Reviving Wetlands – Sustainable Management of Wetlands and Shallow Lakes
Guidelines for the Preparation of a Management Plan Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 1 The project is co-financed by the European Union
EU LIFE Programme DG Environment
Imprint
Global Nature Fund (GNF) Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4 78315 Radolfzell, Germany Ph +49 7732 9995-0 Fax +49 7732 9995-88 E-Mail: [email protected] www.globalnature.org www.livingwetlands.org © GNF 10 / 2004, All rights reserved
Editorial Team Marion Hammerl-Resch, Udo Gattenlöhner, Sabine Jantschke with support of Eleni Daroglou, Michael Green, Antonio Guillem, Bettina Jahn, Hans Jerrentrup, Fernendo Jubete Design/Layout Didem Sentürk Printed by Druckcenter Bodensee Photographs GNF-Archive, GNF Project Partners Cover photo Fundación Global Nature (La Nava)
If author is not indicated, the texts are written by the Editorial Team.
Special thanks to: Fleur Bradnock, Aitken Clark, Rosanne Clark, Maria Conti, Polly Kienle, Julia Masson, Eduardo de Miguel, Gudrun Schomers and Ellen Zimmermann.
Recommended citation: U. Gattenlöhner, M. Hammerl-Resch, S. Jantschke, Eds. (2004). Reviving Wetlands – Sustainable Management of Wetlands and Shallow Lakes.
2 Reviving Wetlands –
Sustainable Management of
Wetlands and Shallow Lakes
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 3 Contents Preface 6 Introduction 8 1 Initial Situation: LIFE Project Areas 12 2 Who these Guidelines are destined for 16 3 The Management Plan: Need and Background 18 4 Participatory Approach 22 5 Vision 26 6 Legal Responsibilities and the Protection of designated Sites 28 7 How to evaluate the Resources 34 8 Resources 8.1 Hydrology: Water quality and quantity, water management 38 8.2 Ecosystem, flora and fauna 44 8.3 Aspects of cultural landscape 50 8.4 Architecture, customs and traditions 51 8.5 Science and research 55 8.6 Educational facilities and programmes 56 8.7 Industry and commerce 60 8.8 Land use and traffic 61 8.9 Agriculture and forestry 64 8.10 Fishery 69 8.11 Tourism and recreation 72 9 Action Plan 78 10 Examples of Measures 10.1 Measures to improve the water quality Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment 80 Installation of constructed wetland buffer zones at the Vassova Lagoon in the Nestos Delta 82 Phosphorus removal from Barton Broad, UK 83 New floating macrophyte green filters 84 10.2 Examples of restoration measures for wetlands The Trinity Broads 86 EU LIFE project "Untersee life" 87 Reforestation at La Nava 88
4 10.3 Examples for vegetation management Burning as a management tour for reed beds and fens 89 Vegetation management in La Nava 90 Vegetation mapping at Villacañas shallow lakes 90 Management of wetland vegetation with water buffaloes in Greece 91 Management of water plants 93 10.4 Examples of agricultural extensification Restoration of Upper Swabian lakes 95 Model Project Constance Ltd - farmers' markets at Lake Constance 95 LIFE project: Restoration of the Villacañas wetlands, Spain 97 10.5 Examples of visitor management Lake Constance trail 99 Nature trail Laguna Boada 100 Conservation Centre Eriskirch - experience nature at Lake Constance 100 Visitor trail: Heron Carr Boardwalk in the Broads 101 10.6 Examples of environmentally sound tourism development 103 10.7 Examples of environmental education EPO’s environmental education activities in the Nestos area 109 Floating Class Room at Lake Constance 111 Workcamps in La Nava 111 Summer Camps with DaimlerChrysler and Lufthansa 111 Nutmeg Puppet Show tour of the Broads 113 11 Management: Structure, Documentation, Communication 114 12 Participation and Communication 116 13 Monitoring and Evaluation 120 14 Project Partners and Supporters 126 15 Living Lakes - An international Partnership for the Protection of Lakes and Wetlands 130 16 References and Links 132
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 5 Preface >>
Wetlands reborn Wetlands are fragile and vulnerable ecosystems. Across the planet for more than a century they have been extinguished at an alarming pace with the relentless progress of industrial processes and intensive agricultural practice. Nowhere is the loss of these vital water bodies more acute than in this small intensively developed continent of Europe. Global Nature Fund, through its Living Lakes partnership network, initiated an ambitious demonstration and recovery project in Greece and Spain with support from the EU LIFE- Environment programme, administered and funded by the European Commission.
Prof Aitken Clark A key component of the project is this Manual of Sustainable Management of Wetlands and Shallow Lakes, which offers practical advice on the recovery of lost or severely damaged wetland ecosystems. The manual sets out clear steps on the preparation of a management plan for wetlands, through an inclusive participatory process involving local communities as well as the many stakeholders whose active support is vital to the successful adoption and implementation of the plan. The first discernible signs of recovery in the degraded wetlands, Nestos in Greece and La Nava and Boada in Spain, is a positive and encouraging demonstration of what may be achieved through wise wetland management. Much thought has been given to the preparation of this manual. It is intended to be of value and practical use to local communities who live and work in and around wetlands, as well as those whose primary interest is in the science involved in wetland restoration. I wish to express my warmest appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the production of the manual.
Prof Aitken Clark Vice President of Global Nature Fund Vice President of BTCV
6 Water Framework Directive
"Water is not a commercial product like any other, but, rather, a heritage which must be protected, defended and treated as such." (EU Water Framework Directive)
Europe’s citizens are increasingly interested in their waters, as part of their local, regional and European environment. It is against this background that the European Union has expanded its water protection policy by the Water Framework Directive (WFD): > An ambitious and binding objective - protecting all our waters, and achieving ‘good status’ for all these waters (rivers, lakes, groundwaters and coastal waters) Dr Helmut Blöch > A holistic approach – good status defined, beyond traditional chemical parameters: for surface waters also in terms of biology (microflora, microfauna, fish fauna) and morphology, for groundwaters also in terms of quantity (balance between abstraction and recharge) > Addressing interaction between waters, wetlands and other water-dependent ecosystems > Ensuring river basin solidarity – thinking, planning and acting in river basins and sub-basins, across borders in a co-ordinated river basin management plan > Getting the citizens involved – providing for broad participation of citizens, NGOs and stakeholders, municipalities etc. in the development of river basin management plans Implementing this new EU water policy is a major challenge for all involved, at local, regional, national or European level. I am therefore particularly glad that it has been able to establish a broad co-operation in implementing the WFD, the Common Implementation Strategy. It is bringing together not only the European Commission, Member States and Candidate Countries, but also NGOs, stakeholders and the scientific community, thus reconfirming the broad and participatory approach. Looking back now at three years of experience with this strategy, it can already now be regarded as an example of good European governance – building on experience and information across Europe, shaping a network, delivering ambitious guidance documents, workshops and seminars. It has also delivered common ownership by all involved, to the benefit of Europe’s waters. The WFD is now at a first crucial stage of its implementation, from Estonia to Portugal and from Ireland to Cyprus: Following the formal transposition into national legislation, the first environmental assessment for each river basin will have to be finalised by the end of 2004. There are even regions where such activity is going far beyond the borders of the enlarged European Union: for the whole of the Danube river basin, from the mountains of the Black Forest to the shores of the Black Sea, one co-ordinated assessment is being developed by the Danube countries, within the International Danube Protection Commission ICPDR. It will pave the way for implementing the WFD in this largest of the EU’s river basins. In this whole process, at regional, river basin and European level, the role of informed citizens, of NGOs, water users and stakeholders will be crucial. I therefore warmly welcome all the work done in the context of this LIFE project. It will help us achieve our common goal: getting Europe’s waters cleaner, getting the citizen involved.
Dr Helmut Blöch European Commission*, Directorate General Environment
*This contribution reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the European Commission.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 7 Introduction >>
Introduction implementation of the measures requirements of the EU Water defined in the management plan. Framework Directive. This will be achieved by: In order to achieve an overall LIFE project: Living Lakes - > Applying ecological restoration agreement between the various Sustainable management of techniques to two degraded stakeholders and decision makers, wetlands and shallow lakes wetlands, respectively to an iterative step by step approach demonstrate how wetlands can be was carried out to finalise the plan Background - problems - managed in ways that enhance for La Nava and Nestos. In a first objectives their nature conservation values phase, a possible structure for the while benefiting the social and management plan was drafted and Since the beginning of the 20th economic needs of local an analysis and assessment of the century two thirds of European communities. available data was carried out and wetlands have been lost due to > Developing appropriate proposals integrated into the structure. The engineering construction works, for the extensification of the next step was the preparation of the draining and conversion to arable agricultural land in the catchment management plan on the basis of land, exploitation of groundwater area in order to reduce negative regular workshops with the relevant and dumping of refuse. Furthermore, impacts. local and regional stakeholders. The many have been degraded through members of these working groups nutrient enrichment, the main > Providing opportunities to discussed the content and focus of sources being sewage effluents and demonstrate and spread good the management plan and agricultural fertilisers. Such practice in wetland management developed it in further detail. In eutrophication interferes with the through training courses, work addition public presentations and important ecological functions of camps and knowledge exchange, hearings took place. As a final result water bodies and is jeopardising the using the Living Lakes network as concerted management plans for use of water resources by man. a primary vehicle for the each project area covering a period dissemination of results and In July 2001 Global Nature Fund of five years were presented to the experiences. A central objective of started an EU LIFE project for the public and handed over to the the project is to use different rehabilitation of wetlands in Spain competent administrations with the communication techniques in and Greece with the title "Living demand to approve the management order to address the broad public Lakes - Sustainable Management of plan officially and to start the as well as international experts. Wetlands and Shallow Lakes". The implementation. project areas are the wetlands of La > Developing a sustainable tourism Concerning the specific Nava and Boada in the region of concept which includes the demonstration measures to restore Castilla y León in Spain, and the wetlands as a valuable asset of the and to protect the wetlands, the Nestos lakes, lagoons and wetlands region and implementing some project partner organisations in north-eastern Greece. The two first infrastructure as a step Fundación Global Nature in Spain wetland complexes are under towards proper visitor and EPO in Greece were constant pressure from non management. focusing on: sustainable activities. The selected > A long-term installation of buffer demonstration areas are typical of a Technical and methodological zones by purchase or long-term great number of wetlands and solution lease of land in the case of La shallow lakes in Europe. The management plans were Nava and Boada in Spain. The main goal of the project was to developed through a participatory Because of the steppe character develop two management plans in process with the local stakeholders of the wetlands La Nava and co-operation with the respective in order to maintain the biological Boada, only a few buffer zones were local communities, authorities and diversity and productivity of the newly planted but the strategy was stakeholders focusing on the wetlands and to allow wise use of to convert arable land in the direct restoration and sustainable their resources by human beings. vicinity of the fragile ecosystems development of the wetlands while The structure of the plans was into set-aside areas. In the case of benefiting the social and economic developed according to Ramsar the Nestos lakes in Greece a land needs of the local population. The guidelines for the development of consolidation process was in consequent next step is the management plans and the progress and was used to acquire
8 appropriate plots for the administration of Castilla y León The exchange of know-how was implementation of the measures. would not support its extended to include other At one lagoon a large implementation. organisations involved in "constructed wetland buffer zone" > Plantations with different methods management of wetlands and lakes with autochthonous plants, mainly like the planting of solitary trees in Europe and at international level. bulrush and reed species was and bushes as well as plantations The Broads Authority is very installed, which quickly developed in groups and rows to create a experienced in the restoration of into an interesting wildlife habitat. variety of structures and habitats highly eutrophic lakes, > Installation of a green filter at (La Nava, Boada and Nestos). environmental education and long- Boada wetland. The advantages of Plantations of various teasel term management of protected areas this innovative filter technology species (e.g. Cynara cardunculus) and lakes. The Lake Constance with floating aquatic macrophytes because these plants are perfectly Foundation has worked mainly in the are the relatively low investment adapted to the dry climate fields of organic and environmentally and its effectiveness in purifying conditions in the highlands of sound agriculture, sustainable the water which flows into the Palencia. tourism and environmental wetland (estimated at 40-60% of In both project areas a number of management systems. Both partners the nutrients load). This water demonstration measures for visitor assisted in the development of the purification system requires management were carried out such management plans as well as the minimal maintenance, although at as the installation of interpretation planning and implementation of the least once a year a technician has trails, observation platforms and the restoration measures. Two interna- to review the water level, restore publication of booklets describing tional training courses were dead or lost plants and eliminate themed excursions, traditional organised by both of them with a the excess plant biomass products or environmental friendly five-day programme focusing on generated by the filter. The linear accommodation facilities. Some of how to put theory into practice and form of this green filter is the measures are included as the opportunity to visit several case completely integrated into the practical examples in this manual. study examples. landscape, even creating an A very important target of the project interesting habitat for some was the exchange of experience Expected results and vertebrate and invertebrate between the partners in the two environmental benefits of the species. Unfortunately, until the project areas and the Broads LIFE project end of the LIFE project the filter National Park Authority in Eastern Forty months is a relatively short time could not be installed, because England as well as the Lake for the realisation of such a complex the regional environmental Constance Foundation in Germany. model project and some of the
Project Team at Boada Lagoon
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 9 Introduction >>
specific environmental benefits even misunderstandings in the past the regional NGO EPO and the skills could not be evaluated within the or aspects of competition. learned helped to prepare and project duration. Based on the first At the end of the LIFE project it was implement a large LIFE Nature project results the partner not clear whether or not the two Project that continued to practically organisations made a tentative management plans would be used manage and protect the Nestos assessment of the environmental and implemented - fully or partially - wetlands by reconnecting four benefits that can be expected. by the authorities in charge. different old Nestos branches with the main river course, restored more Results and environmental Pilot restoration and management than 60 ha of riparian forests, benefits at local level measures constructed 8 new floating breeding rafts for terns, initiated two new The installation of buffer zones on Integrated management plans vulture feeding sites and installed 57 ha of which 20 ha are newly three more nature trails with 7 ob- As a result of the project, integrated planted will contribute to the removal servation platforms in the area. The management plans for the two of nitrogen and phosphorus loads LIFE Environment Project achieved a representative wetlands in Spain and from concentrated effluents. At major benefit through participation Greece have been developed to Nestos in total an area of 19 ha of on the board of the newly created manage a wetland zone with a size valuable biotopes was cleaned from National Park Management Body of of over 1,000 ha in La Nava, Boada refuse. In total an area of 5.9 ha was the wider Nestos Wetlands Park. and the Nestos area. The cleared form rubble and heavy litter, management plans include a the old lake banks were restored or Media work, information panels and concept for the extensification of new water banks installed. the presentation of two new mobile 8,000 ha agriculturally used land exhibitions, lectures at schools, in and a concept to foster sustainable Visitor management surrounding communities and on tourism in the region. Aims and The installation of visitor infrastructure site have environmental education specific measures of the such as an interpretation trail, an effects on local residents (especially management plans are the result of observation platform and brochures young people and pupils) as well as an iterative and integrative process in different languages is an important national and international visitors. involving the relevant stakeholders step in order to foster sustainable of both areas. tourism development in the areas. Results and environmental The central role of the project It will help reduce negative impacts benefits at international level partners Fundación Global Nature of visitors on sensitive zones around The exchange of experience and and EPO in their capacity as NGOs the wetlands. Visitors and nature information was an important was to develop the management conservation will benefit from these objective of the project. More than plans and concepts in co-operation measures as this infrastructure will 100 managers and decision-makers with all relevant stakeholders. The make it easier to experience nature participated in the four training formal approval and implementation while visiting the wetlands and their courses on wetland restoration and of the measures proposed in the surroundings. management carried out at Lake plans lies within the responsibility of Constance (Germany, Austria and Lobbying and environmental the regional Environmental Authority Switzerland) and in the Broads education of Castilla y León in the case of La National Park in East Anglia (England). Nava, and the national Ministry for As a result of the lobbying activities 90 young people from six European the Environment and the Regional of Fundación Global Nature (FGN), countries participated in the interna- Authorities in the case of the Nestos La Nava was accepted as a Ramsar tional workcamps and actively Lakes. wetland in November 2002. Laguna supported the nature conservation In both cases the co-operation Boada also fulfils the criteria of the organisations with practical work between an NGO and the authorities Ramsar treaty. FGN has submitted all and at the same time gained various was difficult. There are various necessary data to the environmental experiences and insight into the reasons for these problems: limited authority of Castilla y León with the culture and nature of the regions. resources (funds and labour), request to apply for Ramsar status for Another important measure conflict of expertise, different this wetland as well. regarding environmental education priorities and objectives with respect In the Nestos area the LIFE Environ- was the work with school classes at to nature and the environment or ment Project upgraded the work of the regional schools around Nestos
10 and La Nava. In Spain, the team of pating in field excursions. In the neigh- The manual explains the content of a the Fundación visited 17 classes to bouring town of Xanthi a major event management plan for wetlands and explain the importance and function for the presentation of all environmental shallow lakes and describes the of La Nava and Boada wetlands. Six work of the basic schools was necessary steps of its participatory other school classes came to the organized in the central square of development. All steps are illustrated Information Centre in Fuentes de the town at the end of the school with clear and specific examples Nava and spent a day at the year 2003 (see also chapter 10.7). and results from the LIFE project as lagoons. This manual "Reviving Wetlands - well as other projects and case From the beginning of the LIFE Sustainable Management of studies. The manual is published in Project in June 2001 until June Wetlands and Shallow Lakes" and a English, Spanish and Greek; a 2004, 52 schools have been visited demonstration video are outcomes German version can be found on a for environmental presentations with of the project and are used to CD ROM as well as on the website more than 2000 pupils and 119 disseminate the results and the teachers, most of them also partici- experiences obtained in the project. www.livingwetlands.org.
Coordinator We would like to thank the members For further information and Global Nature Fund of the Project Advisory Board for the addresses see Chapter 14 Project intensive support and consultation of Partners and Supporters. the project team. Project Partners
Laguna La Nava; Spain Advisory Board > Fundación Global Nature España Prof Dr Gerhard Thielcke > Ayuntamiento de Fuentes de Nava Honorary President of GNF, Germany > Ayuntamiento de Boada de Prof Aitken Clark Campos Vice President of Global Nature Fund, Vice President of BTCV, England Nestos Lakes; Greece Dr Tobias Salathé > EPO-Society for Protection of European Coordinator of Ramsar- Nature and Ecodevelopment Convention, Switzerland > AENAK: Development Agency of Dr Argiris Kalianiotis the Prefecture of Kavala Director of the State Fishery Institute INALE, Greece Lake Constance; Germany, Switzerland, Austria Dr Santos Cirujano CSIC Real Jardin Botanico Madrid, > Lake Constance Foundation Spain (Bodensee-Stiftung)
Norfolk & Suffolk Broads; England > Broads Authority
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 11 1 Initial Situation: LIFE Project Areas
LIFE Project Areas important for flora and fauna because they are located in arid areas. Often they represent the only remaining Wetlands and shallow lakes are natural ecosystem amidst intensive among the most important and most monocultures. As a consequence far threatened ecosystems on earth. too much water is extracted and the They provide habitat for a rich groundwater is depleting. Due to the European Greylag Geese diversity of animal and plant life. But limited water resources massive people need wetlands as well - for conflicts between agriculture and many reasons - they provide nature conservation often arise. products from fish to reeds and help Sustainable integration of the wetlands prevent floods. Furthermore they play into the land development plans at an important role in filtering and local level is almost non-existent. cleaning water thereby reducing In the 1950s, politicians had a dream levels of pollutants. of a blooming landscape reaping rich Nevertheless, wetlands are very harvests in the La Nava region. The sensitive and vulnerable systems and construction of 15 large and many over 60% of the European wetlands small canals and ditches nearly La Nava in spring have been destroyed by mankind drained Lake La Nava, but the since the beginning of the 20th expected success failed. century. Many of the remaining areas In 1990, the Spanish "Fundación are imminently threatened by nutrient Global Nature" brought Lake La Nava enrichment and water abstraction. back to life. The sister lake Boada, in Global Nature Fund has started this 14 km distance, was restored in pilot project in order to demonstrate 1996. After a remarkably short period that it is possible to manage wetlands of time, waders and other waterfowl in ways which enhance their natural re-discovered the lakes. At present value while benefiting the social and the lakes cover over four square economic needs of the local Polluted water in La Nava tributaries kilometres and are classified as two community. of the three most important winter Project areas of the implemented EU resting places for central and north LIFE project are the lagoons La Nava European greylag geese. Project areas of the and Boada in Spain and the Nestos Today, the main problem of the Lakes and Lagoons in North-eastern Spanish wetlands is the poor quality EU-LIFE project are the Greece. of the inflowing water as some of the lagoons La Nava and The wetlands La Nava and Boada in tributaries are polluted with Spain represent typical steppe lakes, insufficiently treated sewage Boada in Spain and the ecosystems of which two thirds have containing nutrients and other been destroyed during the past 50 substances e.g. from small-scale Nestos Lakes and years. Steppe lakes are extremely tanneries. Lagoons in North-eastern Greece.
12 >>
Aerial view of La Nava Wetland
La Nava and Boada in Spain La Nava & Boada Location North-western Spain on the Palencia Tierra de Campos Plateau, Province of Palencia Madrid Inhabitants 840 in the municipality of Fuentes de Nava, 28 in the municipality of Boada de Campos Wetland type Shallow steppe lakes with an average depth of 0.5 m, located in low precipitation areas Size Original size 25-50 km2, today only 4 km2 Fauna 300 species of vertebrates, 225 bird species (Greylag Geese 15,000 individuals, mallards 25,000 individuals, teals, shovelers, lapwings, whiskered terns, stilts, avocets), 23 mammal species, 7 reptile and 5 amphibian species Flora The flora is characterised by seasonal flooding of the wetlands. Typical species are sedges (Carex, Cladium sp.), Iris and Water Buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), Purple Moor-Grass (Molinia caerulea), cattail (Typha sp.) and reed (Phragmites australis). Legal Protection Natura 2000, Ramsar site Threats Groundwater pollution, groundwater exploitation, insufficient waste water treatment systems in small communities and industries, intensive agriculture, conflicts concerning the use of water, lack of management, lack of integration in local and regional landuse planning.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 13 1 Initial Situation: LIFE Project Areas
The Nestos lakes and lagoons are precious pieces in a more complex part of the Nestos Delta, located in mosaic that includes wetlands, dry north-eastern Greece. Starting in the meadows, hedges, small 1950s large-scale drainage Mediterranean bush forests, and measures were carried out in the small-scale agricultural fields. The delta and the River Nestos was lagoons are situated in the north- enclosed between flood protection western part of the delta and cover Waterlilies in the Nestos lakes dykes. Thus, large parts of the delta about 10 km2. They are surrounded became available for intensive by a coastal strip of sand dunes and modern agriculture and the area was extended salt marshes, reed beds liberated from malaria. Today the and tamarisk bushes. Nestos is flowing at a length of 30 km Intensive agriculture is one of the from the end of the Nestos Gorge to greatest threats to the lakes and the Mediterranean Sea in a natural lagoons. Due to agricultural EU river-bed between dams of 1-1.5 km subsidies more and more land is 2 width. From the original 550 km cultivated and intensively used. large Nestos delta, today only about Farmers pump off large quantities of 80 km2 show a natural character The Curlew is common in the Nestos Delta water from the lakes to irrigate their comprising the following main fields. The excessive use of ecosystems: coastal lagoons and fertilisers and pesticides in the delta sand dunes, lakes and ponds, the region is causing severe problems to riverbed with riparian forests. the lakes and lagoons such as The lake area covers roughly 20 km2 eutrophication. The quantity and and consists of 18 freshwater lakes quality of the groundwater has also and ponds. The Nestos Lakes are deteriorated.
