 978-92-79-05543-0 – ISSN can be ordered free-of-charge at: Total budget: e1 593 000 drained wetlands (e.g. by building inlets) the Canal de Castilla’s wetlands, the pro- 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ LIFE contribution: e637 000 has improved the water level of 13 ponds. ject engaged in extensive dissemination life/publications/order.htm LIFE+ “L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement” / The financial instrument for the environment
Period covered (LIFE+) 2007-2013.
EU funding available approximately EUR 2 143 million
Type of intervention at least 78% of the budget is for co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE+ projects) in the Member States of the European Union and in certain non-EU countries. LIFE+ projects > LIFE Nature projects improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. > LIFE+ Biodiversity projects improve biodiversity in the EU. They contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the Commission Communication, “Halting the loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond” (COM (2006) 216 final). > LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance projects contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments in support of European environmental policy and legislation. > LIFE+ Information and Communication projects are communication and awareness raising campaigns related to the
implementation, updating and development of European environmental policy and legislation, including the prevention KH-AU-11-001-EN-C of forest fires and training for forest fire agents.
Further information further information on LIFE and LIFE+ is available at http://ec.europa.eu/life.
How to apply for LIFE+ funding The European Commission organises annual calls for proposals. Full details are available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm Contact European Commission – Directorate-General for the Environment LIFE Unit – BU-9 02/1 – B-1049 Brussels – Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/life
LIFE Publication / Best LIFE Nature Projects 2010 Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Union
2011 - 40p - 21 x 29.7 cm ISBN 978-92-79-21315-1 ISSN 1977-2734 doi:10.2779/69174
colours C/M/Y/K 32/49/79/21
ISSN 1977-2734