Illegal rubbish dumps
Some parts of the riparian forest in the Nestos Delta are still used for dumping refuse. 120 truck loads of rubbish were collected and removed from 30 ha biotope.
14 >>
Aerial view of Nestos Lakes
Kavala Nestos Delta Nestos Lakes and Lagoons
Location Nestos Delta in north-eastern Greece, about 200 km Athens East of Salonika Inhabitants 32 communities in the Delta with about 50,000 inhabitants Wetland type Brackish-water lagoons and several freshwater lakes Size and depth "Nestos Delta" covers an area of 550 km2 of which 80 km2 are wetlands. The depth of the water bodies varies between 0.5-1.5 m (lagoons) and up to 3.5 m (lakes) Fauna Over 35 species of mammals (otter, wild cat and golden jackal) More than 320 birds species, of which 110 are breeding species, 2 species of tortoises, 2 terrapins, 2 sea turtles, 9 snakes, 2 lizards, 2 geckos and the glass lizard. 8 species of amphibians and 8 further species of reptiles in the bordering mountains Flora The area is characterised by sub-Mediterranean vegetation. Along the lagoons there are extended salt marshes, wet grasslands, reed and tamarisks. The ponds and lakes are surrounded by reed and cattail, and the water’s surface is partly covered by waterlilies Legal Protection Ramsar site, Natura 2000, SPA Area under Bird Directive, Important Bird Area (IBA) and two large non hunting areas, National Park under constitution Threats Intensive agriculture, water distraction, ground water deterioration, industries, illegal hunting, littering
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 15 2 Who these Guidelines are destined
Who these Guidelines ves were not successful in the past. are destined for > Who will be responsible for the implementation of the management plan? The present manual describes the contents and the process of Check which administrations and preparing a management plan for private institutions as well as The goal of nature conservation work: a wetlands or shallow lakes. The target persons have expertise and stable ecosystem group are technicians, stakeholders responsibilities within the and decision makers involved in management of the area. How will management of these sites or they be involved in the process? Do Normally, an influencing the ecosystem with their you have convincing arguments to motivate them towards a positive environmental NGO activities. The publication gives answers to questions about why and attitude, e.g. general legal conditions defends the highest how a management plan has to be which have to be fulfilled, answers to established. Useful information from serious conflicts of interests, projects standards of nature and other manuals has been included - to augment the image of politicians? in order that the wheel is not Would your organisation be accepted environmental protection. continually reinvented. Practical as co-ordinator of the process? experience and examples out of the > Have you identified all relevant But in the end a LIFE project "Sustainable Manage- local actors? ment of wetlands and shallow lakes" How will they be involved in the management plan and from various Living Lakes process? Do you have convincing partners will facilitate the practical approved by all arguments to motivate them towards implementation. a positive attitude, e.g. interesting stakeholders is always a The structure of the manual reflects financial funding and subsidies, the elements of a management plan. advantage for tourism development, compromise. answer to serious conflicts of Principal questions interests, serious involvement and consideration of the different The development and interests etc.? Would your implementation of a management organisation be accepted as co- plan is a time consuming task ordinator of the process? involving financial and personnel resources. Take your time for > Does your organisation have the reflection and answer the following necessary personnel and financial questions carefully: resources to lead the process of the elaboration of a management > Is a management plan for the site plan? really needed? Why? A management plan requires the > Is the need of a management plan research of existing data and only seen by yourself or your information to analyse the actual organisation? What about the situation. It is easy to design a other stakeholders, what about participatory process on paper, but the expert administration? to work it out, as many as necessary The elaboration of a management talks and meetings need to be plan is not a one-man show - least of carried out and a high portion of all its implementation. It is absolutely diplomacy and patience is required. legitimate that the initiative to Did you agree in your organisation to develop a management plan comes assign sufficient dedication and from an NGO or another stakeholder resources to this objective? Do you group. But it is necessary to look for have the professional background to partners, especially if similar initiati- co-ordinate this process?
16 for >>
> Do you know successful examples > Is your organisation able and If, after these reflections, you are still similar to your situation? willing to accept a compromise? convinced, then please go ahead. It is not necessary or useful to re- Normally, an environmental NGO An exciting and challenging target is invent the wheel. Other examples defends the highest standards of waiting for you and your and positive - or also negative - nature and environmental protection. organisation. Knowledge and experiences are very helpful to But in the end a management plan professional work are important prepare a coherent and realistic approved by all stakeholders is always ingredients for success. We wish management plan. Get in contact a compromise. Where are the limits you good luck - because this is also with other initiatives! Invite them to of acceptance within your organi- needed! the meetings and ask them for advice sation? Are you flexible enough to and feedback. Practical experience bring the process to a successful is much more convincing than result acceptable to all stakeholders theoretical planning. - including your own organisation?
Manual structure
Participatory Approach Vision
Description of the area (geographic and physical data) Legal responsibilities and protection status
Evaluation of natural, socio- Monitoring and Evaluation Continuous economical and cultural resources Hydrology improvement Ecosystems, fauna and flora of Cultural landscape Architecture and traditions environmental Science and research quality Environmental education Industry and commerce Land use and traffic Partipication and Communication Agriculture and fishery Tourism and recreation
Action Plan
Management Structure, Documentation / Communication
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 17 3 The Management Plan: Need and
The Management Most important functions of a Plan: Need and Management Plan are: > To identify the objectives of site Background management > To identify the factors that affect, or The term management derives from may affect, the features economics and describes the cycle of planning-implementing- > To resolve conflicts controlling-adapting. > To define the monitoring During the past ten years, the requirements management idea has found its way > To identify and describe the into ecology, among other things management required to achieve through the voluntary European the objectives instrument "Environmental and Audit > To maintain continuity of effective Management Scheme EMAS" and management ISO 14001 for companies, local authorities and other organisations. > To obtain resources Cover page of the Broads Plan 2004 Different EU directives, ahead of all > To enable communication within the EU Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC and between sites, organisations (Managing Natura 2000 Sites) and and stakeholders the EU Water Framework Directive > To demonstrate that management The management plan for (River Basin Management) postulate is effective and efficient management plans. The new an ecosystem or an area directive 2001/42/EC on Strategic > To ensure compliance with local, Environmental Assessment for national, and international policies. is part of a dynamic and optimisation on planning processes, especially within the range of land continuing management Environmental and Audit use planning, transport planning and Management Scheme (EMAS) planning process. The waste management planning, and ISO 14001 requires different elements of a The EU Eco-Audit, also called EMAS, management system: environmental plan should be kept under is a voluntary management system reports with specific environmental for businesses and organisations review and adjusted to aims and monitoring. that wish to improve their operational The management plan for an take into account the environmental protection measures ecosystem or an area is part of a on a continual basis beyond the monitoring process, dynamic and continuing practices called for by law. management planning process. The EMAS stands for "Eco-Management plan should be kept under review changing priorities, and and Audit Scheme". The revised and adjusted to take into account the EMAS II includes all the aspects of emerging issues. monitoring process, changing the international ISO 14001, but in priorities, and emerging issues. some respects has higher Management planning must be requirements, for example employee regarded as a continuous, long-term participation and the publication of process. Planning should begin by an environmental report. producing a minimal plan that meets, as far as resources allow, the All organisations participating in requirements of the site and of the EMAS regularly draw up an organisation responsible for environmental statement for the managing the site. It is important to public. In it the organisational recognise that a management plan environmental policy and its will grow as information becomes environmental programme with available. concrete measurable environmental
18 Background >>
goals are established. All the habitats and their species and the common River Basin Management relevant environmental aspects that restoration to favourable Plan with measures to ensure that the company or organisation is able conservation status. The Directive the ambitious objectives of the to influence must be taken into establishes a community wide Directive will be met within the given consideration. Among these are to network of Special Areas of deadlines. These plans will be be numbered indirect aspects as Conservation (SACs) which form part designed and implemented by river well, such as investments, admini- of Natura 2000. Also Special basin, the natural geological and strative and planning decisions, Protected Areas (SPAs) established hydrological unit which brings products or services of suppliers etc. under the Birds Directive (1979) are together upstream and downstream Each environmental statement must included within Natura 2000. interests: local, regional, national be evaluated by an independent, Article 6 of the Habitats Directive authorities as well as stakeholders, government-certified environmental plays a crucial role in the including NGOs. verifier or auditor. If it meets the management of the sites that make In essence, the WFD aims to create requirements of EMAS, the up the Natura 2000 network. It sets new solidarity around water environmental auditor declares the out the framework for site management within river basins and environmental statement to be valid. conservation and protection, and aims to prevent pollution at source and sets out control mechanisms to The ISO 14001 is a world wide includes proactive, preventive and ensure that all pollution sources are recognised environmental procedural requirements. It is managed in a sustainable way. management scheme, administered relevant to special protection areas and further developed by the under Directive 79/409/EEC as well In terms of pollution control, the institutions responsible for industrial as to sites based on Directive 92/43/ Directive combines two approaches standards in each country. EMAS EEC. The framework is a key means - the best possible reduction of and ISO 14001 are very similar of achieving the principle of emissions and a minimum quality systems; in certain aspects EMAS environmental integration and threshold - to ensure that the has even higher requirements. ultimately sustainable development. objectives of "good ecological quality" of water are met by 2015. EMAS II provides structure and The necessary conservation This must be achieved by the elements for environmental measures can involve "if need be, Member States. The European management, and is therefore also appropriate management plans Commission is preparing interesting for the management of specifically designed for the sites or "environmental quality standards" wetlands and shallow lakes. integrated into other development defining "good chemical status". At Currently, industry, communities, plans". Such management plans the same time, emission control service providers, e.g. hotels and should address all foreseen activities, measures are being prepared which travel agencies, and even nature unforeseen new activities being will range from reduction to phase and biosphere reserves, apply for dealt with by Article 6 (3) and (4). out of releases into the aquatic EMAS certification. According to Further information: http://europa.eu.int/ environment within a period of 20 EMAS criteria a management comm/environment/nature/art6_en.pdf years for the worst pollutants in structure for a wetland and lake European waters, the "priority region should be established which EU Water Framework Directive hazardous substances". would also appear in the The Water Framework Directive The WFD encourages, and in some management plan. (WFD) expands the scope of water cases requires, the integration of protection to all waters and sets Further information: http://europa.eu.int/ policies and actions that can clear objectives that a "good status" comm/environment/emas/ contribute to improve water quality, must be achieved for all European whether it be farmers who change waters by 2015 and that water use Where is a management plan agricultural land-use practices to must be sustainable throughout required? reduce nitrate leakage into Europe. groundwater, or industrial producers Managing Natura 2000 Sites The Water Framework Directive who invest in new technologies to The EU Directive on the requires that all partners in a given reduce emissions, or consumers Conservation of Natural Habitats and river basin manage their waters who buy environmentally-friendly Fauna and Flora provides the together in close co-operation. It products such as biodegradable legislation for the protection of stipulates that countries set up a detergents.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 19 3 The Management Plan: Need and
Just as different countries will have Union. The way we use our land provided in the Environmental Report to co-operate to protect water space can have major impacts on and calls on information that resources, so will various actors environmental conditions. These concentrates on issues related to the from different sectors. The Directive can be direct, such as the significant effects on the encourages all those with an interest destruction of natural habitats and environment of the plan or to actively participate in water landscapes, or indirect, such as programme. Information on the management activities. This co- increasing the amount of traffic on relationship with other plans or operation amongst stakeholders our roads leading to more programmes should also be such as NGOs, local communities congestion, air pollution and included. and various levels of public greenhouse gases. Land use According to Article 10 of the SEA authorities during all phases of the planning and management Directive the significant implementation is crucial to ensure decisions are usually made at local environmental effects of the the whole process is carried out or regional level. implementation of a plan or efficiently and transparently. And this To devise methods and programme should be monitored. involvement must continue so that environmental tools to analyse the The report should contain a there is a balance of interests impact of proposed development, description of how that monitoring is between the environment and those the Directive on Environment Impact to be undertaken. The description who depend on it. Assessment (EIA) for projects and should refer to existing monitoring arrangements if these are to be Important deadlines of the Directive: the Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for used. December 2003: National and plans and programmes are the two regional water laws were adapted to Further information: http://europa.eu.int/ main tools used in this task. These comm/environment/eia/home.htm the WFD. River Basin co-operation make sure that significant were made operational. environmental impacts are identified, December 2004: An analysis of assessed and taken into account pressures and impacts on waters throughout the decision-making has to be completed including an process. economic analysis. The purpose of the SEA Directive is December 2006: Monitoring to ensure that environmental programmes have to be operational consequences of certain plans and as a basis for the water programmes at regional and local management. level are identified and assessed December 2008: River Basin Ma- during their preparation and before nagement plans presented to the their adoption. The public and public. environmental authorities can give their opinion and all results are December 2009: Publishing first integrated and taken into account in River Basin Management Plans. the course of the planning December 2015: Waters to meet procedure. "good status". By July 2004, the SEA Directive must Further information: http://europa.eu.int/ be integrated into federal legislation. comm/environment/water/water- At the heart of SEA lies the framework/index/ environmental report, which establishes, describes and analyses EU Directive on Strategic the environmental impact of a land Environmental Assessment (SEA) use plan on regional level, or a plan or project in the field of communal With an average population of 117.5 urban land use - and its reasonable inhabitants per km2 in the EU it is alternatives. easy to see why land use planning and management is such an Annex 1 of the Directive specifies important environmental issue for the the information that has to be
20 Background >>
EMAS European ECO-Management and Audit Scheme
1 Environmental Aspects
8 2 Environmental Environmental Manage- Assessment ment Structure
5 Realisation of 3 Environmental Goals Environmental Programme 6 7 Regular Documen- procedure check tation 4 Environmental Programme
9 Internal Environmental Audit
10 Environmental Statement
11 EMAS-Certification
1 Environmental Aspects 5 Realisation of Environmental 9 Internal Environmental Audit Evaluation of natural, socio- Programme Monitoring and Evaluation economical and cultural Examples of measures (Chapter 13) resources (Chapter 10) 10Environmental statement (Chapter 7 and 8) 6 Regular procedure check Participation and communication 2 Environmental Assessment Does the organisation work? (Chapter 12) (Performance Audit and Legal Monitoring and Evaluation 11EMAS-Certification Compliance Audit) (Chapter 13) By an accredited Auditor Evaluation of natural, socio- 7 Documentation economical and cultural - at least every 3 years resources Written Management Plan, (Chapters 8 and 10) minutes of meetings, evaluation reports (Chapter 11) 3 Environmental policy and goals: 8 Environmental Management Vision (Chapter 5) Structure Action Plan /Operational Manage- ment Goals (Chapter 9) Who is responsible for what (Chapters 6, 9, 11) 4 Environmental Programme: Participation of stakeholders Action Plan (Chapter 9 and 10) (Chapters 4 and 12)
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 21 4 Participatory Approach >>
Participatory Approach disagreement persists, through the complaints procedures and the courts. Caring for Europe’s waters Good management can only will require more involvement of succeed if all stakeholders are citizens, interested parties, and non- integrated and either agree on the governmental organisations (NGOs). management goals or at least on a To that end the Water Framework Workshop with EPO in Greece compromise. For that reason, the Directive will require information and participatory approach is given a consultation when river basin high priority within the EU Water management plans are established: Framework Directive. the river basin management plan "The increasing demand by citizens must be issued in draft, and the and environmental organisations for background documentation on cleaner rivers and lakes, ground- which the decisions are based must water and coastal beaches is be made accessible. Furthermore a evident. This citizen demand is one biannual conference in order to of the main reasons why the provide regular exchange of views Commission has made water and experiences in implementation Expert team meeting at La Nava in Spain protection one of the priorities of its should be organised. Too often in the work. A new European Water Policy past implementation has been left will have to get polluted waters clean unexamined until it was too late - again, and ensure clean waters are A new European Water until Member States were already kept clean. In achieving these woefully behind schedule and out of Policy will have to get objectives, the roles of citizens and compliance. The Framework citizens’ groups will be crucial. This Directive, by establishing very early polluted waters clean is why a new European Water Policy on a network for the exchange of has to motivate more citizens to information and experience between again, and ensure clean become involved." water professionals throughout the There are two main reasons for an Community, will ensure this does not waters are kept clean. In extension of public participation. The happen. first is that the decisions on the most achieving these So much for the EU Water Frame- appropriate measures to achieve the work Overview. objectives, the roles of objectives in the river basin manage- ment plan will involve balancing the What applies to river basin citizens and citizens’ interests of various groups. The management plans also applies to economic analysis requirement is the management of wetland areas. A groups will be crucial. intended to provide a rational basis large number of examples in the past for this, but it is essential that the demonstrate that "Top-Down- process is open to the scrutiny of management plans" failed on those who will be affected. account of missing participation and lack of consensus. The second reason concerns enforceability. The higher the However a participatory approach is transparency in the establishment of easier said than done. World Wide objectives, the imposition of Fund for Nature (WWF) noted in its measures, and the reporting of survey "WWFs Water and Wetland standards, the greater care Member Index" from November 2003 that States will take to implement the there is still "a long way to go for legislation in good faith, and the public participation in water greater the power of the citizens to management". In this survey, realised influence the direction of within 23 European member states environmental protection, whether and accession countries, WWF through consultation or, if revealed that public participation is
22 poor or very poor in almost half of the he receives sufficient proactive The points of view of stakeholders surveyed countries, especially in information about legislation, results need to be taken seriously into Southern and Eastern Europe. The of ecological, economical and consideration. They should not get poorest aspects of public social analysis, specific projects the impression of being involved participation are the lack of affecting freshwater ecosystems, only pro forma. Feedback from all proactive information provisions to proposed aims and measures within participants should be treated in the non-governmental stakeholders the management plan and the same manner. How were their (poor or very poor in 35% of the procedure of communication. comments or suggestions dealt with? surveyed countries) and the quality The second step is an adequate Were they included in the of the means to enable the active structure of the participation management plan and if not, why involvement of interested parties in process. Well moderated workshops were they discarded? decision-making processes (poor or and sufficient space for discussion Transparency is a very important very poor in more than 45% of the are important. All invited quality criterion for a participatory countries). stakeholders should receive the first process. A management plan signed The first step to enable a good draft of the management plan before by all stakeholders in the end is a quality participation is information. A any first meeting and be given good result. stakeholder can build up an opinion enough time to discuss this draft with and participate in a decision only if their members or supervisors.
Example Broads National Park: Broads Plan 2004
Designing a participatory involvement in the process: Table 1. These included the process > People with information or skills following features: Maria Conti, Broads Authority relevant to the Plan and its > The Broads Forum, which Independent consultants were preparation comprises a wide range of engaged early in the Broads Plan, > People affected by what happens organisations not represented on considerable efforts were made to as a consequence of the Plan the Broads Authority but with an interest in the Broads, is well ensure that the process was > People with authority or resources placed to contribute to and monitor transparent, participatory and to help implement the Plan. inclusive from the outset. Thus, the the development of the Plan These groups comprised the process was designed to: following types of stakeholders: > Facilitated events to engage > Bring together a wide range of directly with key stakeholders on > Those who live or work in the organisations and individuals to issues and desirable outcomes Broads Executive Area create a common purpose and > Community events held in collective responsibility for the > Visitors to the Broads different locations for those who future of the Broads > Partner organisations live or work in the Broads to > Generate consensus around a set (governmental, non-governmental inform them about the plan and of objectives, based on a shared and corporate) solicit their input vision for the future of the Broads > Local authorities and parish > Consultation on key documents, councils > Engender a strong sense of notably a leaflet about key issues ownership amongst organisations > The wider public. and a draft Broads Plan, that were and individuals in the objectives The different types of stakeholders widely publicised and of the Plan. were able to participate in the disseminated, as well as Three main groups of stakeholders process through a range of available via the Authority’s were identified for close mechanisms, as summarised in website.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 23 4 Participatory Approach >>
Example Broads Plan 2004
Mechanisms by which stakeholders were able to participate in the development of the Broads Plan (Table 1)
Stakeholder Community Leaflet Stakeholder Meetings Committees events events Draft Plan
BA Staff
BA Members
Statutory
Non-Statutory Broads Forum
Public
Design of the process > Engaging with some 80 key > Establishing an Expert Advisory In designing a participatory process organisations and interest groups Group to provide external advice through a series of facilitated it is important to be clear about the on the process, strategies and workshops to identify key issues potential resources for address- different types of engagement with and how they might be addressed ing key issues. Members are stakeholders, ranging from through a set of 20-year aims and noted national experts and information provision with no 5-year objectives. decision makers within sectors opportunity for stakeholders to relevant to the Authority’s influence the outcome to open > Engaging with local communities interests, the Chairman and Vice dialogue in which stakeholder through informal events to provide Chairman of the Authority, and aspirations can be met and an opportunity for people to ‘drop officers of the Management Team. decisions shared (Table 2). The in’, meet members and officers, process for developing a new and record their interests and Broads Plan was designed to be as concerns. Joint business planning open as possible, beginning with > Publicising and widely Given that the Broads Plan is about dialogue bounded only by the legal disseminating consultation collaborative working, meetings responsibilities of the Authority and documents, specifically a leaflet were set up with key partner other partner statutory agencies on key issues and the draft organisations during the and moving into consultation mode Broads Plan, and making them consultation phase (Table 3) to once the Broads Plan had been accessible to all via the share business plans for the drafted. Authority’s website. coming year. This provided an The process for developing a new > Establishing a Steering Group to opportunity to agree priorities and Broads Plan was designed at a oversee and guide the process, resources to be allocated to them. It facilitated workshop, involving a but NOT dictate policy. is anticipated that this process will selection of members and officers Membership comprised members be repeated annually. of the Authority, and subsequently of the Authority’s Strategy and shared with key stakeholders for Resources Committee and the information and feedback. Important Chairman of the Broads Forum, features of the process, serviced by officers of the summarised in Table 2, include: Management Team.
24 Example Broads Plan 2004
Spectrum of engagement with stakeholders and their respective potentials for influencing decisions (Table 2)
Type of Engagement Features Stakeholder Response
Open dialogue Decisions shared by stakeholders Needs/Aspirations
Bounded dialogue Decisions influenced by stakeholders
Consultation Stakeholders have limited influence Options
Stakeholders provide information to inform Information gathering decisions - no influence
Information giving Stakeholders have opportunity to react Reactions
Summary of the two-year process to produce a new Broads Plan (Table 3)
Period Key Stage Broads Authority Key stakeholdersLocal Communuties Public
Feb.- June Initial planning Committee Annual meeting
July- Design process Committee Broads Forum Aug.
Sept.- Identify key issues Committee 1st workshop 5 drop-in events Issues leaflet Oct.
Nov.- Develop aims and Committee nd Dec. objectives 2 workshop
Jan.- Draft Broads Plan Committee Broads Forum Apr.
May- Consult on draft [1,200 copies disseminated for consultation; also available via Authority’s website.] July Broads Plan
Aug.- Broads Forum Dec. Finalise Broads Plan Committee
Jan. Launch Broads Plan [Public event and widespread dissemination of Broads Plan] 2004
Advice
As a non-governmental conflicts about the goals to be management plan. The money for organisation you may be initiator pursued. To mitigate the risks you his honorarium is a good of a management planning should engage an experienced, investment! process as well as stakeholder at neutral moderator to guide through the same time. This can lead to workshops for voting on a
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 25 5 Vision >>
Vision Frame In co-operation with the Japanese The South African Zulus consider foundation ILEC, the International water as a living entity with soul and Environment Technology Centre memory. And the indigenous people UNEP-IETC, LakeNet and other Huichol from Lake Chapala in organisations Living Lakes and GNF took part in the preparation of the Pantanal, South America Mexico believe that lakes are the mirror of ourselves. World Lake Vision. The World Lake Vision is an important call for What should a lake or wetland look sustainable use of lakes and like in five or ten years? What about underlines the great importance of the water quality and ecological lakes for man and ecosystems. It balance of the different natural provides a set of guiding principles habitats? Sustainability? Is it more for developing and implementing than just a buzzword? How can the effective management programmes principles of sustainable for the world’s lakes. These development be implemented? principles augment those already The vision as general target goal for articulated in the World Water Vision, Milicz Ponds, Poland the management plan should be the but focus specifically on lakes, their basis for joint actions of the different unique characteristics and uses, decision makers and stakeholders - and the threats they face. It also an outlook for the future everybody is describes promising strategies to approving and ready to support. address these threats, which Restoration of ecosystems already individuals and organisations degraded as well as the commitment working at the local, national, and to the "Precautionary Principle" in global level can undertake over the order to avoid pollution have their longer term. place in the vision. The seven The seven principles detailed in principles of the World Lake Vision Mahakam Lake, Indonesia World Lake Vision provide a road can be used as guidelines for your map for achieving the transition to work to establish a vision for the managing lakes for their wetland/lake in your region. sustainable use. The World Lake Vision is an important call for sustainable use of lakes and underlines the great importance of lakes for man and ecosystems.
The World Lake Vision was prepared by GNF, ILEC, UNEP-IETC, LakeNet and other organisations
26 The Dead Sea, Middle East
Principle 1: A harmonious relation- Principle 4: Policy development and Principle 6: Citizens and other ship between humans and nature is decision making for lake stakeholders must participate essential for the sustainability of management should be based on meaningfully in identifying and lakes. sound science and the best resolving critical lake problems. Principle 2: A lake drainage basin is available information. Principle 7: Good governance, the logical starting point for planning Principle 5: The management of based on fairness, transparency and and management actions for lakes for their sustainable use empowerment of all stakeholders, is sustainable lake use. requires the resolution of conflicts essential for sustainable lake use.
Principle 3: A long-term, proactive among competing users of lake Further information: http://www.ilec.or.jp approach directed to preventing the resources, taking into account the causes of lake degradation is needs of present and future essential. generations and of nature.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 27 6 Legal Responsibilities and the Protec
Legal Responsibilities institution named. As well as political responsibilities, the private and the Protection of landowners of the areas have to be designated Sites included. Public-private partnerships, where regional There is no standardised EU authorities assign certain tasks (e.g. regulation regarding the restoration, maintenance, Boada Lagoon, Spain responsibilities for nature and management) to private environmental conservation. These environmental organisations, without vary across the countries within the losing political responsibility, have EU. As for wetlands, all political become increasingly important. levels normally have to assume This chapter cannot present a certain responsibilities: comprehensive overview of the > The local level (city or municipality) situation within the European Union; is often the landowner. In most for that, a separate review would be countries they are responsible for necessary. However, the examples land use or development plans, as of outline protection categories in well as wastewater treatment. Spain and Greece, given below, On regional level, La Nava is designated illustrate the range of political as a Catalogued Wetland > At the regional or federal level, in responsibilities for protected sites in most countries responsibilities for each country. nature and environmental One crucial element of a conservation have been transfer - red to regional authorities, with a European protection categories management plan is an few exceptions. The countries are Natura 2000 and Birds Directive: outline of all legal responsible for the designation of "Special Areas of Conservation" protected areas. (SAC) under the Habitats Directive responsibilities, which will > The national level is the contracting with "Special Protected Areas" (SPA) party for the EU to translate under the Birds Directive, both influence the subsequent European Directives into national designated by Member States of the law, as well as having European Union, together form the action plan. Each responsibilities for implementing European network for protected areas Natura 2000. Primary measure should have a obligations from international conventions. The national level is objectives for designated sites are responsible organisation responsible for the designation of the conservation of species and National Parks, and various habitats listed in the appendices. or institution named. international protection categories Bern Convention: This international such as UNESCO World Heritage treaty, signed by 40 nations, came Sites, MAN Biosphere Reserves into force in 1982. It is formally and Ramsar wetlands. known as the "Convention on the In most EU countries there are conservation of European wildlife independent water authorities, and natural habitats. Bern/Berne divided into catchment areas, whose 19.IX.1979". Its stated aim is to responsibilities for groundwater, "conserve wild flora and fauna and flowing and still waters also have to their natural habitats". The be taken into account. Convention requires parties to give One crucial element of a special attention to the conservation management plan is an outline of all of species listed in the treaty’s legal responsibilities, which will appendices numbered I, II and III. influence the subsequent action Bonn Convention: The Convention plan. Each measure should have a on the Conservation of Migratory responsible organisation or Species of Wild Animals (also known
28 ction of designated Sites >>
as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to European Diploma: The European known as The Ramsar Convention) conserve terrestrial, marine and Diploma is a prestigious designation is an inter-governmental treaty avian migratory species throughout awarded by the Council of Europe in providing the framework for inter- their range. It is an inter- Strasbourg. It is awarded to national co-operation and national governmental treaty, concluded protected areas, which are of action for the conservation and wise under the aegis of the United special European importance for use of wetlands and their resources. Nations Environment Programme, their ecological, scientific, cultural or It was adopted in the Iranian city of concerned with the conservation of recreational value. The Diploma is Ramsar in 1971 and came into force wildlife and habitats on a global awarded for five years, but can be in 1975 following Greece’s signature scale. Since the Convention came extended if all regulations are as seventh country to the into force, its membership has grown complied with. Convention. The Convention’s steadily to 86 (at 1st June 2004). member countries cover all geo- The European Diploma is awarded Parties are included from Africa, graphic regions of the planet. There in three categories Central and South America, Asia, are presently 141 Contracting Parties Europe and Oceania. 1 Category A: Area for the protection to the Convention. 1387 wetland Migratory species threatened with of the European flora and fauna sites, totalling 122.7 million ha, are extinction are listed in Appendix I of and their habitats designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of Internati- the Convention. CMS Members strive 2 Category B: Area to conserve onal Importance. towards strictly protecting these landscape characters and habitats animals, conserving or restoring the A wetland area is selected using 3 Category C: Protected Area to places where they live, mitigating criteria, such as those having a rare preserve landscapes for semi obstacles to migration and or unique wetland type within the natural recreation. controlling other factors that might site, or the site has to be of inter- endanger them. Besides national importance for conserving International categories for establishing obligations for each biological diversity, relating to protected areas State joining the Convention, CMS ecological communities or species, promotes concerted action between Convention on Wetlands of Internati- especially waterfowl and fish. the States covering the range of onal Importance (Ramsar): The many of these species. Convention on Wetlands (also
Information What are wetlands?
A definition by the Ramsar Convention, Article 1.1) defines > Lacustrine (wetlands associated Convention wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, with lakes) peatland or water, whether natural Wetlands occur everywhere, from > Riverine (wetlands along rivers or artificial, permanent or temporary, the tundra to the tropics. They are and streams) with water that is static or flowing, characterised by water as the fresh, brackish or salt, including > Palustrine (meaning „marshy“ - primary factor affecting the areas of marine water the depth of marshes, swamps and bogs). environment with associated flora which at low tide does not exceed In addition, there are human-made and fauna. How much of the earth’s six metres“. wetlands such as fish and shrimp surface is presently composed of ponds, farm ponds, irrigated wetlands is not known exactly. The Five types of wetland are generally agricultural land, salt pans, UNEP World Conservation recognised: reservoirs, gravel pits, sewage Monitoring Centre (WCMC) has > Marine (coastal wetlands farms and canals. suggested an estimate of roughly including coastal lagoons, rocky 6% of the earth’s land surface. shores, and coral reefs) The Convention on Wetlands of > Estuarine (including deltas, tidal International Importance (Ramsar marshes, and mangrove swamps)
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 29 6 Legal Responsibilities and the Protec
IUCN (1994) rarity. Areas may have recreational ecosystems, where the conservation The World Commission on Protected or tourism value. of ecosystems and their biodiversity Areas (WCPA), one of the six 4 Habitat and Species are combined with the sustainable Commissions of the IUCN (Internati- Management Area: Protected use of natural resources for the onal Union for the Conservation of areas managed mainly for the benefit of local communities. This Nature and natural Resources), is conservation of habitats, such as includes relevant research, the only body working worldwide for bird nesting areas. May require monitoring, education and training. the protection of important nature management intervention Thus, the three functions of a areas. IUCN categorises protected (mowing, animal grazing, etc.). biosphere reserve are Conservation, areas by management objective. It Development and Logistic Support 5 Protected Landscape and for research and monitoring. has identified six distinct categories Seascape: Includes landscapes of protected areas: which result from a traditional World Heritage Site: The internatio- 1 A-Strict Nature Reserve/ interaction between man and land nal World Heritage programme B-Wilderness Area: Protected (or water). Primarily natural areas, nominates specific sites of areas are mainly managed for managed intensively by man for outstanding importance, either science and wilderness protection. recreation and tourism. cultural or natural. Listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage No direct human interference, 6 Managed Resource tourism or recreation allowed. Fund under certain conditions. The Protected Area: Areas mainly programme was founded with the 2 National Park: Relatively large protected for sustainable use of Convention Concerning the areas managed mainly for natural ecosystems. Under Protection of World Cultural and ecosystem protection and considerable pressure for Natural Heritage that was adopted recreation at a level which colonisation or greater utilisation. by the General Conference of maintains the area in a natural or UNESCO on 16 November 1972. semi-natural state. UNESCO Links: www.ramsar.org; www.iucn.org; 3 Natural Monument: One or more Biosphere Reserve ("Man and www.unesco.org; http://europa.eu.int natural features of outstanding Biosphere Programme" from 1970): national interest protected Biosphere Reserves are areas of because of their uniqueness or terrestrial and coastal or marine
Example Legal protection of Laguna La Nava in Spain
Legal Protection Status Level Responsible Administration
Ramsar site International Spanish State (Estado Español)
Government of Castile-Leon, ZEPA Campos-Norte Regional Authority of Environment (Special Protected Area under the European (Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería Bird Directive, Natura 2000) de Medio Ambiente) Government of Castile-Leon, Zona Húmeda Catalogada, Catálogo Regional Regional Authority of Environment Regional (Catalogued Wetland) (Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería de Medio Ambiente)
Legal Protection planned
Government of Castile-Leon, Reserva Natural, Red de Espacios Regional Authority of Environment Protegidos (Network of Protected Regional (Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería Areas) de Medio Ambiente)
30 ction of designated Sites >>
Example Responsibilities of administrations in Spain
Administration Level of Responsibility Responsibility
Owner and lessor of the wetlands Municipality Fuentes de Nava Local surface Owner and lessor of the wetlands Municipality Boada de Campos Local surface Provincial Representation Advisory Function concerning Provincial (corresponds to the German County) Environment Laws and Regulations Environmental Agency of the Administration and Protection of the Regional Regional Government Natural Resources and Environment Agricultural Authority of the Agricultural Production and Regional Regional Government Rural Area Development
National Ministry of Environment National Ramsar-Wetlands, Water Protection
Water Authority (Confederación Ramsar-Wetlands Water protection National Hidrográfica del Duero) and other hydrological aspects
Example Legal protection of the Nestos Delta in Greece
Legal Protection Status Level Responsible Administration
Greek Ministry for the Environment, Ramsar site International Planning and Public Works (YPEXODE) SPA - Special Protected Area (Birds Greek Ministry for the Environment, European Directive) Planning and Public Works (YPEXODE) Greek Ministry for the Environment, iSPA - Natura 2000 (FFH Directive) European Planning and Public Works (YPEXODE)
National Law No. 486/B/80 National Ministry for Agriculture
Signed by several ministries, Greek Ministerial Decree of 16 September National Ministry for the Environment, Planning 1996 and Public Works (YPEXODE)
Kavala and Xanthi Regional Forest Non-hunting zone river Nestos bed Regional Services Non-hunting zone Thassopoula Regional Kavala Regional Forest Service island
Planned Legal Protection
Greek Ministry for the Environment, National Park International / National Planning and Public Works (YPEXODE) and Greek Ministry for Agriculture
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 31 6 Legal Responsibilities and the Protec
Example Responsibilities of administrations in Greece
Administration Level of Responsibility Responsibility
Owner and lessor of small surrounding Municipality of Hrysoupolis Local areas of wetlands, not the waterbodies
Agricultural land use, management of Department for Agriculture Prefectural (Kavala) "common land" for grazing and short- (Ministry for Agriculture) term agricultural use
Management and maintenace of Land Amelioration Service (YEV, Prefectural (Kavala) irrigation & drainage canals, river waters, Ministry for Agriculture) land reclamation and reorganization
Department for Fishery Management of lagoon waterbodies and (= Epoptia Alias; Ministry for Prefectural (Kavala) lakes (if characterised as "fishing Agriculture) grounds")
Department for Planning and Environ- Land use characterisation, ment (several sections; Ministry for the Prefectural (Kavala) Environmental Impact Assessment, Environment, Planning and Public Implementation of environmental laws Works YPEXODE) Department for Livestock (Ministry for Management of Livestock, free grazing Prefectural (Kavala) Agriculture) and animal health Department for Agricultural Region (Periphery of Eastern Renting and using rights of "common Development (Ministry for Agriculture) Macedonia & Thrace) public ground" Administration & Protection of Natural Environment Department (Ministry for Region (Periphery of Eastern Resources & Environment, Decisions the Environment, Planning and Public Macedonia & Thrace) about Environmental Impact Works YPEXODE) Assessments and their regulations Region (Periphery of Eastern Public Ground Service (KED) Selling of public ground Macedonia & Thrace)
Region (Periphery of Forest Service (Ministry for Agriculture) Eastern Macedonia & Forest protection, reforestation, hunting, Thrace with local services)
Provincial Representation Region (Periphery of Eastern Advisory function concerning Environ- (corresponds to the German County) Macedonia & Thrace) ment Laws and Regulations Region (Periphery of Eastern Water Authority Committee Water Framework Directive Macedonia & Thrace)
Ramsar-Wetlands, Natura 2000 Sites, EU National Ministry of Environment, National Birds Directive, Water Framework Planning and Public Works Directive
Washington Convention (CITES) - the National Ministry for Agriculture National trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna
32 ction of designated Sites >>
Information NGOs responsible for nature reserves
Concept for the management > Develop the best possible > Adequate financial government of the nature reserve and protection through regular subsidies for the management protected landscape monitoring and sensitive PR work maintenance costs. "Wollmatinger Ried-Untersee- which recognises species Tasks of the NABU Nature Gnadensee" protection requirements. Conservation Centre Wollmatinger Harald Jacoby, NABU Scope of activities Ried For decades, nature conservation > Monitoring animal and plant > Management and maintenance organisations have been involved populations at regular intervals of the Wollmatinger Ried and other in the maintenance and (some permanent observation of conservation areas on behalf of management of nature reserves. An certain indicator species) as basis the District Office for Nature example of well functioning for all management measures Conservation and Landscape collaboration between an NGO and > Elaboration and optimisation of Management in Freiburg an environmental authority is the management and development > Information and expert advice for protection and maintenance plans. Implementation of local people and visitors about the activities in the Wollmatinger Ried. management and landscape rich valuable biodiversity of the Since 1991 NABU Germany measures Lake Constance area and (German Association for Nature > Biotope management maintenance promotion of environmentally Conservation) has been friendly behaviour responsible for this most important activities taking into consideration German lakeshore nature reserve, scientific aspects (preliminary > Production of expert opinion and comprising more than 800 ha. The surveys, application of results) reports concerning planning activities are being defined in a > Organisation of guided tours on a permissions and other plans contract between NABU and the fixed route with a limited number related to the environment District Office for Nature of participants > Provision of ecological advice to Conservation and Landscape > Monitoring the reserve authorities and initiating Management in Freiburg. conservation-related ecological > Preparation of annual reports. research. Goal Conditions for qualified NABU-Naturschutzzentrum Maintenance and promotion of management of a conservation area Wollmatinger Ried typical landscape ecosystems and > Full time expert staff, additional Kindlebildstraße 87 their biological diversity. external staff members 78479 Reichenau Principles and focal points of the Ph +49 (0) 75 31-7 88 70 > Administration building with Fax +49 (0) 75 31-72 38 3 management and maintenance research and maintenance NABU.Wollried@t-online activities: facilities, PR department > Management measures and > Appropriate technical equipment associated research linked to for administration, management theory and practice to achieve care of biotopes and optimum biotope management accompanying research > Reduce deficiencies in research > Clear defining of responsibilities knowledge by zoological and between nature conservation botanical monitoring and survey authorities and practical Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. programmes management organisations Gruppe Konstanz e.V.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 33 7 How to evaluate the Resources >>
How to evaluate the > The legal, administrative, and other regulations that need to be Resources accomplished > The administrative structure with If management and a management responsibilities and influence plan are intended to improve the on management. environmental situation of a site, it is necessary to record and analyse the initial status of the natural, socio- Evaluating data and information economic and cultural resources. on the environmental situation: The first step is to define the outline SWOT analysis of the project area and to gather A SWOT analysis is a useful tool for reliable background information. It an assessment of the situation. may be necessary to check infor- SWOT stands for Strengths, mation in the field before it is used to Weaknesses, Opportunities and describe the state of the project Black-winged Stilt Threats. Strengths and weaknesses area. Information should be collected take account of internal resources both on the area as it is, and on and capabilities, whereas developments that may affect the opportunities and threats refer to area in the future. A short summary An objective and external factors - environmental, of all information gathered could be social and economic - which may included in the Management Plan. comprehensive impact upon the situation. A SWOT An objective and comprehensive analysis is a good method for evaluation of the present evaluation of the present status conducting a qualitative evaluation provides a basis for the definition of status provides a basis for of the data on relevant natural goals, the control of measurements, resources and on aspects which the definition of goals, the and long-term monitoring. may have substantial effects on the Environmental assessment or environment. Priorities are set control of measurements, performance audit normally takes at according to which aspects are least four key areas into determined to be significant. consideration: and long-term monitoring. The data and information are > Current situation of natural presented and discussed in the resources course of a SWOT workshop. The > All activities that have substantial results are to a certain extent effects on the environment subjective, as the starting points are
Strengths Weaknesses SWOT means Four Blocks S Strengths W Weaknesses O Opportunities S W T Threats Upper and Lower Rows Current situation (upper row) is separated from expected conditions (lower row) Two Arrows > Evaluate strengths with reference O T to dangers > Approach weakness on the basis Opportunities Threats of opportunities.
34 not available for all natural the environment is being harmed, or organisations, citizen and consumer resources and for the direct and highlight a possible development or initiatives exist, generally shown by indirect environmental aspects, and trend and its effects on the consumer labelling or by customer because very few standards of environment. A typical indicator is information and orientation. comparison can be brought into the population density (inhabitants per discussion on how to evaluate the hectare or square kilometre of Core reference data local data. The final results will also surface area), which shows the For evaluation and monitoring it is depend upon the characteristics of extent to which the available important to agree on a set of core the people who participated in the landscape is used for settlement. reference data. These data should workshop. be meaningful and relatively easy to Standards obtain during a long-term period. Collecting base data, indicators Are nitrate values of the wetland high They should cover all relevant and reference figures or low? Is the proportion of sealed-up environmental aspects. Most of the To realise a SWOT analysis or any surface area large or small? Has the reference data indicate a status quo other kind of evaluation, all relevant percentage of biological agriculture and must be adapted to serial data data and information are needed. reached its maximum or can it be or a benchmarking system so that Very often this is the most time increased? Comparing data with the improvement in environmental consuming part of the development those from preceding years can performance can be shown. reveal a continuous amelioration (or of the management plan. This may A range of base data and indicators the opposite). Comparing data with be because there is no central is included in chapter 8. Some of those from other areas with similar information point for the data them are identified as core reference basic parameters or standards can needed, or because data is either data. It is necessary to choose the identify whether a particular aspect not comparable or not credible. most appropriate set of core of the site is situated above or below Base data are usually statistics that reference data - if possible adjusted the average, where its strengths measure land, population, use of to the data which are used for the have to be preserved, and where land, water quantity, bird population, management of comparable wetland priorities have to be set to improve or etc. They establish the status quo for areas to permit a regular exchange eliminate weak points. The European the area. Data regarding land and and benchmarking. Union sets standards for health and population can be obtained from environmental protection as well as federal, state and municipal for the improvement of living statistical offices. standards in terms of EU directives. Indicators are often two or more In addition, voluntary regulations base data in relation to each other. from institutes, economic lobby and They can, for example, disclose how pressure groups, social
Advice Direct and indirect environmental aspects
The EU EMAS Directive the direct supervision of the environmental aspects can result differentiates between direct and organisation, and as a whole from a regional or national indirect environmental aspects. dependent on the influence of the administration with superior This distinction is useful for the supervisory entity. Indirect responsibilities, but also relates to elaboration of a management environmental aspects are related to aspects such as the behaviour of plan, especially within the those activities of the organisation local population and tourists. definition of responsibilities. which it does not control completely, Direct environmental aspects are but which it can influence to a defined as those aspects under certain extent. Indirect
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 35 7 How to evaluate the Resources >>
Example Relevant data and sources
Data Source of information
General Statistic Services, Environmental Agencies, Ministries, Universities and Academies, Land Survey Offices, Authorities, Federal and Regional Offices for Environmental Protection, Federal and Regional Departments of Nature Conservation
Greece Spain
Geographical and Service of Geological Exploitation, Regional Service of Infrastructures and geological data Ministry of Agriculture, Land Use Planning (Consejería de - Origin/Formation Topographical Service, Obras Públicas y Ordenación del - Geology Meteorological Service, Territorio) - Geomorphology Department of Agriculture Territorial Environmental Service - Geographical Maps (Servicio Territorial de Medio Ambiente) - Climate and soils National Institute of Meteorology - Size (Instituto Nacional de Meteorología) National Geographic Institute (Instituto Geográfico Nacional)
General hydrological State Amelioration Service, National River Duero Water Authority data Health Service (Confederación Hidrográfica del Duero) - Depth Territorial Environmental Service, - Water quality Government of Castile-Leon - Average temperature (Servicio Territorial de Medio Ambiente - Nutrient budgets de la Junta de Castilla y León), National Institute of Meteorology (Instituto Nacional de Meteorología)
Current land use of the Department for Agriculture, State National Geographic Institute area Forest Service, Department for (Instituto Geográfico Nacional) Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery - Agriculture Planning and Environment, Service, Government of Castile-Leon - Forest Department for Traffic, Department for (Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería y - Settlement Industry, State Fishery Service Pesca de la Junta de Castilla y León) - Traffic General Directorate of Traffic - Industry (Dirección General de Tráfico) - Fishery Regional Office of Industry and Trade (Consejería de Industria y Comercios)
Conservation Department for Planning and Environ- Regional Authority of Environment ment in the Prefecture and Region; (Consejería de Medio Ambiente) Ministry for Environment, Planning and Public Works; Forest Service
36 Example Map of precipitation in La Nava and Boada
Precipitation (mm/year) 300-400 mm 400-600 mm
Example Physical description of the Nestos Delta
Geology characteristic stratification is found, the Nestos Delta. The summer The plain of the delta is of alluvial typical for clay and marsh soils, thunderstorms, so important for origin. The bordering mountain developing towards salt marsh. agriculture in the area, often no chain that expands its foot into the longer occur. There is evidence to delta, is tertiary limestone with large Climate suggest that this is connected with white marble intrusions and mixed the large-scale clearance of vast Characteristic Mediterranean conglomerates. The catchment area stretches of the Kotza Orman forest climate during summer months, hot of River Nestos is the central and in the second third of the 20th and dry without rain for several western part of the Rhodope century. Today, only artificial months and very continental Mountains, of Palaeozoic age, and irrigation can guarantee the harvest conditions in winter with very low consists of metamorphic rocks, to farmers. temperatures and strong northern gneisses, granites, plutonites and winds. The average yearly rainfall is amphibolites. about 580 mm, recently getting Hydrology Soils fewer and the average yearly The entire catchment area of River temperature 15°C. Minimum air Nestos is 5,751 km2 of which the The delta soils show a character- temperatures occur in January (4°C) 2,314 km2 lie in Greece. The River istic mosaic pattern for coastal while maximum temperatures occur Nestos has high water levels in regions, which is small and very in July (26°C). November, December winter and spring with an average variable. Soils are basically sandy and January are the wettest months 3 and on top with higher silt or clay annual discharge of 58 m /s. An and July the driest. The coldest contents. Totally sandy expanses irrigation dam has been operating period is December-February with can be found at the river bed, the since 1966 in Toxotes. Two very an average number of 11 days of river branches and its mouth. These large hydroelectrical dams have frost. The temperature rarely falls sandy areas have large depth and been constructed in 1996 and 1999 below -20°C. Even the brackish are infertile. The sand is a result of causing serious changes in the coastal lagoons freeze, killing large the erosion of the mountain lands, water flow regime and the numbers of fish. In short, the climate since the River Nestos comes to the sediments. The lagoons are shallow can be described as fairly delta straight from the mountains with a maximum depth of 1.8 m and continental. transferring huge amounts of sandy have high water levels in the grains. Because of over salinisation The climate has changed noticeably summer and autumn. The lagoons near the lagoons and coast and due since the Second World War, are quite eutrophic, and the tidal to the high groundwater level a according to the older inhabitants of variation is very narrow (25 cm).
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 37 8 Resources >>
8.1 Hydrology: Water require a budget. With sufficient funding for a contract, consider quality and quantity, letting to a consultant with water management expertise in a particular field or to a consortium of various Julia Masson, Broads Authority consultants for a more complex Water quality issue. The costs of employing a Aerial view of the Broads consultant usually require a Freshwater wetland systems are not tendering process to ensure value isolated or self-contained. Materials for money, and contracting the and substances enter wetlands from most suitable contractor. their catchments and others exit via > the streams that drain them. Staff Substances such as carbon and Staff with the ability to carry out nitrogen are processed within the survey work are invaluable and system, thus water quality within a can become a source of expertise wetland system is critical, as the and knowledge on a subject area. concentrations or presence/ Annual survey and monitoring absence of nutrients, substances work on water quality indicators, and compounds will influence the such as macrophytes and macro floral and faunal composition of the invertebrates, will build a valuable aquatic community. database to use with water quality data. How do you gather the information > Volunteers to determine water quality? Local people may have skills and Who could carry out the work? knowledge to assist with water > Statutory Agency Spanish exhibition panel on water quality quality measurement and Generally, statutory agencies carry monitoring, such as taking pH out water quality data gathering readings, basic nitrogen and and analysis. In England and phosphorus monitoring. The critical locations for Wales this is carried out by the Environment Agency. Water What substances are important to substance loading into samples taken from the Broads are monitor in a wetland and where do analysed locally at Haddiscoe they come from? the water tend to be Laboratory or by the National Thousands of different substances Laboratory Service. are dissolved in natural water. Most easier to identify from > University Researchers of these substances will undergo some degree of transformation as point sources, such as University research departments they enter a wetland or lake system. could carry out specific research Some may be nutrients supporting sewage treatment works, information about water quality or growth of aquatic organisms; others quantity. Depending on the rather than from diffuse may enter into reactions that complexity of the work, projects maintain less soluble nutrients in could be carried out by sources, for example from solution. Others may be light undergraduates through to PhD absorbent and affect the growth of agricultural land, which students, taking three or more plants and algae. Of all these the key years. Many university nutrients present in aquatic systems could arise from a number departments have associated are the compounds of nitrogen and consultancies. phosphorus. of unspecified locations. > Consultants Nitrogen and phosphorus are Taking on a consultant, or described as limiting components, contracting a university, will because their natural supply is lower
38 Information Water quality testing
Analytical chemistry can be passed through a test tube containing obtained by comparing the light carried out by staff and trained a sample solution. The wavelength of reading against a calibration chart. volunteers using a Photometer, light detected by a photocell is Further information about equipment which measures the colour proportionate to the concentration of can be found on the internet, for intensity of water samples treated the substance being measured, such example at with reagent tablets. Light is as phosphorus. The final result is www.palintest.com
than the amounts organisms need. and pesticides, increased salinity, where changing patterns of sediment These elements enter the aquatic mechanical or boat damage, exotic deposition alter fish spawning systems as ammonium or nitrate ions vertebrate grazers and loss of substrates. Variations in water depth containing nitrogen, and as piscivores. Methods used to reverse can change the growth of aquatic phosphates containing phosphorus. the switch include adding piscivores plants and their rooting substrates. Clay colloids and iron minerals also or carrying out biomanipulation. carry adsorbed phosphate and Where are the critical locations for detritus containing nitrogen, into the Sediments loading nutrients? aquatic system. These forms of One of the key questions is where The critical locations for substance nitrogen and phosphorus may are sediments coming from? loading into the water tend to be become available for algal or plant For example, sediments entering the easier to identify from point sources, growth directly, by simple chemical system arise from soil washed from such as sewage treatment works, reactions or by action from bacteria. land or eroded from river banks, or rather than from diffuse sources, for These amounts are referred to as from organic matter arising from example from agricultural land, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus. dead algae, leaves and other plant which could arise from a number of For stable, aquatic plant communities matter. The source of sediment can unspecified locations. without the threat of domination by affect water quality as it brings in The key point sources for phos- phytoplankton, phosphorus levels nutrients and pollutants causing phorus inputs tend to be from should be around 25-50 mg/l of total eutrophication and toxic effects, sewage treatment works, industrial phosphorus per litre, and nitrogen at whilst in suspension. The sediment process effluents and from domestic 250-500 mg/l per litre. The presence itself also affects the availability of septic tanks or smaller wastewater of nutrients above these levels will light. Deposition of sediments digesters. Phosphorus also enters eventually switch the system ‘forward’ causes rivers and lakes to silt up and the aquatic system via soil loss from aquatic plant domination to can lead to closure of navigation through erosion containing phos- phytoplankton domination. Other channels. Sediment quantities can phates bound to soil particles. ‘forward switches’ include herbicides impact on fishing interests particularly Chemical processes within lake
Information Monitoring of nutrients
In England and Wales, the Environ- concentrations of monitored rivers. Data on pesticides in freshwaters ment Agency monitors nutrient River water quality is one of the UK are also prepared by the Environ- loadings of nitrogen and Government’s 15 indicators of ment Agency. About 100 pesticides phosphorus, salinity, and sustainable development. This is a are commonly detected, but in very pesticides. This information is useful starting point for gathering small quantities. Two most stored on a National database data as it can be found on the frequently found pesticides in providing data on chemical and internet at surface waters are isoproturon and biological river quality and nutrient www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ mecoprop - both agricultural (nitrate and phosphate) statistics/inlwater/iwnutrient.htm pesticides.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 39 8 Resources >>
sediments can lock up the phos- systems will be needed to reduce potent, the organochloride DDT. This phorus, removing it from the over- inputs by use of buffer zones and causes infertility in top predators, lying water body. However, different practices. such as otters. phosphorus is still available to Several thousand new chemicals aquatic plants, which obtain phos- Pesticides are introduced into the environment phorus through roots and rhizoids. The presence of herbicides and every year through industrial deve- Nitrogen has been identified as the pesticides can have a profound lopments. Linking these substances key nutrient to reduce from aquatic impact on water quality and the to effects in lakes usually requires ecosystems. Nitrogen mainly enters health of the wetland. Even at low intensive research. the aquatic system as nitrate from concentrations, pesticides can agricultural fertiliser inputs via land accumulate through the food chain Water quantity drains or soil leachate. These diffuse and remain in sediments for many sources are difficult to remove where years. Decades of pesticide inputs Where is the water coming from? they enter the watercourses. A into aquatic systems have shown Water on the Earth’s surface moves changed approach to agricultural that pesticides can build up in the in a cycle through rivers, oceans, land management within wetland food chain, such as one of the most clouds and rain. This cycle is
Summary table showing key substances to monitor in a wetland system and their sources
Substance Source
- Nitrates from agricultural fertilisers - Fertiliser run off through land drains Nitrogen - Leaching through soils - Sewage treatment works - Sewage treatment works - Domestic septic tanks and soakaways Phosphorus - Detergents from boats - Large bird roosts
- Agricultural Pesticides - Antifoul on boats, e.g. TBT - Sewage treatment works
- Upstream river erosion - Soil run off Sediments - Erosion through boat traffic - Organic sources, such as leaves, algae, slurry
Example Use of biomanipulation
A technique known as zooplankton on the other side of the Experiments using giant ‘cobweb’ biomanipulation has been used to barrier build up with the predation brushes, acting as artificial plants, further the establishment of clear pressure removed. Zooplankton, have shown that providing predator- water. This technique involves the particularly water fleas Daphnia sp., free refuges for zooplankton temporary removal of graze algae, so promoting improved enhances the return to clear water planktivorous fish to one side of an light conditions within the water and and establishment of aquatic artificial barrier. Numbers of encouraging aquatic plant growth. macrophyte communities.
40 powered by the sun, which causes How can water be managed for part of larger dams/bunds or weirs evaporation of water from the oceans. better ecosystems? where the aim is to regulate, as well Condensed water vapour blows over Water management is the control of as impound water. the land as clouds, where rain and the water supply, which is influenced Designs for sluices can include: snow fall. This precipitation runs off by rainfall, surface flows, ground- > Pipes - swivel, flexipipe the land into streams and rivers, water and evapo-transpiration. which flow down to the sea to > Dropboard Controlling the water supply to and complete the cycle. within a site can be carried out using > Lifting gate eg penstock. Water resources are greatly sluices, dams and bunds. There are The type of sluice used is influenced influenced by the interplay of rainfall numerous different designs for these by the precision of water control patterns and seasonal losses through structures, which can be employed required, range of depths required, evaporation. Rivers are sustained in isolation or in combination. Some labour available to operate and and reservoirs replenished, by the of these can be found in books listed maintain structures, extent of balance between rainfall and eva- under further reading, or see the variation in seasonal flows, any poration loss. Evaporation can occur RSPB Reedbed Handbook. vandalism problems and sus- directly from the soil, from open water Consideration of the following ceptibility to blockage from debris surfaces or as transpiration from questions will help to determine and plant growth. plants. Abundant water resources can which to use: lead to flooding, too little rainfall to Water control structures - dams and drought conditions. Records for the > Are there any legal requirements, bunds such as licences required, for last decade show great variability in These are structures/barriers used to holding up and releasing water? river flows and groundwater levels, impound water, and are not usually and underline the vulnerability of > Are there any limitations on the used for overtopping onto wetlands, wetland systems to extreme weather volumes of water that can be used? except where an overflow/spillway is conditions. > Should a levelling survey be incorporated into the design. carried out before planning water What systems are in place that The disadvantages of installing a management on site? impact on the water supply? dam or bund are that they: > Should the site be managed in a > Require water control equipment A constant water supply is demanded series of hydrological units so that which must be installed and for domestic, agricultural and finer water level controls can be in maintained industrial use, which can put place? pressures on natural freshwater > Inhibit movement of aquatic wetland systems. > What management practices are species eg fish. required after installing water Methods of acquiring water include control structures? Pumping storing water in reservoirs, extracting > Could the units be interconnected Water pumps can be used to draw from groundwater or damming rivers using a series of sluices and pipes? down or raise water levels in ditches, and streams. Water is removed from reedbeds and other water features the system by abstraction for domestic Careful design and quantity where levels may have fallen due to or agricultural use. In England, the measurement work will be required, abandoned sluices, diversion of Environment Agency issues water to ensure that the volumes of water supply or water abstraction. Raising abstraction licences, which permit are reaching the right areas and in water levels can impact on the agricultural businesses to abstract the expected quantities. Over hydrology of a site. Raising water specific volumes from rivers or flooding or too much draw down levels will encourage reed groundwater sources. In agricultural should not be part of the result. establishment, and prevent systems pumping can impose lower Water distribution can be colonisation by scrub although well- water levels in ditches and drains. controlled by: established willow and alder may So, in areas where the land is located tolerate flooding. near to the sea, pumping can draw Sluices saline water into the groundwater Sluices conduct and control water and into the wetland system. flow. They can be self-contained or
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 41 8 Resources >>
Information Water quality legislation
In developing a management plan to emissions within the next 20 years. adverse effects of discharges of include measures for water quality Heavy metals, pesticides and organic urban wastewater and of wastewater first set the site in the context of legis- compounds are included. from industrial sectors of the agro- lation that applies to water quality. food industry. In particular this Nitrates Directive prescribes the phosphorus limits for What legislation applies to the site? Implementation of the Nitrates sewage treatment works discharging European Directives set the frame- Directive is the culmination of twenty into susceptible waters - that is those work for establishing water quality years of European Community water bodies which are eutrophic. measures across member states. measures concerned with nitrogen pollution in waters. This Directive Habitat Directive The most influential piece of adds to the emphasis placed on the The Habitats Directive relates to sites legislation is the Water Framework environmental effects of excess with communities and species of Directive, and a number of areas of nitrogen, in particular eutrophication. European importance. legislation relate to this Directive. Two key actions will be extensive Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and Codes The Habitats Directive imposes the Water Framework Directive of Good Agricultural Practice, such as requirement for sites designated as The Water Framework Directive buffering, good soil management and SACs to meet favourable condition establishes a list of priority hazardous appropriate applications of nitrogen. and EU member countries set their substances which are of concern for own criteria for meeting favourable freshwater, coastal and marine Urban Wastewater Directive condition. Criteria set can be a environments. These substances will The objective of this Directive is to measure of water quality. be removed from discharges and protect the environment from the
Example Case study
The shallow lakes in the Broads are phosphorus is established by criteria for favourable condition has classified as hard, oligo- quarterly measurements over a three been developed into a working mesotrophic waters with benthic year period and then annually in July/ criteria for one of the shallow lakes vegetation of stonewort Chara August. The target set for a Chara in the Broads, Hickling Broad, to formations. The measure of water lake is 30 mg per litre total phosphorus 35 mg per litre mean summer total quality measure is given as the or below. In eutrophic conditions phosphorus. ‘absence of algae and unicellular above 30 mg per litre should not be algal blooms’. The total range of prevalent. Applied on the ground this
42 Example Water management of La Nava and Boada
Fernando Jubete, Fundación Global Nature These pastures showed fresh growth grain production. Restoration mea- even in August and were in high sures returned the lake, which had The steppe lakes La Nava and demand. disappeared completely, back to two Boada belong to the lagoon thirds of its original size at 65 ha. complex "Mar de Campos" within the Water Management in La Nava catchment of the river Duero. Due to Analyses of the chemical compo- Canalisation of rivers, intensive low precipitation and rapid nents of the water showed a slightly irrigation of agricultural areas, and evaporation in the summer months saline character, with a pH of 9.8. difficult ownership structures com- there are few large rivers, which are The lagoon has no outflow and in plicate the water management of the generally canalised. former times was fed solely by the steppe lake La Nava. Also, a number river Lobera and by rainfall. Today, Water catchments in Spain of drainage channels still exist on water has to be supplied to reach an private land around the lake. Thus, average depth of 40 cm. Water from Natural water bodies in this area are the natural cycle of flooding and the Canal de Castilla reaches the classified in three groups: desiccation has to be maintained by lake through the river Lobera, but > Rivers and streams, which management measures. As the rain- untreated wastewater from the permanently contain water, e.g. fall in autumn and winter is not municipality of Villaramiel (1,200 the river Carrión enough to fill up the lake, additional inhabitants) with eight small leather water from the nearby Canal de > Rivers and streams with variable production enterprises, is water levels (short length, wide Castillo is fed into the lagoon in discharged into the river Lobera as course, low gradient), e.g. the October. The water from the canal is well. Additional impacts result from rivers Valdejinate, Retortillo, Salón of good quality and mainly used for diffuse nitrate and phosphate loads agriculture. With the help of sluices, from agriculture, which also > Natural reservoir without outflow, the water feeds into the steppe lake concentrate in the river Lobera. The formed by geological processes via the streams Retortillo and leather industries have ignored legal in clayey, permeable soil. Carrepadilla, until an average depth requirements so far and discharge of 40 cm is reached. toxic substances containing The natural reservoir La Nava With increasing temperature from aluminium, chrome and sulphides in In the Tierra de Campos region there the middle of March, almost the large amounts. This has a are two catchments for natural entire water surface is colonised by considerable affect on water quality, reservoirs, from which two lagoon sedges and rushes (Carex and with negative consequences for complexes originated: Mar de Juncus) within a short time. Only the water plants. Campos near Palencia with the deepest areas remain open at first, steppe lakes La Nava and Boada but by the end of April they are Water catchment of the river Duero still present, and the salt lakes of covered with water buttercup in Spain Villafáfila in the region Zamora. (Ranunculus sp.), laying a white Mar de Campos, located at about flower carpet across the surface. 760 m above sea level, used to have Other water plants, such as stone a catchment area of 864 km². In worts (Chara spp.) or pondweed autumn and winter the original (Potamogeton spp.), follow and by lagoon was fed by a number of small producing oxygen ameliorate the streams which flooded the shallow water quality. Moreover, they are an depression and formed the lagoon. important part of the diet for breeding In summers, due to clayey soils, low birds at La Nava. precipitation, and hot and dry weather, the water disappeared Water Management of Boada except for a few patches. The area The steppe lake Boada is located in was then used as grazing land by a depression of the plains of Tierra the surrounding municipalities. de Campos, which are dominated by Catchment of the river Duero
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 43 8 Resources >>
8.2 Ecosystems, flora present can be analysed. These can and fauna be summarised as: > Submerged algae formations Santos Cirujano, (stoneworts, or charophytes) Real Jardin Botánico Madrid, CSIC > Flowering aquatic plant formations Evaluation of ecosystems: > Emergent plant formations Aquatic buttercup formations in La Nava lake Aquatic plants as indicators > Filamentous algae. The aquatic plants that live in steppe ponds and the emergent plants Submerged algae formations found at the water’s edge or in Stoneworts, or charophytes, are shallow areas offer valuable advanced algae that live under information about the state of conser- water. This means that they dry out in vation and ecological characteristics contact with air, as usually occurs in of the aquatic ecosystem. summer when the water depth There are two fundamental types of decreases due to evaporation. aquatic plants, emergent and strictly These formations are constituted by Details of hornwort leaves aquatic. The strictly aquatic plants different species and varieties that are most sensitive to environmental colonise from fresh waters with scant changes and provide the best mineral content to continental information about what is happening brackish ponds with salt in the aquatic habitat. It should not concentrations that greatly surpass be forgotten that these plants, known those of seawater. as aquatic macrophytes, complete their biological cycle in the water. In any case, the presence of charophyte meadows indicates A well conserved aquatic ecosystem good water quality and the absence usually contains both aquatic and or only a low level of pollution. These emergent plants, and the aquatic Diverse types of vegetation in a healthy wetland formations are the first to disappear flora differs depending on the when effluents enter the pond, ecological characteristics of the regardless of origin. They are a good aquatic ecosystem. The plants in a indicator of the environmental quality seasonal pond, like most of the A well conserved aquatic of aquatic ecosystems. In the Iberian steppe ponds, are different from Peninsula, 45 charophyte taxa have those that colonise permanent ecosystem usually been identified, belonging to the ponds. In addition, if the waters are genera Chara, Nitella, Tolypella, brackish we will find halophilic contains both aquatic and Lamprothamnium, and Nitellopsis. plants that have adapted to two On the other hand, these green emergent plants, and the selective ecological factors: algae contribute to water trans- seasonality and an increase in parency because they keep bottom aquatic flora differs salinity as the annual cycle sediments from being disturbed and progresses. depending on the they produce oxygen that diffuses Thus, wetlands of different types through the water and enhances the ecological characteristics have different aquatic flora. In order biotic potential of the wetland. to analyse the changes that occur in of the aquatic ecosystem. a wetland in response to a variety of Flowering aquatic plant formations reasons, it is essential to know what This section includes a number of plants are characteristic of each aquatic plants that may grow type of aquatic habitat. completely submerged, others that Although it is difficult to define a have floating flowers and leaves, general scheme for steppe ponds, and a few that float freely on or near the main aquatic plant formations the water surface. Some, like
44 buttercups (Ranunculus peltatus, R. vegetation. Their presence usually ecosystems. These formations are trichophyllus) or most species of provides less information than strictly initially submerged but rise to the Zannichellia, live in shallow seasonal aquatic plants, but it is also useful surface as the waters warm, forming waters. Others, like duckweed and advisable to be familiar with large floating masses. They appear (Lemna minor, L. gibba), float on the these plants. and develop exuberantly in the surface of polluted water. Hornwort presence of excess nutrients, as Generally, in seasonal wetlands the (Ceratophyllum demersum, C. usually occurs when wetlands are largest emergent plants, like submersum) lives on muddy pond polluted by effluents, especially bulrushes, or cattails (Typha floors rich in organic matter. Ruppia urban wastewater. domingensis, T. latifolia), and drepanensis is found only in softstem bulrushes (Scirpus lacustris) Filamentous algae are always good seasonal and highly brackish waters. colonise zones where water remains indicators of pollution and their About one hundred different species longer. Smaller emergent species, development is inversely related to of aquatic plants constitute the like saltmarsh bulrush (S. maritimus) charophyte growth. If we visit a Iberian water flora, although some of or spikerush (Eleocharis palustres), wetland and see that it is covered by them, like water lilies (Nuphar luteum, live in enclaves with shorter periods filamentous algae, usually of the Nymphaea alba) or pondweeds of flooding. Consequently, emergent genera Cladophora, Spyrogira, or (Potamogeton lucens, P. natans), plants offer information about the Oedogonium, it is a clear sign that only live in permanent waters. permanence of water, since most the ecosystem has an excess of Depending on the nature of the plants of this type not only tolerate phosphorus, an unequivocal waters and degree of pollution, water pollution but often grow more symptom of eutrophication. robustly and abundantly in polluted different species will be present, Each of the plants in these groups ecosystems. In the Iberian Peninsu- offering information about the has its own ecology. Some are more la, 225 species of emergent plants characteristics of each wetland and abundant than others, but all of them are recognised. its state of conservation. provide information about what is happening in the wetlands that they Emergent plant formations Filamentous algae colonise. Marginal or emergent plants are also Filamentous green algae are not an an important component of wetland essential component of aquatic
Abundant filamentous algae is an unequivocal sign of pollution
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Phases of wetland eutrophication Diagram of aquatic vegetation in a well conserved wetland (Arcaute pond in Vitoria, Spain) A The system is balanced and biologically diverse, with charophyte meadows covering the pond floor and a 1 Chara fragilis 2 Chara vulgaris 3 Chara hispida var. variety of aquatic plants. B The entrance of polluting major 4 Potamogeton berchtoldii 5 Potamogeton effluents alters the ecosystem; the charophyte cover pectinatus 6 Polygonum amphibium 7 Ranunculus decreases and some aquatic plants disappear; trichophyllus 8 filamentous algae 9 Typha latifolia filamentous algae and duckweed appear; the marginal 10 Iris pseudacorus 11 Eleocharis palustris 12 Scirpus vegetation changes; organic matter in sediment and maritimus 13 Juncus effusus water turbidity increase. C The wetland is hypertrophic; charophyte meadows have disappeared and there are abundant filamentous algae and duckweed; there are no other aquatic plants and the marginal vegetation is monotonous and intensely developed; sediments contain a large amount of organic matter; waters are turbid, poorly oxygenated, and foul smelling.
1 Charophyte meadows 2 other aquatic plants, Zannichellia, Potamogeton 3 Typha latifolia 4 Phragmites australis 5 Typha domingensis 6 Lemna gibba 7 filamentous algae 8 organic matter and sediments
46 Experience Bird censuses and ringing in La Nava and Boada
Since their restoration ten years return and enjoy the short period of Warblers (Acrocephalus sp.), ago, the steppe lakes La Nava and water-filled lagoons. Black-winged Flycatcher (Ficedula and Boada have become one of the Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Muscicapa), and Grasshopper most important wetlands in northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Coot Warblers (Locustella sp.). Spain. Currently 43 bird species (Fulica atra) and Marsh Harrier Since 1991 Fundacíon Global winter or rest in the lagoon complex. (Circus aeruginosus) nest in the Nature España has carried out Waterfowl are the most widespread reed areas and raise their young. regular bird counts at the steppe bird species: up to 30,000 Greylag During the summer months and in lakes of La Nava and Boada. Winter Geese, thousands of ducks, among autumn, the steppe lakes are dry censuses are carried out from them Common Teal (Anas crecca), and appear more as a desert than a October to January. In the summer Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), wetland. Helophyte vegetation and breeding sites are monitored and Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Wigeon bushes which survive the dry birds ringed. Experienced (Anas penelope) and Pintail (Anas summers offer food for birds feeding volunteers ring about 10,000 birds acuta). on insects and shelter on their way annually at a specialised ringing Whilst many of the wintering birds to the wintering area, among them station. The data is being move on in spring to breeding areas Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus sp.), exchanged between other ringing in Central Europe, breeding birds Black Cap (Sylvia sp.), Reed stations in Europe.
Development of the number of Greylag Geese (Anser anser) Comparison of the monthly bird censuses in the lagoons in lagoons La Nava and Boada (censuses in January) La Nava and Boada, October 1999 - September 2002
Birds Boada Birds Nava Boada Nava
years months
Warbler (Acrocephalurs sp.) after ringing
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Example The ecosystem of the Nestos Delta lagoons
Research and management biological, chemical and physical > The mechanisms stimulating proposals for their conservation processes of coastal lagoons; basic primary production (phytoplankton) and restoration requirements for their management in the lagoon G. Sylaios, National Agricultural and conservation. > The growth and distribution of Research Foundation macrophytes and other benthic Management goals V.A. Tsihrintzis, Democritus University of Thrace organisms H. Jerrentrup, Society for Protection of Nature As coastal lagoons are linked to > The species composition and and Ecodevelopment (EPO) adjacent land and ocean eco- populations of wildlife systems, the exchange of water, salt, Coastal lagoons are complex nutrients and heat between these > The existing fishery and ecosystems, which are in a state of systems plays a major role in aquaculture activities. fragile natural balance. Environ- determining the processes in the mental degradation caused by lagoon. Water and materials enter Research results pollution and other human activities the lagoon via stream run off or can easily cause deviation from this A series of studies have focused on groundwater flow, react in the the estimation and quantification of natural balance. In general, they are lagoons and accumulate in the ephemeral coastal features of recent water, salt and nutrient fluxes sediments, or are removed to the between the land-lagoon boundary origin, where intense mixing of fresh ocean without reaction. and saline water takes place. Coastal and the lagoon-ocean boundary. lagoons occupy 13% of the world’s This land-lagoon-ocean system These studies have also coastline and have a number of linkage is complicated, but un- investigated the influence of the common characteristics. They ravelling the complexity brings about human activities (agriculture, appear in all continents from the an understanding of the lagoon livestock, domestic and industrial) tropics to polar regions, but they are productivity patterns. Water fluxes on the whole drainage basin of the particularly prominent in the low control the lagoon flushing and help lagoon. Sylaios and Koutroumanidis latitudinal zone. They usually to maintain water quality. This also (2002) carried out a theoretical occupy coastal shallow depressions provides a mechanism for planktonic evaluation of nutrient loads by and are separated from the open inward/outward transport, and investigating the different sources of sea by a natural barrier. Coastal maintains the lagoon’s function as a nutrient losses in the Nestos Delta lagoons exhibit salinities that range fisheries nursery. Salt fluxes lagoons. Nutrient sources were from completely fresh to hyper determine the estuarine characteris- divided into point sources (generally saline, relating closely to the local tics of the lagoon and define floral man-made such as urban, industrial dominating climate and and faunal community structure as or animal wastes) and non-point hydrographical conditions. well as the spatial distribution of fish. sources (generally derived from Dissolved inorganic nutrients provide losses from cultivated and Importance of lagoons the raw materials for the marine uncultivated land, precipitation or As coastal lagoons are important for trophic chain as lagoons serve as urban run off). To theoretically fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife on the main routes for nutrient fluxes estimate nutrient loads it was a global level, and for Greece in coming from continental (landward) necessary to collect data particular, research is directed drainage into the marine concerning land use, population, towards the study of the relationship environment. agricultural, industrial activities and animal wastes and to factor them by between the various environmental The integrated management of the factors and biological production of coastal Nestos Delta lagoons applying an appropriate effluent the lagoon. Environmental para- focuses on: discharge coefficient. This meters may directly influence the evaluation gave an indicative > The quantitative and qualitative fishery production dynamics of the estimate of nutrient loadings, as it characteristics of lagoon water ecosystem. Therefore, water, salt, was based on generalised effluent nutrients and heat balance are > The exchange dynamics of lagoon discharge coefficients for a single central to understanding the water with the adjacent coastal sea source of release, calculated without
48 Example The ecosystem of the Nestos Delta lagoons taking into account the differences mechanisms responsible for water, and speculation about dredging the between drainage basins. Following salt and nutrients exchange between existing entrance canal (increase of the LOICZ (LOICZ, 1996), both systems. width, depth or both), or opening a methodology the amounts of total Proposals from the research second entrance canal. The aims of nitrogen and phosphorus these suggestions are to improve The results of this research suggest (in kg/yr) entering the Nestos Delta water exchange with the adjacent that the increase in agricultural lagoons were expressed in terms of sea, reduce the observed nutrient activity in the wider lagoon region, dissolved inorganic nitrogen and buffering capacity of the system, and and the cultivation of water and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (in ultimately improve lagoon water fertiliser demanding crops (rice, corn, mol/yr). quality. cotton) have led to the degradation of For the measurement of fluxes the ecological condition of the To supply relatively unpolluted between the lagoon-ocean Vassova lagoon. Even in micro-tidal freshwater at the lagoon’s eastern boundary, intensive monitoring at the lagoons (lagoons forced by tidal shore, a vegetated buffer filter strip of lagoon mouth has to take place in amplitude less than 0.5 m), tides about 6 ha was created to remove order to quantify the amounts of provide the principal mechanism for nitrogen and phosphorus loads from water, salt, nitrogen, phosphorus, transporting water and substances at concentrated effluents in the chlorophyll-a and suspended the mouth and the inner channels of drainage canals. In this zone, more sediments that are exchanged the lagoon. Superimposed on the than 50,000 water plants (Typha between both systems. Such studies tidal circulation is wind influence and angustifolia, Typha latifolia and can lead: that of freshwater input. In Vassova Phragmites sp.) were planted in three > To calculating pollutant loadings lagoon we have found that wind- basins in succession. More than to and from the open sea, thus induced exchange may equal the 770 m of old drainage canals were identifying sources of pollution levels of tidal exchange when filled with excavated materials to assisted by the effects of wind on an bring controlled water flow into the > To assessing the ‘return flow inclined surface. Southerly summer three basins. Between the last basin factor’ (e.g. the amount of water winds transport water inwards, while and the lagoon an overflow returning back into the lagoon northerly winter winds have only a containing an additional earth-gravel during flood) at the lagoon mouth small impact on the overall transport filter was constructed. The filter strip > To the estimation of the lagoon’s mechanism. Freshwater inflow was flooded and drained with fresh flushing time under various tidal, appeared suppressed, due to limited water three times to wash out surface hydrological and meteorological direct freshwater imports, and salt. Afterwards it was flooded conditions. precipitation only plays an important permanently and first measurements Sylaios et al. (2002) presented role in the lagoon flushing. Thus the show that at least 60% of the results from an intensive monitoring improvement of water circulation and phosphorous and nitrogen loads are programme at the Vassova lagoon flushing conditions of Vassova lagoon filtered out already in the first year by mouth, and quantified the has naturally led to the consideration the planted water plants.
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8.3 Aspects of cultural species diversity than some of the wetlands and other aspects of the original natural landscapes. Many cultural landscape a systematic landscape species therefore depend on assessment of the history of origin, traditionally managed habitats. status quo and future development is Cultural landscapes are brought However, since the beginning of required. about by human influence; they are agricultural intensification for The purpose of a cultural landscape landscapes with a human imprint. economic reasons, this variety has assessment is to enable a wetland Important factors in the development increasingly disappeared. manager to identify, evaluate, and of cultural landscapes are existing If nature conservation work focuses manage the cultural resources natural aspects such as the on protection of areas including inventory. Collection of appropriate character of the area, the original particular species which only exist data provides the basis for assessing fauna and flora, human influences due to human activity, it is essential the significance of various elements and needs, as well as interactions to define the "preferred" status of the of the cultural landscape. Once the between these factors. Cultural area and the most important significance of the property has landscapes reflect the exposure of conservation goals before carrying been established, however, the nature to humans in many ways. out any management work. integrity of the property must be Traditional agricultural management Wetlands and lakes, whether natural assessed. The aspects of integrity has mainly formed central European or man-made, are important parts of are: location, design, setting, landscapes. By developing variety in the cultural landscape. In order to materials, workmanship, feeling and structure, this traditional land use describe the interactions and association. has created habitats richer in interdependencies between
Example Orchards at Lake Constance
The Lake Constance region is well plantations, has reduced the pesticides or fertilisers and replant known for its fruit production. Until number of species living on and trees to avoid obsolescence. In about the 1950s orchard meadows around the trees. return they get a fair, fixed price had been the traditional way of fruit- Orchards can only be managed throughout the year. The pressing growing in Germany. These extensively and perform their houses produce unfiltered juice, meadows with scattered fruit trees ecological function if they are in without preservatives, sugar or typically consist of mature, tall- use and being maintained. To water. Fruits, trees and juice growing trees which have not been enable this, the harvest needs to be products are tested for any pesticide treated with fertilisers or pesticides. sold for an economic price for the residues, on a regular basis. They provide habitats for up to producer. If a sufficient supply of Since 1994 a register of all press 5,000 animal species, and contain high quality fruit for juice producers houses is available. Further a wide range of ideally adapted fruit can be guaranteed, adequate information has been produced, species and varieties of regional prices can be gained via juice promotion and tasting takes place and local origin. With the marketing. at fairs and festivals. In 1996 emergence of modern production marketing was widened to methods, increasing costs for A good example of a marketing initiative for orchard products is the restaurants and cafés, canteen labour and competition from foreign kitchens and schools. producers, traditional practices joint project "Apple Juice", which have proved to be inefficient. Thus, was initiated in 1991 by Today, about 8,000 tall-growing orchards have been abandoned organisations like Friends of the trees on 410 ha are protected and many areas cleared in favour of Earth (BUND), Lake Constance through the project without causing large, highly productive plantations Foundation, Model Project additional costs. Constance, and regional producers with small, but fruitful trees. The use Further information: www.streuobst.de of inorganic fertilisers and and farmers. (in German) pesticides, as well as the lack of The farmers commit themselves to structure and variety in modern grow their fruit without using
50 Flowering apple tree in the Lake Constance region
8.4 Architecture, basis of a seminar which explored communications all change. Envi- how buildings within a protected ronments, landscapes, settlements customs and traditions area such as a designated wetland and buildings must also change. But can be designed to fit within their they don’t have to change for the Aitken Clark, Vice President of EUROPARC natural and cultural setting, whilst worse. Within a specially protected demonstrating principles of low wetland, change should be Wetlands are special sparkling environmental impact and managed with particular care, with a fragments of the fragile mosaic of sustainability. view to ensuring that the essential Europe’s protected areas. The seminar looked at how to qualities and characteristics of the Traditionally, buildings in wetlands recognise and define the special area are properly understood and have used local natural materials qualities of local building in areas valued, and that their survival is such as reed and sedge in their such as wetlands and considered ensured. Managed change should construction. Thus the distinctive the opportunities for taking an be respon-sible to social and form and character of such innovative approach to design in the economic needs, ensure the structures has been rooted in local future. preservation of what is best, permit customs and practice. The meeting the destruction and replacement of point of land and water has Key principles what is worst and promote the generated a range of buildings positive management and enhance- designed to fit these special James Simpson is an architect ment of everything in between. It is conditions. The thatched boat- whose day to day practice in his easy to say, not easy to achieve. houses illustrated on page 54 are a home city of Edinburgh is engaged classic example of a structure which in the conservation of historic Heritage and tradition are not finite is both part of, and in harmony with buildings and in sustainable commodities. As we conserve the its natural context. The boathouses building. The following is a summary best of what we have inherited from appear to emerge as natural forms in of his views on the need for a the past for the benefit of future a living wet landscape, both sensitive and responsible approach generations, so should we create for functional for their purpose and to the conservation of buildings in their benefit as well. This is the aesthetically appropriate. special places such as wetlands. essence of sustainability. This part of chapter 8 draws on ideas "Nothing stands still. Communities, ‘Vernacular’ and ‘traditional’ are not and discussion which formed the local economies, transport and styles that can be copied, but ways
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of building unique to a place. site, design is a conversation Vernacular means literally ‘of the between the past and the present. It country’. Most of the buildings we is also a collaboration between the commonly call vernacular would be individuals involved, the client, the better called ‘artisan’, in that they users and designers, to uncover the were built by tradesmen in local possibilities of the site. materials according to local ways of Good buildings need good clients as Marshman’s cottage "Toad Hole" building. well as architects. I would The traditional buildings of an area encourage all clients to ‘aim high’ are rooted in its physical geography and to foster their vision. We have a in a way that modern structures are particular interest in the materials not. By contrast, 20th century and the brief, and of the fine structures frequently seem to be engineering of how to make the alien, insensitive, intrusive, cheap, detail work. This helps us develop and as diminishing the sense of the way we make our buildings. The place. This is the dilemma with process of designing is under- which we are now faced. How do we standing, describing, persuading - build, not just in nationally protected and building a momentum for the Eric demonstrating reed areas, but in the countryside building. The architect has to generally today, in these understand the psyche of where the sophisticated and prosperous building is. For us it is not an interna- times?" tional universal architecture which James poses the question with can be placed anywhere, it has to consummate accuracy. How to come from the place and be conserve what is best of the past and particular to that place. echo the traditions in building for the One example of a simple building we future in areas which have a special are making in a contemporary modern sense of place and identity? way, is a visitor centre near Norwich, Model of planned visitor centre near Norwich Robin Snell in the following within the Norfolk Broads. Our brief passages offers an answer with an was to provide shelter and amenity; approach to contemporary design basic facilities for visitors. We started which draws inspiration and clues by finding clues from the site. from the past. Part of our intention for the area is to make a series of modern pavilions, Aiming high each with a different set of identities, which might be used to create the Robin Snell is an architect who form and materiality of the practices in London. Robin argues enclosures. that while the designs from his Horsey windmill in Norfolk practice are unashamedly modern, The building for the visitor centre he feels that a sense of continuity is already exists in the form of a vital. The following is a summary of traditional Norfolk long barn, a the approach to design taken by his simple single cell building with a Our architecture comes practice. The case project is for a roof, which we will re-model. The Visitor Centre in the Broads, UK. new design for the adjacent café from the surroundings, I would like to focus on the design of building will be a modern version of from the nature new buildings in sensitive locations this traditional barn. The inspiration by using a current project to illustrate for the design of the roof is taken of the place. our design approach. I want to talk from the site - in particular from an about continuity, aspiration, avenue of Lime trees. searching for clues and finding Local materials are used throughout inspiration. For us, with a sensitive in traditional Norfolk solid masonry
52 Experience Keeping traditional skills alive!
Life on the marshes is interpreted in along the main channels to the wetland. Keeping the skills of the Broads in a small thatched river. Reed and sedge bundles sailing and restoring these historic Marshman's cottage known as stacked on the ‘staithe’, the craft is vital if they are to keep ‘Toad Hole’ cottage. This tiny traditional mooring and collection sailing long into the future. The cottage shows how a marshman point. Transport is now by road, Trusts which care for the wherries and his family lived over a hundred previously by ‘wherry’ when rivers have a team of volunteers, some years ago. A marshman’s calendar formed the transport highways. skilled, others willing to learn the explains the seasonal tasks Wherries were the shallow draught traditional skills needed. Engaging undertaken by the whole family. huge sailed trading vessels which the public in such enterprises is Toad Hole cottage is not a listed negotiated the waterways inland to promoted and encouraged by historic building, yet is important in and from the villages and towns to policies in the management plan. the wetland history of the marshes. the seaports carrying cargoes. Eric interprets the ‘wetland harvest’ Eric is living history! Eric Edwards is Wherries may be seen as ‘historic cycle for visitors to the Broads, rare - an endangered species. Eric buildings afloat’. Hundreds of these particularly to parties of school grew up on the marshes. He distinctive vessels plied the children. His demonstration of the learned the skills of reed and sedge waterways of the Broads. Now only art of bundling reed and sedge cutting from a long line of seven remain. Four within ‘Trust’ brings alive the special wetland craftsmen. Harvesting the wetlands, care, requiring restoration and history and traditions. The keeping the intricate hierarchy of maintenance as do historic management plan includes water channels clean and clear, buildings. Keeping such vessels promoting traditional skills by the maintaining the boats; grey ones for sailing and accessible to visitors provision of apprenticeships in the narrow dyke passages; green and local people is a vital part of traditional wetland skills such as reed lighters wider and stacked interpreting and understanding the those demonstrated by Eric. high with reed bundles moving special quality and character of the
construction as part of the passive Our architecture evolves through the > Local can be sophisticated solar approach to the design to design process. Design > Design costs - but it pays as well assist in our sustainable approach to development is part of an ongoing the buildings. conversation. Our architecture > Constraints such as limited budgets can inspire creativity. Nearby, our second project in the comes from the surroundings, from Park is a new water activity centre or the nature of the place. sailing club. The building form is The principles for conserving and derived from the imagery of a resting enhancing the built environment, bird drinking by the edge of the together with the design approach water. The roof is made from ‘wing illustrated above, are commended like’ fabric sails stretched out to as models of good practice for cover the building. The construction building sustainably in areas of of the floor of the building and all the special sensitivity such as fragile rooms are inspired by a ship’s deck wetlands. with timber cabins made rather like The main ideas which emerged from boats, alluding to traditional Norfolk the seminar are: timber sea-side chalets. We have also designed the pavilion so that it > Conservation and change are not can be built in phases, as funds mutually exclusive: they must become available. coexist
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Thatched boathouses in the Broads
Experience Listing of buildings of historic value in the Broads
A management plan will list and The practical task of assembling an features and as symbols of wind document the range of buildings inventory and technical assessment driven sustainable power. Many of within a protected wetland. The of the importance of the historic these distinctive elements inventory will rank the importance of buildings is usually undertaken by deteriorated and disappeared. historic buildings in the area an architect who has specialist Twenty years ago the Broads according to the National knowledge of the subject with management authority undertook a classification system which is advice from the regional office of survey of the remaining seventy and determined by the appropriate the national government agency. set in train, in the management government agency; usually the Grant aid may be provided from plan, policies for their protection Ministry for Environment. It is both the national agency and the and a practical programme for their important that buildings and management authority to assist restoration. While some were on the architectural features which are not private owners of historic buildings ‘listed’ programme, many were on the classified list, yet are of with their care and maintenance. unlisted yet important in the architectural merit or distinctive Any alterations or changes landscape. Many were given character are also documented and proposed for ‘listed’ buildings temporary forms of cover from the ‘protected’ as adding to the special require special permission in weather in order to halt their character and identity of the wetland. addition to the normal ‘planning’ deterioration, while funds were assembled from a variety of sources In the case of the Broads the controls placed on development. to begin full or partial restoration. thatched boathouses illustrated Special building features in the The management authority for the above are not ‘listed’ buildings. Broads include drainage mills, now Broads worked in partnership with a They are nevertheless significant redundant from their original special Trust to a programme set features of distinctive wetland functions of controlling water levels within a carefully prepared strategy character and are important and across the vast marsh landscape. set out in the management plan. merit protection by the National These ‘sentinels’ remain as Park management authority. powerfully evocative heritage
54 8.5 Science and facilitates the organisation of work, data or chemical analysis). collected information. Scientific Authorities and technical universities research books, also accessed from university have to demonstrate the public
Dr Andreas Bally, BiCon AG libraries or museums, will give a relevance of their work because they better overview about a specific field are financed by tax money. Hence Before starting a project on the of interest rather than using articles these institutions may be interested conservation or restoration of alone. However, the information is in collaboration, if this fits the scope shallow lakes or Ramsar sites, any usually a couple of years old. of their work. The interest and existing scientific background will willingness for co-operation is often provide invaluable information and Access to grey literature increased if the project attracts public recognition and will be insight. Consideration of recent The so-called ‘grey literature’ that mentioned in the press or TV. The technology and results from previous has not been published in peer institutions may even have students studies ensures that research and reviewed journals is much harder to or volunteers who could participate management proposals are up-to- find. Local experts could be date. This helps save time and approached to obtain contact in field or laboratory work for the money and avoids repetition of information about relevant people project. research. The information might be and institutions, the history of the The first step is to work out which published in scientific journals or as area, historical traditions of relevant institutions are present in reports or articles collected by management techniques etc. the region: e.g. authorities for specific governmental agencies, Information that has never been environmental protection or nature museums of natural history, published could be obtained by conservation, technical schools, technical schools, NGOs or local personal communication. museums for natural history, authorities. Gathering information In searching for such ‘grey’ studies environmental consultancies, can be difficult and may require or data, contact with institutions and departments in environmental personal contact and knowledge agencies may be able to provide sciences, ecology or fisheries at about what resources are already substantial help for the project, universities. Nowadays much available. saving money and manpower. This information is available on-line using might range from providing search engines such as ‘Google’. Scientific publications information, data, computer Telephone numbers and e-mail Officially published articles in peer programmes or even active addresses are often provided on reviewed journals are relatively easy participation in the project (field websites. to find. For registered members libraries of universities or museums provide access to scientific journals. Depending on the local situation databases such as Web of Science, BIOSIS (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts), Water Resources Ab- stracts, ASFA (Aquatic Sciences in Fisheries) etc. can be searched for specific authors, keywords and years. Employees of libraries can help with the search. After finding the references the original article can be looked up in electronic journals, hardcopy journals, or ordered via the library. This information is mostly a year old from the date of publishing. Building up a personal computer- based databank of existing articles and reports (software like Endnote) will save time in the future and Water analysis at Nestos Lakes
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Make contact with these people by 8.6 Educational facili- should be a priority first step towards sending an e-mail with a short such citizen involvement. Informa- description of the project and any ties and programmes tion, communication and education questions. The e-mail should say Bettina Jahn, Global Nature Fund are three increasingly sophisticated that a follow up call will take place a and complex steps of one major Agenda 21 has consistently few days later to discuss the request. process: the involvement of citizens highlighted the essential role of Building up a network of contacts in this decision-making process and citizen involvement at all levels of and personal relationships with their role in sustainable development. environmental decision-making in members of agencies and guaranteeing the success of One objective of the management governmental institutions might be sustainable development. European plan should be the improvement of the secret to finding out important citizens have shown time and again quantity and quality of the information, fruitful co-operation and their concern for environmental environmental information and future projects. protection and their empathy with education. When people have an sustainable development. Education understanding of how the natural
Example Spanish partner institutions
The scientific institutions that have these analyses. He concluded giving technical support as well collaborated with this project were: that the quality of the water that as providing land for the lagoons. > The University of Coruña which flows into the wetland of Boada > The Department of Agriculture of has carried out a total of five should be improved to guarantee the Autonomous University of water analyses between October the conservation of the wetland Madrid designed the Green Filter 2001 and July 2003. as an area of biological interest. project and the buffer zones, Dr Santos Cirujano working for > The public authorities involved in advising on the type of plants to the Real Botanical Garden of the project are the City Councils use and giving seeds of thistles Madrid of the Superior Council of of Fuentes de Nava and Boada (Cynara cardunculus) used in the Scientific Investigations (CSIC) de Campos, as landowners buffer zones. has interpreted the results of where the wetlands are located,
Example Greek partner institutions
> National Agricultural Research Laboratory of Ecological E-Mail: [email protected], Foundation Engineering & Technology www.teikav.edu.gr Fisheries Research Institute Prof Dr V. A. Tsihrintzis > Fachhochschule Brandenburg (INALE) GR-67100 Xanthi, Greece Fachbereich Wirtschaft Dr A. Kallianiotis E-Mail: [email protected], Prof Dr Ulrich Brasche Nea Peramos, GR-640 07 Kavala, www.duth.gr Magdeburger Strasse 53 Greece > Technological Education 14770 Brandenburg, Germany E-Mail : [email protected] Institute - TEI of Kavala E-Mail: brasche@fh www.fishri.gr Economics and Business School brandenburg.de > Democritus University of Thrace Department of Business www.fh-brandenburg.de School of Engineering Administration Department of Environmental Dr A. Karasavvoglou Engineering PO Box 1194, GR 65404 Kavala, Greece
56 world works, then they will be ready to young people should focus on schools and other youth groups. contribute to its protection. environmental problems and the Questions about nature conservation Environmental information and respective solutions. Practical work in and the natural landscape have to be education is a long-term process, the natural area may be included in answered. A multiple-choice format is which should follow a long-term the programme of several day trips. recommended. The answers to the strategy. It should not be based on The young people learn "out in the questions should be included in texts short-term activity. natural world" about different plants and other information. This will Environmental education comprises and animals, and in particular, about encourage the young people to a great variety of possible activities. endangered species. It is important to carefully read all the information These range from working with show the causes of environmental provided. children and pupils, right through to damage as well as ways of finding Environmental competitions adults, from theoretical indoor solutions to the problems. activities to practical outdoor work. Environmental competitions can be Workcamps Over the past years there has been offered at schools and youth groups. progress in integrating the environ- Under the motto "learning by doing" The children could make a drawing ment into all levels of education and school classes and youth groups or picture, something using handi- further training. learn about nature conservation work crafts, photography or sculpture to and environmental problems. One to illustrate a topic concerning nature Nevertheless, additional offers to four weeks camp is the best length of conservation. provide environmental education, visit. The children stay in hostels or especially in schools and kinder- tents in the vicinity of the natural Youth research gartens, are welcomed. It is important areas. They undertake activities such Under the theme "youth research" to involve partners with expertise in as management, cutting reed and young people may present, maybe as order to adapt the environmental brushwood in order to keep areas a competition, their ideas for effective education programme not only to the open, they collect refuse and help techniques in the fields of nature expectations of the target groups, but install nature trails and construct conservation, renewable energy or also to the needs of the organisers. visitors’ facilities. This is an excellent landscape maintenance. Enough way to teach environmentally friendly time and the necessary equipment Environmental education for behaviour and to raise the environ- should be provided for them to put young people mental awareness of young people. their ideas into practice and to construct tools or machines. Environmental education lessons in Scavenger hunt schools and nurseries Nature conservation on the Internet A scavenger hunt can be prepared In co-operation with the teachers, for groups of young people. The A website for young people to explore instruction and lessons can be children have to find answers to environmental topics may be prepared. The subject matter should questions on the wetland area, plant installed. Interactive questions and be adapted to the pupils’ age and and animal species living there as answers, a photo gallery and facilities grade of school. The lesson topic well as threats posed to them. So they to exchange their experiences and should deal with an interesting learn in a fun way about different concerns with other young people problem related to the local wetland issues for the natural area and its (chat site) could be provided. Thus area. Lessons should be as inter- conservation needs. the children acquaint themselves active as possible with objects to look with modern media and learn about at and touch from the natural world. Holiday calendar nature conservation topics. The Things that are difficult to understand During summer break a variety of German Federal Agency for Nature need to be explained in a simple way. outdoor activities may be offered for Conservation created an exemplary young people, such as one-day website for children called "Nature School trips, youth vacation and nature tours, guided visits to infor- detectives" with a wide range of excursions mation centres and organic farms. information. Wetland areas are an excellent Further information: destination for school trips, holidays Environmental quiz www.naturdetektive.de and outings for young people. The An environmental quiz (leaflets or activities planned for children and from the internet) can be offered to
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Regular youth groups carried out or if accommodation is A regular environmental youth group being offered. Financing information could be established, along the lines centres is a great burden for the of a Boy Scout or Girl Guide group. operators, and the better-funded Different activities and topics may be ones tend to be those which are offered on a weekly or two-weekly located in tourist areas and offer basis. The group should be open to regional products and explorer trails Field trip with children in England all interested young people. Through as well as environmental education the regular meetings the environ- activities. Currently, there are few mental awareness of the children opportunities for co-financing the will continue to grow. establishment of an Information Centre. This is worse if the on-going Environmental books for children costs and activities for the next five to ten years are not being financed. Text and picture books for children and young people may be provided covering different nature Financial resources conservation topics. The following section lists foundations and programmes where School visit in Spain It is worth exploring whether regional banks or savings banks as well as financial support is available. private businesses can be involved EU Youth Programme in environmental activities for One objective of the children and young people and The Youth Programme is the EU whether any funding is available. mobility and non-formal education management plan should programme targeting young people aged between 15 and 25 years. The Information centres be the improvement of Programme is open to young people An information centre may be quantity and quality of the in 30 European countries. The Youth established near the wetland area. Programme offers possibilities for environmental information Here an exhibition, information young people to participate in group material and maps can be provided exchanges and individual voluntary and education. for visitors. The centre and its work, as well as support activities. information should be attractively There are five main Actions: designed for all ages. Guided tours with further explanation could be > Youth for Europe offered from the visitor centre. A > European Voluntary Service contact point on site with infra- > Youth Initiatives structure combined with multiple use facilities is an important contribution > Joint Actions to successful nature conservation > Support Measures. work and implementation of the management plan. Further information: http://europa.eu.int/ comm/youth/program/index_en.html. There are advantages and disadvantages in having an information centre and unfortunately European Youth Foundation - Grants many centres have had financial for international youth activities difficulties or have been forced to The European Youth Foundation close. It is imperative to take advice (EYF) is a fund established by the on legal regulations and standards Council of Europe to provide before constructing or converting a financial support for European youth building, particularly where activities. It aims to encourage co- environmental programmes for operation amongst young people in children and young people are to be Europe by providing financial
58 support for youth activities. It > Natural resources and waste. > To increase understanding of supports activities which serve the Projects should be aimed at: others by young people at local promotion of peace, understanding and international level. > Integrating environmental and co-operation in a spirit of The Foundation supports respect for human rights, concerns into all relevant policy areas programmes aiming at providing a democracy, tolerance and solidarity. range of support and services in The EYF provides financial support > Working closely with business and areas such as: vocational training, to the following types of activity consumers to identify solutions health education, recreation, cultural undertaken by youth NGOs or > Ensuring better and more tolerance, environmental networks, or by other NGOs involved accessible information on the awareness, the development of in the areas of youth work relevant to environment for citizens leadership, conflict resolution, and the Council of Europe’s youth > Developing a more environmentally decision-making skills. policies and work: conscious attitude towards land use. The IYF also aims to increase global > Educational, social, cultural and awareness of children and youth Further information: http://europe.eu.int/ humanitarian activities of a comm/environment/funding/general/ issues, to strengthen the organi- European nature index_en.htm sational skills of youth programme > Activities aimed at strengthening leaders, and promote greater peace and co-operation in Europe International Youth Foundation knowledge and application of best practices for young people. > Activities designed to promote The International Youth Foundation closer co-operation and better is an independent, international, The aim of these efforts is to in- understanding amongst young non-governmental organisation crease the effectiveness, scale and people in Europe, particularly by dedicated to the positive sustainability of proven approaches developing the exchange of development of children and young to meeting young people’s needs. information people throughout the world. The Further information: http://www.iyfnet.org > Activities intended to stimulate Foundation works with national foundations and organisations mutual aid in Europe and in German Ministry of Culture, Youth currently operating in 31 countries. developing countries for cultural, and Sports, Baden-Württemberg educational and social purposes The IYF aims: There are different programmes for > To identify effective programmes > Studies, research and international youth work: documentation on youth matters. and approaches for young people Youth groups > To advocate for improved policies Further information: http://galadriel.coe.int/fej/index.jsp benefiting children and youth > Emphasis on: politics, environment
Environmental awareness raising
The Environmental Awareness programme aims to improve information available for the general public and to raise awareness levels in relation to environmental protection. It also supports the creation of partnerships at a European level and aims to promote an efficient ecological approach to economic activities. The four priority areas are: > Climate change > Nature and biodiversity > Environment and health Spanish Information panel of La Nava visitor centre
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> Discussions and workshops for employing more than 75% of the Article 16 of the Water Framework young people from different labour force. There are only a very Directive (2000/60/EC) sets out a countries. few large-scale companies with "Strategy against pollution of water". Individuals thousands of employees. In January 2001, the European Commission adopted an Amended > International workcamps in the How do industry and commerce Proposal for a European Parliament field of environmental protection. affect the environment? and Council Decision establishing the list of priority substances in the German Ministry for Family, Seniors, Often the designation of new field of water policy (COM/2001/17 Women and Youth industrial estates leads to conflicts with nature protection, and final). The list identifies 32 subs- Federal youth plan: supports interna- particularly if the estates are located tances or groups of substances, tional youth work (encountering around wetlands and lakes, which which are shown to be of major young people from different are densely populated. Substances concern for European waters. Once countries). can be released (air emissions, the list of priority substances is Similar programmes may be infiltration through the soil, discharge adopted, the Commission will available in your country at a to water) during the ordinary propose community-wide water national, regional or local level. production process and in storage quality standards and emission places but also as a consequence of controls for the priority substances. accidents, technical troubles and Within the list of priority substances breakdowns. Industrial wastewater the Commission has identified the may contain toxic substances which priority hazardous substances, could disturb the functioning - the which are of particular concern for 8.7 Industry and biodegradation performance - of the the freshwater, coastal and marine commerce communal wastewater plant. As a environment. These substances will result of new technologies, heavy be subject to cessation or phasing metals that in the past mostly came The presence of dangerous or out of discharges, emissions and from the industrial sector can be hazardous substances in European losses within an appropriate time- effectively reduced. Today the input waters is still a major threat to the table that shall not exceed 20 years. of heavy metals into lakes is mostly aquatic environment and to human from diffuse sources. Other pollution Further information: health where surface waters are sources come from noise, odours, www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ used for drinking water, abstraction water/water-dangersub/ vibrations or turbulence. or fishing. There are many known pri_substances.htm adverse effects such as eco-toxicity Examples of harmful substances in to aquatic organisms, bioaccumu- Lake Constance caused by industry Other related EU directives lation in the food chain and toxicity and commerce: > Urban Wastewater Treatment to man through drinking > DTPA or EDTA: A complexing Directive contaminated water. Pesticides such agent used in the paper and textile as lindane and atrazine affect water www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ industry, milk production water/water-urbanwaste/index_en.html plants and result in increased > Flame retardants used in the requirements for treatment if the > Drinking Water Directive plastics and textile industry water is for drinking. Heavy metals http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ such as mercury and organic metal > Phthalates used in the production of water/water-drink/index_en.html compounds like tributyltin (TBT) plastics to make them flexible and pollute water and sediments and are durable and in the dyestuff industry. > Directive on Bathing Water Quality currently accumulating in the The national and European laws and www.europa.eu.int/water/water-bathing/ aquatic food chain. Populations of guidelines concentrate on limiting index_en.html marine and limnic snails have been emissions at source. By optimising found to be endangered by storage and production techniques, increasing concentrations of TBT. recycling and environmental audit 95% of the industrial enterprises in (EMAS, ISO 14001), the water the Lake Constance area are small pollution load could be considerably and middle-scale businesses reduced.
60 Example Regulations at Lake Constance
In the Lake Constance catchment These regulations comprise: systematic and regular surveying area the industrial and commercial of regulations compliance > Obligations for the factory owner direct and indirect wastewaters are to take all necessary measures to > Establishing a central reporting registered in a special emission avoid serious accidents and limit point for serious accidents inventory. For plants and industries the consequences for man and with high risks there are special In addition, all Seveso II guidelines environment regulations for breakdowns to for serious accidents with prevent serious accidents and to > Establishing an inspection prog- hazardous substances must be limit the consequences. ramme by the authority to allow respected.
8.8 Land use and traffic local community, in many countries, the wetland - especially if the town or can decide on the use, settlement village is situated in the immediate planning and design of community- vicinity of the wetland or lake. Land use as an environmental owned areas. Closely connected In Greece most wetlands are problem with land use planning are the situated in the coastal region. As the aspects of ‘surfacing’ over open land With 147 inhabitants per square country consists of 73% mountains, and the use of green areas - both of kilometre, the European Union is large pressure exists on the coast for high environmental relevance. A amongst the most heavily settled tourism development, agriculture, system of land use planning can regions in the world. The amount of intensifying lagoon fisheries and further influence other important built-up surface area increases by road infrastructure. Developing 2% every ten years (European environmental aspects such as coastal roads for beach tourism with Commission: Caring for our future, traffic/mobility, energy, water, associated recreation facilities, bars, 2000). The resulting impacts on landscape development and nature parking, weekend settlements and nature and the environment include: protection. even military recreation sites, are a the release of toxic substances into Therefore it is important to consider major threat to the very sensitive the ground, air and water, increasing land use planning and urban coastal dunes and marshes around concentration of traffic, increasing development as an element of the the lagoons. impact of human inhabitants on the wetland management plan and to landscape and natural areas. discuss and fix targets and Where settlements, traffic zones, measures for sustainable land use What measures can a town or industrial areas and other with local representatives (urban village take to reduce land infrastructures already exist, planning, mayor, municipal council) usage? measures will need to be taken to with responsibilities for sustainable reduce the environmental pollution land use and settlement Measures with direct influence and to put in place management to construction. > Establish how much land is repair the environmental damage. The project areas La Nava/Boada in available for construction, Ideally environmental targets for Spain and Nestos in Greece are maintain settlement borders sustainable settlement development situated in regions with continuing > Settlement development that should be set during the planning migration into cities. In this situation, conserves surface area stage and implemented to prevent land usage and traffic may not be of > Optimise the relationship between future environmental stress. prior importance. However, many land dedicated to transport and to In most EU countries land use European wetlands and shallow settlement planning is the direct responsibility lakes are located in densely of local authorities. Legal populated areas. Thus, a reduction > Make an inventory of empty lots requirements are dealt with at of environmental impacts within the and fallow areas within the city, national and regional level but the towns and villages can also benefit town or village
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> Retrospective consolidation: use this negative impact on the of empty lots, additional storeys, microclimate the natural habitat for extensions, combined types of flora and fauna is destroyed. usage, allocating need for new The re-exposure of the soil can be housing space within given accomplished by completely dimensions, consolidation of removing the sealant, whether housing and working spaces, concrete, tarmac or some other Railway following Lake Constance's shoreline raising occupation density. material, and changing the type of covering to create a permeable Measures with indirect influence ground surface where plants can > Decreasing further dispersion of grow (partial re-exposure). Or non- settlement essential sealed surface areas can > Avoiding fallow areas within the be transformed into green areas. The city following surfaces come into consideration for partial re-exposure: > Conservative use of surface area in development and choice of > All types of parking and storage construction type surface area, as well as access Village around lakes in Upper Swabia > Intensified usage of attractive roads and paths locations > Sections of intersections that are > Quantitative and qualitative not driven over, centre areas of traffic roundabouts In Greece most wetlands compensation for loss of surface area for construction. > Surfaces that do not have to be are situated in the coastal accessible for traffic Supporting measures > Schoolyards, market squares, region. As the country > Managed city development policy, paved courtyards. environmental management for consists of 73% urban development Re-exposure can also be undertaken as a measure of mountains, large pressure > Integrated settlement and compensation for other changes to transportation development the environment or towards an "eco- exists on the coast for > Concentration of supply, adminis- account". In this way, such measures tourism development, trative and service facilities can be made attractive to local > Choice of location, designation of governments from a financial agriculture, intensifying type of use according to criteria of perspective. Further positive aspects environmentally fitting usage are the relief to the sewage system lagoon fisheries and road and water treatment plants from > Co-ordination of temporary excess run off, the improvement to building usage (intermittent usage). infrastructure. the microclimate, as well as the surroundings in which people live "Surfacing" over soil and work. Just as important as re- exposure is to ensure that only very When construction ‘surfaces’ over little new ground is sealed over. soil, problems are created for the environment by disturbance to the Green areas local natural and water balance, the increase in frequency of peak levels Everyone is aware that green areas of flood run off, and the resulting play a substantial role in improving additional burdens for the sewage the quality of life within settlements. system and water treatment plants. In They are immeasurably valuable not addition, processes of exchange only as green belts, but also in the between soil and atmosphere are centre of settled areas. Park areas in limited or prevented altogether. With the heart of a town improve the
62 attractiveness of housing and represent an important contribution so. Due to the increasing expansion service centres located nearby, so to the maintenance of biotope of urban land use practices and the that the heightened value of networks. growing accessibility of private neighbourhoods with expanded automobiles, cities are expanding green areas can create a focus for Traffic and mobility outwards into the surrounding development in municipal centres. Today, mobility is both a fundamental countryside. This leads to an A settlement area can be divided human need as well as a increase in traffic. This is the very into a wide variety of different green prerequisite for our ability to cope area on which communal urban land systems, such as parking facilities, with the demands of everyday life. use planning can have fundamental planted areas, green plots However, at the same time, motor influence - communal transportation connecting built areas with natural traffic causes particular harm to development planning and the house gardens. These improve the human health and to the environmental problems related to it. microclimate and develop into environment. What possibilities are there for valuable habitats for a wide variety of In the year 2000, the surface area regional and local government to animals and plants. Green areas used for transportation purposes influence and to reduce the negative offer opportunities for leisure and totalled 17,280 km2 or 4.8% of impact of traffic in urban areas and recreation, they are meeting-places Germany’s surface area, increasing their surroundings? for a neighbourhood and make a by 0.5% (81 km2) by 2002. General: major contribution to people’s Nonetheless, it is interesting to note > Combination of different types of association with their place of that the increase in problems land use instead of separation into residence. Green connecting plots caused by our need for mobility and distinctive use type districts take on a very important function the environmental problems within a community. associated with them cannot be > Reduction of surface area used by compacting settlement structures Adorned with trees, hedgerows, and attributed alone to an increase in the with short distances between other elements of greenery, they number of trips individuals undertake destinations instead of excessively encourage "soft mobility" use by in their daily lives. extensive settlement and sub pedestrians and cyclists. A green What causes the increase in harm to urbanisation connecting plot can be a footpath the environment related to already lined with trees. Similarly, transportation are the ever- > Optimal integration of areas newly roads connecting a settlement with increasing distances people must zoned for construction into the the surrounding natural landscape travel to work, to shop for their existing development network can be treated in the same way. needs, and to reach recreational > Optimal integration of Along with their function for human areas, as well as the shift in neighbourhood centres into the recreation, the green corridors transportation mode used in doing local development network
Information ECOLUP
Recent studies and projects have they exist in varying formats: handle and meaningful key data. proved that most cities and different collection years, refer to Within the EU LIFE project municipalities do not have central different areas, and vary the "ECOLUP: Environmental Land Use statistical offices that collect and categories of measurement. Base Planning" Lake Constance evaluate all data relevant to data and indicators are the basis for Foundation and the University of communal administration. Although monitoring, but to collect and Nürtingen developed a "Core the most important base data such evaluate data requires resources. Reference Figures Set" for all as on population density and Therefore it is preferable to limit the relevant environmental aspects surfacing over soil are available, collection of data to a few easy to regarding land use planning.
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> Differentiated development of > designation of surface areas for by this development. In addition, transportation surface area by required protective measures structural changes in agricultural using terminal streets, courtyard > reduce average distance to practice have led to an increase in housing developments, short link nearest public transportation access. orchards where fruit is sold at roads and residential streets in market, whilst at the same time residential areas instead of permanent grassland has allowing transportation decreased. Crop rotation has been development in residential areas 8.9 Agriculture and simplified (to monocultures), animal > Reduction and relocation of husbandry has been concentrated in parking spaces. forestry specific areas by specialisation, and as a part of farmland consolidation, Specific: Current situation agricultural use of river flood plains > Designate Park+Ride parking has increased, marshy areas spaces Over three quarters of the surface drained, and structures that had area contained within the European > previously linked biotopes (hedges, Parking control systems and Union is used for agriculture or vehicle storage concepts etc.) cleared away. Furthermore, forestry (44% agricultural use, 33% irrigated areas have increased > Traffic calming, designation of forest). Agriculture and forestry dramatically (the EU has collected 30 km/h zones depend more than other economic related data since 1961). sectors on intact natural resources > Expand existing cycle paths Although the surface area of land as the prerequisite for their and footpaths used for agriculture has as a whole successful functioning. > Reduce overall parking space decreased in the last 20 years, available Technical innovations, the increased farming’s negative effects on nature use of new technology in farming have increased markedly. This can > Construction to improve public and the resulting changes to be attributed to the great transportation access economic conditions, as well as the intensification of farming practices > Increase frequency of public political framework set by EU as a result of the changed conditions transportation departures on agricultural policy, have in recent mentioned above, and to the timetable decades led to great losses in resulting increased use of > Build roofed cycle parking lots valuable cultural landscapes, which production factors that raise crop have been shaped over the yield such as fertilisers and plant > Improve proportion of streets to centuries by traditional farming protecting agents e.g. pesticides. cycle paths and footpaths practices. Landscapes managed > Reduce noise resulting from traffic extensively are particularly affected
Advice Key reference data settlement and traffic
Key reference data to measure / > Surfaced transportation area in > "Modal split" - choice of mode of evaluate urban expansion percentage of total relevant transportation (number of > Proportion of settled surface area surface area. bicycles, number of motorists and (Settlement and transportation Key reference data to measure / motorcyclists, number of public surface area to surface area of evaluate transportation /mobility transportation users) municipality) > General extent of development > Kilometres per person / inhabitant / > Settlement Density (Number of (Transportation surface area to day according to mode of inhabitants to settlement and total surface area or municipal transportation (local statistics). transportation surface area) surface area) > Housing Density (Number of > Extent of development planned in inhabitants to structure and open project (Transportation surface area site surface area in ha) to total zoned construction land)
64 Grain field in Spain
Legal situation farming practice currently valid for nitrate fertilisers, use of catch water protection areas will be crops featuring legumes only prior Within the European Union, a great extended to apply to all river to crops with strong erosive number of different directives catchment areas. By way of capacity, crop rotation that sustains regulate agriculture’s access to and example, the WFD already contains groundwater quality, plant use of water. These are intended to a list of 33 priority substances, ten of vegetation on fallow land, plant minimise negative impacts on this which are pesticides (e.g. Atrazine), field crops with minimal need for resource. Among these are the the use of which is either to be nitrates such as summer barley Groundwater Directive (80/68/EWG), reduced or to be eliminated within or flax). the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EWG), the next 20 years. In the coming the Fertiliser Ordinance (FO), and Many of these measures can at years, the Commission will introduce the Agri-Environmental Action present only be realized within the quality norms and require regular Programme (2078/92 EEC). In order framework of voluntary agreements. testing of limit values. to co-ordinate these usually very Their greater acceptance can only inconsistent regulations, the Water Advisable measures for the prevention be achieved through compensation Framework Directive (WFD) was of negative impacts of pesticides and payments or the goal-oriented passed in 1995 and came into effect fertilisers on water bodies are: support of new market strategies or on 22 December 2000. The aim of > Establishing protected shoreline sustainable production methods. the WFD is to define unified strips and buffer zones principles for the entire field of water > Raising minimum standards for Sustainable agriculture in the EU protection. water quality Integrated crop cultivation means Around 60% of the phosphates in the > Banning use of pesticides at agricultural cultivation and water supply and over 70% of the problematic locations, e.g. those in production methods that meet both nitrates originate from diffuse danger of erosion ecological as well as economic sources. For this reason, agriculture demands. Factors such as crop is seen as the main cause of > Employing modern application rotation, cultivation technology, plant excessive nutrients in bodies of technology for pesticides, PSM nutrition, and crop protection are water. The WFD therefore sets a and mineral fertiliser output adjusted to fit natural conditions in strong focus on agriculture so that > Reducing the level of nutrients in order to support environmentally we can expect that regulations for bodies of water (reduction of friendly agricultural practices. These
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measures will avoid the pollution of Early Retirement Regulation (2079/ Agri-Environmental Action Program- groundwater and surface water, as 92) and the Forestry Regulation me are: well as the deposition of foreign (2080/92), represents one element of > Transformation of intensively substances into nearby biotopes. a set of complementary measures. used land such as arable farmland Since there is no standardisation for The Agri-Environmental Action into extensive grasslands monitoring integrated production in Programme is intended to make > Reduction of the use of the EU, the benefits it brings to the production processes in agriculture nutrients and pesticides environment are difficult to estimate. more environmentally friendly. In > Continuation of traditional, One instrument of the EU agricultural order to achieve this goal, various environmentally friendly cultivation reform that both relieves economic environmental measures have been practices in areas threatened by pressures on the agricultural market linked to funding available to the loss of this type of land use and avoids or reduces damage to farmers. The implementation of this the cultural landscape is the Agri- programme lies in the hands of > Creation of biotopes that are Environmental Action Programme national or regional authorities. not subjected to the production (2078/92 EEC), which, along with the Examples for measures within the cycle.
Parameters for evaluating agriculture
Total surface area farmed and crop production
> Farm land (FL) in absolute ha and in % of total surface area
> Farmed land (FdL) in absolute ha and in % of total surface area > Division of FdL according to types of use (permanent grassland, ploughed fields, specialised crops and garden areas, forest when present) and types of crops > Percentage of organically farmed land and percentage of organic farms
Animal husbandry
> Animals according to species (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, fowl, others) in livestock unit (LU) or fertiliser produced per livestock unit (FLU)
> Average number of animals per farm
> Average number of animals per unit of surface area
Structure of farm businesses
> Number of farms and number of farms according to size
> Level of education of head of farm and plans for farm’s inheritance
Characteristics of the cultural landscape
> Percentage and quality of protected areas
> Variety of landscape structures (average size of field, variety of types of land usage, presence of smaller structures within agricultural landscape, percentage of woods to open land)
> Cultural-historical characteristics (e.g. archaeological factors, as in Greece)
Additional factors
> Fertilisers: Mineral fertilisers N and P (e.g. in t N or P or ha FL and year), fertilisers produced by farm, sewage sludge, compost, other fertilisers) > Pesticides
66 A much more effective step towards which organic farming is practised designation of organically grown environmentally appropriate within the EU has grown steadily. farm products and foods have been agriculture is organic farming. The highest percentages of made subject to binding standards in Through organic farming, negative organically farmed surface area are the EU by means of the Organic impact on the environment is greatly found in Austria (11.6%), in Italy Farming Directive (2092/91/EEC, reduced through extensive (8%), and in Finland (7%) (source: dating from 24th June, 1991). reductions in use of fertilisers and SÖL, Feb. 2004). In this directive, both the cultivation pesticides. Furthermore, the soil Due to the fact that organic farming as well as the processing of organic undergoes much less intensive use, processes not only have less produce are given an exact definition thus preventing harmful side effects negative impact on the environment, and made subject to explicit to soil and groundwater. but also prevent the presence of labelling. Consumers are able to Since the European Community’s toxic residues in food, organic identify organically grown produce agri-environment policy came out in products generally bring higher by means of the EU board of control favour of conversion to organic market prices. For this reason, numbers and the information on the farming methods, the acreage on organic farming and the respective packaging to this effect. Although the
Sources of information (example Germany)
Authorities
> Communal authorities
> District authorities (District Council Office)
> Agricultural authorities
> Regional Council
> Ministry of Agriculture (federal state and national)
> State and federal statistical offices
Educational institutions
> Universities and other institutions of higher learning
> Agricultural schools
Agricultural federations and associations
> Co-operatives (e.g. ZG, WLZ)
> Farming co-operatives (e.g. apple culture federation, associations of organic farmers)
> Professional associations (AG Junge Bauern, AbL, Hauptverband)
Farmers
Dependent branches
> Processing (e.g. dairies, breweries, bakeries, juice production)
> Trade
> Gastronomy and cafeterias
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EU introduced a standardised logo Parameters for evaluation: the introduction of agricultural for the designation of organically > Nutrient balance of farm (N, P, K) substances into sensitive areas. If a grown products in 2000, it did not farm participates in agri-environmental > find acceptance in many EU Fertilisation schedule (when, how programmes it is a good indication of member countries. A few EU much) how open the farm director is to countries (such as Germany, Austria, > Livestock (livestock unit/ha, NH³ environmental protection. Denmark, and France) have for this emissions). reason introduced their own national Parameters for evaluation organic labels which have in their Pest management > Range of types of land use and own right been met with varying Both chemical-synthetic as well as crop rotation levels of acceptance. mineral plant protecting agents have > Are genetically modified crops Indicators for the environmental a direct impact on the quality and the grown? well being of wetlands and lakes. impact of agriculture on lakes and > Condition of grasslands (age, Pesticides and heavy metals wetlands make-up, use for hay, when mowed) demonstrate a direct negative Agriculture has a great impact on impact on a wide range of organisms > Measures to protect and maintain many lake and wetland regions. and can accumulate in the food biotopes (type, size, common or Because the conditions under which chain as well as in soil sediments. uncommon, endangered and production takes place (terrain, status of protection of biotopes) climate, availability of water, soil Parameters for evaluation > Participation in programmes to quality, etc.) are often quite good, > Type and amount of pesticides used support environmental protection many of these locations have been measures and in agri-environment drained and transformed into > When used programmes cropped land. On the other hand, > How up-to-date is application this intensification of agriculture and technology? > Variety of species of domestic a tendency towards extensive animals and cultivated plants > Use of alternative pesticides. management of areas with high crop (particularly rare breeds and species) production potential have resulted in Management of farm production greater damage to neighbouring processes > Biological parameters (e.g. areas, among them wetlands, due to endangered, rare or endemic The way in which farm production infiltration of fertilisers and pesticides. species in the macroflora and processes are managed has a direct macrofauna, rare vegetative impact on wetlands and lakes. ecotypes, indicator species). Nutrients Through well-balanced crop rotation Fertilisers used in agriculture and the cultivation of regional crops, Soil cultivation contain nitrates, phosphates, and many negative effects that other nutrients that plants need. agriculture may have on bodies of The way in which the soil is These contribute to the water can be avoided. Agri- cultivated also has an impact on eutrophication of bodies of water environment programmes, for bodies of water. Inappropriate and as a result can lead to example those encouraging the cultivation can lead to erosion undesirable algae growth and introduction of buffer strips of land causing sedimentation and siltation changes in the chemical content of around arable fields and along in water bodies, and any agricultural the water, as well as to flora and shorelines and water courses, make substances carried on soil particles fauna. it possible to prevent or minimalise can impact on water quality.
Selected "seals" of organic production in Europe
Austria Denmark EU-Seal France Germany Netherlands
68 Traditional way of sheep breeding in Spain
Parameters for evaluation fossil fuels and lubricants in 8.10 Fishery > Erosion due to water and wind agriculture needs to be prevented. > General soil characteristics and Parameters for evaluation Fishery at Lake Constance reference values: > Absolute amount of water used Soil compaction, waterlogging of Understandably, the activities of (incl. irrigation and amount of water soil, potential yield, function as subsistence and recreational drawn from groundwater table) filter, buffer and transformation fishermen at Lake Constance are agent, natural capacity for retention. > Relative water use per biomass geared towards catch yield. Under produced the aspect of justifiable impact on Water and energy balance of farm > Water drainage (drainage nature, recreational fishery has to be Two thirds of the water used across systems, water draining from put to the ecological test, especially the world is needed for agriculture. irrigation, water retention systems) intensive angling in nature reserves. It is not only the fundamental contra- In EC countries this percentage may > Morphological parameters diction between conservation and be significantly lower (in Germany (structure of bodies of water, buffer leisure activities, there are also only 3% of total water usage), but zones, protective shoreline or incompatibilities in the exercise of nevertheless effective water watercourse strips) management in agriculture is an angling with regard to the important starting point for the > Fossil sources of energy (oils, environment: e.g. impact on animals, sustainable protection of water and diesel, potential threat for bodies of shore vegetation. The solution of the biotopes. Environmentally water, gas) conflict could be authorized appropriate plant species, organic > Material cycles. recreational fishery in ecologically farming practices, and careful use of less important areas only. irrigation and drainage can prevent Fishery and nature conservation harm to rivers and groundwater have common goals especially in resources. Damage to water the preservation of natural resources arising from the use of resources. Fish species protection
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has to be taken seriously, about two Fishery management in lakes thirds of the fish species of Central and ponds Europe are considered endangered. Lakes and ponds are mainly affected That is why nature conservancy by nutrient inputs from the catchment organisations together with fishery area and recreational use such as associations have to fight for better swimming, boating, angling, and living conditions of the fish fauna. fishing. Restoration measures chiefly Predatory pikes can help to regulate fish focus on the reduction of nutrient populations Sustainable fishery inputs from surrounding areas. Sustainable development of fishery Another helpful instrument is A great fish variety can at Lake Constance requires a ecologically-oriented fishery strategy combining ecological management in accordance with the only be achieved or responsibility (especially for the following principles: natural biodiversity) with economic > Establishing and maintaining a conserved by habitat carrying capacity, and seeking balanced fish population adapted dialogue with the society. The goal is to the local condition of fishing protection of many diffe- measured catch yield of wild fish waters and to achieve moderate added- rent natural habitats – value out of a seasonal high quality > Preservation of the waters and regional product. their environment as flora and especially of the shallow fauna habitat. Generally, in nature reserves fishery water zone, representing is allowed as a privileged Fish population exploitation and considered as the "nursery” of most of practical nature protection. In view of Usually high nutrient content of the intensive exploitation most waters leads to high biological the Lake Constance fish nature reserves are subject to, productivity often resulting in mass fishery in the internationally increase of white fish (cyprinid). The species. important nature reserves at Lake increasing number of cyprinids Constance is not compatible with crowded together is responsible for effective nature conservation. the decrease in zoo plankton thus provoking excessive algae growth, Fish protection zones low visibility depth and animal and plant species depletion. A great fish variety can only be achieved or conserved by habitat The following measures can prevent protection of many different natural undesired fish stock development: habitats – especially of the shallow > Emptying of artificial ponds in water zone, representing the winter or summer allows controlled "nursery” of most of the Lake fish removal and fish stocking Constance fish species. Therefore (new population). The draining fishing in the shallow zone and period varies depending on the along the shoreline should not be water conditions allowed, especially in already > Stocking measures influence the recognised protected areas where natural development and can far reaching regulations have to be balance the fish population. formulated in accordance with the Stocking should be implemented Nature Conservancy. with native fish species of young age groups, adapted to the natural conditions and in consultation with the responsible fishery authorities > Regular fishing of mass species as "biomanipulation” and regular
70 stocking with predatory fish can intensive aquaculture. In the definition of the general also regulate fish populations. Mediterranean almost 10% of the management are the following: general fish production comes from Seasonal hydrological cycle in the Maintenance of water bodies the lagoons or other coastal shallow area, including data on the rain biotopes. Fortunately only a few of Lake shores rich in structures are season, the current direction and them were transformed totally to extremely important for the entire the tidal regime. The nutrients in intensive aquaculture units, allowing ecology of the water body. the water depend on the current the coexistence of the natural eco- Appropriate measures are: force and on freshwater quality. system with the traditional fishery > Reduction of trees and scrubs in system. Fisheries is an important part Seasonal temperature profile in the favour of reed plants of their management and therefore water, mainly during the winter and > Regular mowing of reed in winters some general rules should be the summer. Local data on the main or summers applied to allow their conservation wind directions combined with water > Leaving or bringing in structures in and in parallel to maintain the local temperature can explain easily the the water fishery communities. thermal situation in the water as for instance anoxic situations, perma- > Designation of protected areas for Lagoon types nent water stratification and ice co birds and fish The most important element in a verage of the surface, conditions > Extensification of agriculturally wetland and particularly in the very dangerous for fishery produc- used areas near the lakes or lagoons is the hydrological regime in tion. The water salinity and the ponds. the area and its water quality. The oxygen depend partly on the tempe- hydrology depends on the balance rature and the main local wind. Fishery management in coastal of two opposite forces, where one is These natural conditions influence lagoons the tide force coming from the sea the primary production in the waters
Dr. A. Kallianiotis, Fisheries Research Institute, and the second the influence of the or in other words, the speed of National Agricultural Research Foundation running freshwater from the near nutrient incorporation and river or stream. The two forces are in transformation inside the lagoon, the Lagoons are of the most productive relation with the meteorological local food chain, on which the fish ecosystems in terms of fisheries. As conditions in the area, and depen- species that are able to inhabit the an intermediate zone between the ding on their equilibrium, there are ecosystem depend, and finally, the sea and the freshwater systems in several types of coastal lagoons. On other vertebrates like birds and the mainland, they are inhabited by the one hand there are the open mammals depending on fish. Other fish species able to adapt them- lagoons where the continuous flow aspects like the bacterial activity, the selves either to brackish or saline of a strong freshwater current is level of photosynthesis, the water. Generally lagoons and most present, maintaining the opening of presence of plankton and sea weeds other coastal wetlands are shallow the channels. On the other hand and the anoxic layer in the bottom and communicate with the sea by there are the semi-closed lagoons, are in direct relation to these primary small channels, usually open during where the communicating channels conditions. At the bottom of the food the rainy season in the northern are closed during the dry season. chain there is the microbial activity, hemisphere or by permanent Without any communication, the generally high due to the richness in branches of the nearby rivers. Today lagoons sooner or later turn into organic matter and at the top, fish only a few coastal lagoons and shallow marshes, and in the dry such as the sea bass, some birds or wetlands are still in a natural season, into flat salted areas. the otter are recognized as general condition and often the hydrographic predators at different levels. morphology and topography of the Requirements for management main parts have changed after When we intend to apply a new Fish production several decades of human inter- management system to a coastal In a typical Mediterranean lagoon, vention. This includes attempts to dry wetland or lagoon, we need the there are some fish species them out completely or other lighter following data to define the local characterised by their permanent interventions such as technical natural regime. Some of these data presence in the ecosystem works to adapt lagoons to conditions are essential and others can be throughout their whole life cycle favourable for extensive or semi optional. The data needed for the while others are immigrants. The fish
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production depends on the can be guaranteed. These ecomposition or concentration of immigrants which are attracted interventions should be included various pollutants. seasonally by the water quality and in a general management system > The natural fish populations inside the temperature regime, inhabiting plan to be defined under the the lagoons include young and the water for food, reproduction or control of the local experts. older fish. As a general rule for all safety purpose. The term migration > The good knowledge of the fish professional fisheries, selective does not reflect the real nature of the migration seasonality, including fishing gear should be used to phenomenon. The movement of the the existing empirical information avoid the capture of immature fish. populations of several euraline fish from local fishermen, should be If it is no possibility to maintain species could be described better incorporated into the local man- the young fish during winter inside by the terms invasion and departure. agement plan and along with rules the lagoon, it is much better to The fish invade the lagoons during to ensure stable fish production. open the traps and to facilitate spring and early summer, when the their return to the sea. Many of > The application of some general conditions are more favourable in them will be back in the lagoon restrictions is necessary in the comparison with the colder sea during the next year. water and then depart when the exploitation of the nearest coastal temperature starts to rise, as in area close to the lagoons from > Fishing with enclosures, traps cases where the intercommunicated where the local fish production or installation of stable fishing channels are open, or in late autumn depends. For the time being, the gear is restricted to some or early winter, in cases where the general technical and legal deeper areas of the lagoon. lagoon is deep enough to maintain a measures applied in Mediterranean Usually piscivorous bird species more stable water temperature. In fisheries seem to be sufficient to avoid preying in these parts and both cases permanent man-made guarantee a minimum vital fish thus conflicts with fishermen are enclosures aim to maintain the fish population in the coastal areas. only occasional. There is no population under control, fishing general solution to avoid these > In many Mediterranean lagoons, conflicts. Any case should be them in special traps according to fishermen seasonally introduce the season and the market demand. analyzed and the possible young fish for the enhancement of solutions should be discussed with Even if this human intervention is local fish production. In order to the fishermen. Some technical considered by some naturalists as a maintain the autochthonous devices able to discourage birds violation of the natural ecological genetic fish stocks intact, it is to approach the fishing gear, cycle, the local fishery communities necessary to avoid the could be applied, but only and their extensive fishery system introduction of fingerlings of temporarily and in any case not are recognized as an essential part unknown origin, keeping in mind, during the breeding period. The of these areas, ensuring the safety that in most cases the young fish euraline fish in the Mediterranean control of remote areas, the decrease born in the big hatcheries around are caught mainly during the of illegal hunting, the water equilibrium the Mediterranean are of dubious autumn, when most of the birds and on a long-term basis, the origin. Recently the European conclude their breeding. Conse- conservation of this fragile ecosystem. Union began to finance the quently the restricted use of these In order to maintain a healthy exten- construction of small local devices should not be a problem. sive exploitation of the coastal hatcheries for the purpose of lagoons, the following requirements maintaining local stocks. are needed: > The coastal zone close to the 8.11 Tourism and > A good water circulation regime is inner part of the lagoon is essential, Recreation essential for good fish production not only for local birds, but the in euraline ecosystems, even if the many young fish which spend part construction of large of their early life in these areas for Sustainability - the challenge for communication channels is not foraging. The good condition of tourism in the coming years recommended due to their negati- this area is an important index of The typical European tourism ve influence on natural ecosystems. the lagoon’s health. Polluted product depends to a large extent on With the construction of small lagoons or eutrophic water bodies the sustainable development of interventions the stabilization of show a disturbed image with dead destinations. The vast majority of the water circulation in the lagoon organic matter in semi tourists are looking for intact nature,
72 Advice VISIT - Indicators for sustainable tourism development
In the course of the LIFE Visit- Environmental performance > What is the amount of area Project (Voluntary Initiatives for occupied by second homes? Tourism transport Sustainability in Tourism), Friends of > Does the destination try to protect Nature International collected and Key questions for sustainability: and preserve natural areas? evaluated an exhaustive list of > Is the amount of transport indicators used in different regions > Impact of different tourism pressure caused by tourism or suggested by previous studies. activities on biodiversity? decreasing? The VISIT-experts identified the Key questions for quality: following set of key indicators: > Are tourists arriving by more sustainable means of transport? > Degree of urban sprawl which reduces attractiveness of Sustainability concepts Current situation and evolution in time to see whether there is destinations? Key questions for sustainability: change towards improvement. > Number of natural areas which > Existence and evaluation of the > Is the length of stays decreasing enhance the attractiveness of the effectiveness of environmental or increasing? More same-day site? management and monitoring visitors or longer staying tourists? Coastal destinations tools for a more integrated tourism > What are the main means of strategy? Key question for sustainability: transport tourists are using during > What is the pressure on aquatic > Are different stakeholders their stay at the destination? involved in the process? systems (coastal destinations and Key question for quality: destinations to lakes)? Key questions for the quality of the > Impact of transport on noise and region: Key question for quality: air quality, traffic jams? > Are coasts in danger of becoming > Is there a continuous reporting Key indicators to evaluate tourism overcrowded? and monitoring system designed transport: to improve or maintain the Mountain destinations > Share of environmentally friendly destination’s quality? Key question for sustainability: modes of transport in all arrivals Key indicators to measure/evaluate (car, aeroplane, train, bus, ship or > Tourism pressure in mountain sustainability concepts: bicycle) destinations? > Existence of a local policy > Number of same-day visitors per Key question for quality: (strategy, action plan) for km² (Monthly table of same-day enhancing sustainability in the > Are mountain destinations in visitors) destination danger of becoming > Local mobility (Monthly table of overcrowded? > Involvement of stakeholders the number of passengers Key indicators to measure /evaluate > Existence of an inventory of sites transported by local public carrying capacity: of cultural interest transport, percentage of > Existence of an inventory of sites accommodation, tourism > Maximum population density of natural interest facilities and other tourist (peak season) per km² attractions accessible by public > Number of eco-labelled tourism > Beds in secondary residences transport, extra means of transport facilities or facilities applying (in % of total lodging capacity) especially set up for tourists). environmental management > Types of area of destination (built schemes (such as EMAS or ISO up area, area reserved for 14000). Carrying capacity building, green land, forest, water, > Number of sites monitored with Key questions for sustainability: other) in km² the Blue Flag system and total > How much land is taken up by > Size of protected natural areas number of bathing sites. tourism accommodation? (in % of total destination area)
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Advice Indicators for sustainable tourism development
> Evolution of different leisure Key indicators to measure /evaluate Key indicators to measure /evaluate activities with intensive use of sustainable use of water: social and cultural performance: resources (size of golf courses, > Sustainable use of water > Seasonal percentage of non- size of areas covered with resource (ratio of water imported resident employees in total artificial snow, capacity of lifts, or coming from processed sea number of tourism employees capacity of harbours and water to total water sources, > Average length of contracts of marinas, number of hydro average development of ground- tourism personnel speeds etc.) water table in the last 5 years) > Percentage of land owned by > Percentage of natural coastline > Percentage of houses and non-residents (if applicable). facilities connected to waste- water treatment plants. > Number of recorded thefts Use of energy > Tourist/host population ratio. Solid waste management Key questions for sustainability: Key questions for sustainability: Economic performance > How effective is the use of energy indicators within the destination (total > Is there a system of effective amount of energy used for waste management? Key questions for sustainability: tourism and source of energy)? Key questions for quality: > Economic viability of tourism Key questions for quality: > Is waste illegally dumped in sector? > How can the effects of natural areas or the countryside, Key questions for quality: are there negative effects of climate change, which may have > Dependence of economy on waste treatment on health (e.g. a long-term impact on the quality tourism sector? of the destination, be reduced? waste incineration)? > Seasonal variation of tourism Key indicators to measure /evaluate Key indicators to measure /evaluate income? waste management: sustainable use of energy: Key indicators to measure /evaluate > Percentage of households where > Percentage of renewable energy economic performance: solid waste is separated for in total energy consumption recycling > Tourism-related employment in (entire destination, locally peak season/low season to total produced or imported) > Total of solid waste land-filled and/or incinerated (in tonnes) employment in the destination > Energy use by type of tourism > Share of tourism in overall facility and per tourist. > Monthly table of waste production. destination GDP Social and cultural performance indicators > Seasonal variation of Use of water accommodation occupancy Key questions for sustainability: Key questions for sustainability: > Total accommodation capacity > What is the pressure on the local > Development of living conditions per capita of resident population for local population? water resources? > Average length of stay. Key questions for quality: > Are developments driven by external influences? Further information > Is there enough water available www.yourvisit.info. for tourists? Key questions for quality: > Are the water bodies > Do tourists feel accepted by residents? (groundwater and surface water) of good quality and condition? > General safety of tourists?
74 beautiful landscapes and a rich Activities at the destination renewable) is also becoming a cultural heritage. They want a > Construction of tourism facilities focus of interest. clean and healthy environment and Use of water: Some destinations, they want to enjoy the ambient > Maintenance and operation of such as islands or southern climate. In fact there is a strong link tourism facilities coastal destinations, have between sustainability and quality: > Local mobility increasing problems with the most issues such as low noise, less > Tourism activities linked to facilities freshwater supply and there is traffic, clean air and water, rich bio- even competition for water diversity, intact landscapes are all > Tourism activities not needing between local economies (for the focal points of sustainability special facilities. example agriculture) and tourism. strategies and crucial for the quality Main problems concerning tourism Wastewater may also become a of destinations. and sustainable development problem for high-season mass As tourism by definition involves the tourism destinations. Tourism transport: Especially air movement of people from one transport and the use of private cars, Solid waste management: Waste is place to another, it affects not only contribute increasingly to global becoming a major problem for local sustainability but also warming and climate change, and to tourism destinations and rural sustainability at the regional or the depletion of oil resources. societies, which are overwhelmed even global level. In the past, this Emissions, noise and congestion are by waste products but do not have problem has not been covered also growing problems at tourism sufficient capacity to cope with this sufficiently either by tourism destinations and along the big problem. science or by tourism policies. tourist routes. 90% of energy used Whether a journey is organised Social and cultural development: in the tourism sector is used for independently or through Bad working conditions in tourism, access and return travel. There is a commercial agents, the cycle of the seasonal employment and high growing trend towards air travel tourism activity can be divided into dependence on the tourism and particularly short distance three stages: industry may create a negative flights, towards traffic intensive social climate, detrimental to the > Access to the destination or event tourism, larger destinations quality of the entire destination. destinations and return to the and unsustainable vacation point of departure patterns (more travels per year and Economic development: High dependence on the tourism sector, > Stay at the destination person, shorter stays, longer distances, out-of-season activities, high seasonal variation of tourism > Activities at the destination (which such as skiing in summer or activity or a high percentage of determine whether it is a tourism swimming in winter), which day-visitors may also be harmful to or a business trip). increases the impact of tourism the community and have negative Our wetland or lake is part of the transport. effects on economic development. tourism destination - or should Carrying capacity: Land use, bio- Institutional governance: become part of a sustainable diversity, tourism activities. Tourism Measures taken by local and tourism destination. Therefore the is a heavy consumer of land area regional institutions and the main focus within our Management and nature at the local level. instruments they have set up to Plan should be the stay and Negative trends are: increasing implement sustainability strategies activities at the destination. numbers of secondary residences and to involve different or tourism activities with intensive stakeholders in the process. Stay at the destination use of natural resources (e.g. golf, > Construction of accommodation skiing) or motorised activities in Recreation natural areas. > Maintenance and operation of Naturally, transitions between accommodation Use of energy: Tourism facilities tourism use and leisure activities are are using more and more energy smooth. Infrastructure and service > Supply of food and other goods for air-conditioning, transport or in- facilities should ideally be used by > Disposal of waste. door activities so that the source of both tourists and the local energy (renewable or non population.
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A positive sign of acceptance and > Ratio of surface area covered identification is if locals spend their with natural vegetation leisure time within the wetland area, > Bio-Indicators at the lake or its surroundings. Negative impacts on nature and > Combining/sealing of surface area. environment cannot be prevented Physical carrying capacity completely with creative visitor Tourists enjoying the Broads management, but at least it can be > Number of people per hectare or reduced considerably. But it square kilometre becomes a difficult issue if the lake > Number of camping grounds and or wetland is located close to a large pitches city and serves as leisure park for all > Number of parking sites urban dwellers. How many visitors can a site carry before its long-term > Number of bath-towels fitting on a degradation starts? In this situation, beach. the Carrying Capacity of the site has Resources carrying capacity to be examined carefully and in detail. > Number of people per bus Floating on Columbia River, Canada Carrying capacity > Number of seats available in the room where a video is shown Carrying capacity is usually defined as the maximum population of a > Number of people that can be Negative impacts on given species that can be supported guided through the museum indefinitely in a defined habitat every day nature and environment without permanently impairing the > Number of sanitary facilities productivity of that habitat. However, > Number of nature or city guides cannot be prevented because of our seeming ability to > Reasonable waiting time. completely with creative increase our own carrying capacity by eliminating competing species, Social carrying capacity visitor management, but by importing locally scarce resources, and through technology, > Degree of contentment of visitors this definition seems irrelevant to at least it can be reduced > Sensation of mass tourism humans. > Distance between different considerably. To determine roughly how many groups of excursions (e.g. for tourists or leisure activists are guided climbing tours) compatible for an ecologically valuable area, so called Carrying > Number of people encountered Capacity analyses are carried out. In on a nature trail. general, ecological, physical, social The four sectors interact with one and economic influences are another. Heberlein distinguishes evaluated. three limit values indicating positive The following key figures or development - consistent situation - indicators for the analysis of and negative development. The Carrying Capacity are examples, disappearance of an indicator recommended by the Spanish species (e.g. crayfish as indicator for good water quality) means Ministry for Environment to exceeding ecological Carrying administration departments of Capacity. Of course you should National and Nature Parks (based on always move within the range of Heberlein 1977). positive development in order to provide a buffer for events that Ecological carrying capacity cannot be influenced by > Number of Species management (e.g. drought period).
76 55,000 boats are registered on Lake Constance
The carrying capacity of a particular trails, observation platforms, is a political issue and its area can be increased by displays, barbecue areas, etc. interpretation can be too generous, measurements such as: > Information and raising especially if tourism development is > Enhancement of regeneration awareness of visitors (leaflets, economically successful and the (measures against erosion, information centres, first hand area is of high importance for reforestation, e.g.) experiences) recreation. The capacity for regeneration of natural habitats > Geographical and/or temporal > Supply of public transport, etc. without external support can zoning of an area in terms of In chapter 10.6 you will find a normally only be calculated after limitations on access and/or number of instruments and positive perennial field studies. For this, time limitations on activities examples of sustainable tourism. and resources are needed which > Entrance fees The fact that calculations of Carrying should be considered in the > Supply of guided tours Capacities can only be guidelines management plan. needs to be taken into account. > Reservation and booking systems Furthermore, it is a dynamic process > Visitor guidance through which can change over the years. pathways, signposting, nature The definition of critical values often
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 77 9 Action Plan >>
Action Plan national economic policies, especially for agriculture and Gaining the agreement of different tourism? representative interests on a > What measures have to be common vision or on general key adopted for the wetland in order to management issues is often fairly promote positive developments? straightforward; it is in the detail of E.g. reorientation of the agricultural the action plan - that is, the concrete subsidies from productivity to area targets and measures - that payments, agri-environment problems can be found. programmes for promoting "The Broads is subject to a number environmentally friendly of key external factors, many of a agriculture, tourist demand for policy or legislative nature, which environmentally high quality are driving change and will have a holidays, the growing target group major influence on its future. Under- of active older people who enjoy standing and anticipating such culture, heritage and nature. factors is vital in order to manage > What are the regional and local Action is required to achieve goals change proactively rather than factors influencing the respond to it reactively." Broads Plan management area? Which 2004, Broads Authority. measures in the management plan "A vision without action is As indicated in the above quote, the could respond to regional land use targets and concrete measures of an plans, transport development just a dream. action plan should consider external plans, regional initiatives for the factors, and the challenges and development of rural areas, opportunities they present. For reduction of unemployment, the Action without vision is example: designation of industrial areas, or points of focus within the regional a waste of time. > What are the consequences of the tourism strategy? EU Environmental Directives with respect to their adoption into A vision with action is national legislation? What Action plan - the concrete work programme able to change measures have to be adopted to comply with the legislation? E.g. Five years is a realistic and the world!" Habitats and Birds Directive achievable time frame for an action Natura 2000, EU Water Framework plan. The targets should, if possible, Directive, Directive on Strategic Nelson Mandela be quantified, e.g. establishment of Environmental Assessment (SEA), new buffer zones encompassing EU Bathing Water Quality 100 ha, reforestation 500 ha, 40% Directive, Nitrates Directive, Urban reduction of the nitrate content of the Waste Water Treatment Directive. lake, installation of a Green Filter, > What demands arise from inter- extensification of 2000 ha agri- national conventions? Which cultural areas, construction of a measures in the management plan 20 km cycle track. are able to contribute to achieving It is not always possible to quantify targets? E.g. Ramsar Convention targets. This may be because for the Protection of Wetlands, information/data on the initial World Heritage Convention, position are lacking, and therefore Biodiversity Convention, Bonn potential for improvement cannot be Convention on Migratory Species assessed, or because qualitative and the Kyoto-Protocol. improvements are involved. In the > What changes and opportunities management plan, the section are there within European and dealing with raising people’s
78 awareness and encouraging their > Informative material for at least 50 determining which measures to participation in developing the plan lectures in the regional schools (at include in the management plan. should use mainly qualitative, least 1,200 children and young All measures contained in the action measurable targets. An example is people). plan should be described in detail given below. > Regional press coverage (at least and contain the following elements: five articles per year). > Reference to the target Target Feedback from the local population Improved knowledge and awareness on the various measures used will > Description of the activity of the population of the five provide a useful indication as to > Place of implementation whether or not the target was surrounding communities (in the > Time schedule subject matter/s). reached. An evaluation questionnaire could be distributed, > Who is concerned enabling local people to assess Measures > Who has to be included/informed whether the lectures and information > Institution/person responsible for > Preparation of a travelling material were helpful and to make implementation exhibition which will be presented any suggestions for improvement. for at least one month in each city > Definition of the person charged Often there are different ways to hall within the five communities. with doing the legwork reach the goal. It is therefore > Development of a handout important to carefully consider a > Budget (financial and personnel exhibition brochure, 5,000 print run range of alternatives before resources) - financing source.
Example Action file card Management plan of La Nava and Boada
Regular water analysis
Objective Improvement of water quality
Priority High
Location Wetlands of La Nava and Boada and rivers
Start and end of measure Continuously, every month
Methodology Monthly samples to be taken: Laguna de Boada 1 Colector de Villarramiel 2 Canal de Castilla 3 Arroyo Lobera 4 Desvío de aguas a la laguna 5 Laguna de Boada Laguna de La Nava 1 Antes de la captación de aguas del Retortillo 2 La Cogolla 3 Corralillos 4 El Prao 5 Arroyo del Canalizo 6 Arrollo de la Culebra Analysis of PFQ, quantitative analysis of anions, quantitative analysis of cations, analysis of organic and inorganic carbon, PH, P reagent, N-ammoniacal, N-organic, P-total, BOD, QOD
Yearly report of results
Responsible Organisation Junta de Castilla y León for La Nava and Fundación Global Nature for Boada Lagoon
Costs €1,260/each analysis
Resources needed Subcontract of a laboratory to analyse samples
Evaluation Comparison of results of yearly reports to determine the efficiency of the implemented measures. Comparison of data of La Nava and Boada with valid standards, and with data from the lagoon Villafáfila in Zamora.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 79 10 Examples of Measures >>
10.1 Measures to chemical, and biological processes in an engineered and managed improve the water system. Successful construction and quality operation of an ecological system for wastewater treatment requires Constructed wetlands for knowledge and understanding of the wastewater treatment components and the interrelation- Newly planted constructed wetlands ships that compose the system. Dr Andreas Bally, BiCon AG Constructed wetlands are artificial wastewater treatment systems Why constructed wetlands? consisting of shallow ponds or The world-wide trend over the past 70 channels filled with gravel, sand or years in the construction of water soil which have been planted with pollution control facilities has been marsh plants, and which rely upon towards concrete and steel. These natural microbial, biological, "conventional" treatment plants were physical and chemical processes to developed to provide the highest treat wastewater. They typically have performance on the smallest possible impervious clay or synthetic liners, Established constructed wetland site; they are highly technical and engineered structures to control installations, which are fully the flow direction, liquid detention dependent on electricity, experienced time and water level. Once a The purification efficiency personnel and good maintenance. constructed wetland is designed and The disadvantages of such facilities becomes operational, the system of wetland treatment are high construction and operational requires regular monitoring to costs, a demanding maintenance, and ensure proper operation. systems is as good or a strong dependence on spare parts. The "natural" way - treating sewage in Types of "reed bed" systems even better than the artificial wetlands - is becoming Constructed wetlands can be increasingly popular. Hundreds of performance of technical classified into two main types, such reed bed treatment plants are in dependent upon whether the water wastewater treatment use in the USA and all over Europe; level lies over or beneath the soil their popularity is growing every year. surface. The first type is called plants, even in the cold Scientific research and an intensive surface flow wetlands (or free water international exchange of experien- surface wetlands), the second type season. ces are the basis for this success. subsurface flow wetlands (or Constructed wetlands are an vegetated submerged beds). In both appropriate technology for areas systems sand and gravel are used where inexpensive land is generally as soil-filter substrate. Periodically available and skilled labour is less charged and vertically percolated available. Whether they can be used subsurface flow systems show the essentially alone or in series with other best efficiency regarding the appropriate technologies depends on oxidative degradation of pollutants the required treatment goals. whereas horizontal flow wetlands Additionally, they can be appropriate have a favourable effect on the for onsite systems where local denitrification rates. regulators call for and allow systems Reed bed treatment plants can be other than conventional septic tank constructed for treating domestic, and soil absorption systems. municipal, industrial or agricultural effluents. Each wetland system must What are constructed wetlands? be adjusted to the quantity and type Constructed wetlands are ecological of wastewater to be purified in the systems that combine physical, plant in order to function properly.
80 Horizontal flow soil filter
planted soil filter (reed bed)
septic tank (or solid composter) inspection tank (outlet) receiving water, soakaway or polishing pond
Vertical flow soil filter
planted soil filter (reed bed) solid composter (or septic tank) collection tank inspection tank (with pump) (outlet) receiving water, soakaway or polishing pond
Therefore, there is no general Operation and maintenance only recommended in cases where construction design; every case is Maintenance of constructed huge amounts of wastewater have to different and has to be carefully wetlands is generally limited to the be treated (e.g. industrial evaluated. Skilled experts must control of unwanted plants. wastewater). The solid composter supervise planning and Harvesting of plants generally is not works as a filter in which the solids construction. required, but annual removal or rot. The composter consists of at thinning of vegetation or replanting least two chambers. While one Odour of vegetation may be needed to chamber is being fed, the collected maintain flow patterns and treatment material in the other chamber is Conventional wastewater treatment composting. Each chamber has processes produce odours mostly functions. However, constructed wetland systems require monthly or capacity of about one year. The associated with anaerobic advantage of the composter is its decomposition of human waste and weekly inspection of weirs. In addition weekly sampling is required overall aerobic environment. The food waste found in sewage. effluent of the composter still Wetlands, in contrast, incorporate at the effluent end as well as periodic sampling between multiple cells. contains oxygen and doesn’t smell, normal processes of decomposition whereas the effluent of a septic tank over a relatively large area, poten- is anaerobic and malodorous. The Mechanical pre-treatment tially diluting odours associated with sludge of a septic tank is putrefied the natural decomposition of plant For the removal of most of the solids anaerobically whereas the collected material, algae, and other biological to prevent clogging of the sand filter, material of a composter is solids. If the solid fraction of a mechanical pre-treatment of the composted aerobically to humus. wastewater is separated in a process raw wastewater is essential. This The sludge disposal is less pleasant with a short retention time (e.g. solid can be achieved with a grid in front and more difficult than digging out composter) the pre-treated wastewater followed by a sedimentation pond, a earthy humus, which doesn’t smell. does not become anaerobic and septic tank system or a solid does not smell. composter. Sedimentation ponds are
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Plant-soil filters - technology The purification efficiency of wetland description treatment systems is than good or Planted soil filters are subsurface even better than the performance of flow wetlands. The reed bed itself is technical wastewater treatment a sealed hollow with a depth of plants, even in the cold season. about 1.2 m, filled with a permeable soil medium of particular Constructed wetland planted with bulrush in Installation of constructed characteristics, mainly sand and Greece wetland buffer zones at the gravel, and vegetated with marsh Vassova Lagoon in the Nestos plants (e.g. reed or bulrush). Sealing Delta is done with a plastic liner, clay mineral or layers of compacted Hans Jerrentrup, EPO loamy or red soil. The wastewater trickles through the soil filter Vassova is one of three coastal horizontally or vertically. Horizontal brackish lagoons that are situated in flow filters are fed continuously; the the north-western part of the Nestos retention time depends on the water Delta, covering an area of 2 level within the soil filter. Vertical flow approximately 10 km . The lagoon is filters are fed intermittently (with surrounded by a coastal strip of sand The same wetland three months later flushing a few times per day). The dunes and extended salt marshes, sewage seeps away within approx. reed beds and tamarisk bushes. 30 minutes and is purified while In former times, when the delta was The filter system showed percolating slowly through the filter less exposed to anthrophic medium. There are no exposed influences, River Nestos branches rapid positive results and water surfaces remaining. Soil filters provided the necessary quantity of are not "constructed swamps". The freshwater to the lagoons. As a generated a high interest purification effect - removal and consequence of melioration retention of the pollutants - is measures in the 1950s and 60s, the for the future installation achieved by natural biogeochemical River Nestos was straightened and processes in which the soil particles, of additional filter strips at dammed. This led to a lack of fresh- the plant roots and the micro- water in the lagoons. The other lagoons. organisms of the soil participate. subsequent main drainage canals were constructed to end up in the Design and performance lagoons, thereby causing excessive eutrophication due to the use of Wastewater treatment in constructed agricultural fertilisers in the wetlands requires more space than catchment area. Consequently the conventional highly technical plants. canals were diverted in the late 70s Vertical flow filters: For domestic directly to the sea. Now freshwater sewage, it has to be calculated with was again deficient in the lagoons. a minimum area of 1 - 4 m2 per Local fishermen then tried to help person (or population equivalent), themselves by using controlled depending on the climatic quantities of drainage water from conditions (in tropical regions 1 m2, canals for the supply of freshwater. in Central Europe 4 m2). The nutrients in the freshwater inflow Horizontal flow filters: They need had and still have a massive much more space if used as main eutrophication impact on the lagoon, biological step, approximately 8-12 m2 causing negative effects to the per person in Central European biodiversity, and resulting in less climate. Horizontal filters are valuable fish species. On the other recommended for post-treatment hand the supply of freshwater is and for denitrification. necessary to reduce the salt content
82 of the lagoon and provide necessary Already in the first spring, four Phosphorus removal from Stalham nutrients - a biological requirement different amphibian species sewage works for spawning fish. reproduced in incredible numbers in Improvements to Stalham sewage the filter. Hundreds of waders were In the project area in Greece, at the works in the 1970s reduced feeding, and even very rare bird coastal lagoon Vassova, a filter phosphorus inputs bringing water species like the Glossy Ibis stayed system with a surface area of six quality improvement. Ferric sulphate, here for several days during hectares was created in autumn used at the sewage works, converted migration. Also in summer, the new 2003 in order to remove nutrient soluble phosphate to insoluble ferric reed beds host important numbers of loads from inflowing agricultural phosphate, which precipitated out of egrets, herons, waders and warblers. drainage canals. The Constructed the water. By the late 1990s additional Wetland was planted with more than phosphate stripping equipment at 50,000 autochthonous (native) water the sewage works carried out final plants (Typha angustifolia, Typha Phosphorus removal from polishing of the effluent. Four latifolia and Phragmites sp.) in three Barton Broad, UK Dynasand towers, housing a pump adjacent basins. Between the Julia Masson and Andrea Kelly, system to agitate sand columns basins, earth-gravel filters were Broads Authority within, caused any residual installed in order to regulate the flow phosphorus to precipitate out. The velocity. Between the last basin and Nutrient build up in lake effluent returning to Barton Broad the lagoon, an overflow in Barton Broad, with the River Ant was now virtually phosphate free. combination with an additional flowing through it, is the second earth-gravel filter was constructed. Clearwater 2000 largest lake in the Broads wetland The used water comes from one of system. By the 1970s, the broad had However, the nutrient legacy the main drainage canals and silted up and its turbid waters were remained within the lake sediment. remains for about 2-3 days inside the dominated by algae. This degraded So, a project known as Clearwater filter system. ecosystem arose from years of nutrient 2000 implemented a six-year Continuous water quality monitoring inputs, mainly nitrogen and phos- programme of suction dredging mud has been carried out by the phorus from sewage treatment works from Barton Broad. The total project University of Thrace in Xanthi. The and agricultural land. This nutrient cost was £3 million (€4.5 million), results of this detailed weekly water rich water encouraged algal growth, with one million (€1.5 million) spent analysis quantitatively and which blocked out sunlight and, on on sediment removal alone - the qualitatively show, that at least 80 % death and decay, added to the silt quantity of mud dredged could have of the phosphorus and nitrogen load in the broad. In this aquatic filled 160 Olympic swimming pools! loads which cause the eutrophication climate, water plants could not survive. Dredged material was dried out in are filtered by the planted water plants inside the three basins. The filter system showed rapid positive results and generated a high interest for the future installation of additional filter strips at other lagoons. The fishermen of the local co-operatives and the water management board (TOEV), responsible for the management of the lagoons in the western Nestos Delta were intensively involved in the realisation of this measure and recognize the opportunity to solve long-term eutrophication problems. A very important side effect was that the installation of the filter proved to function as a freshwater marsh with positive impacts for biodiversity. Section of Gis-map of buffer zones in the Nestos Delta
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 83 10 Examples of Measures >>
settlement lagoons located on Part of the problem, which is common adjacent farmland, constructed using to much of Spain, is the lack of urban topsoil bunds to contain the drying wastewater treatment and the poor liquid sediment. Resulting dry operation of existing water treatment lagoons with one metre depth, plants. Although there are many nutrientrich mud were ploughed into water treatment stations installed, as the land, returning nutrients back a result of economies of scale they into the agricultural system. are scarcely operational or non- operational, costly, and involve the Signs of recovery use of highly mechanized and Overall the suction dredging has complex systems. These factors removed 20 years worth of make maintenance costs prohibitive phosphorus input from Barton for municipalities or tourist Broads and its catchment. The residences with low budgets. phosphorus concentration has In many regions of Spain, numerous continued to decrease each year. isolated population centres and The ecosystem shows good signs of tourist urbanisations cannot dispose recovery with longer periods of clear Barton Broad margin of their wastewater collectively with water in the spring and lower algal other population centres due to the populations, with a change from distance between centres. toxic blue-green algal populations to bottom-growing species, indicating One main problem of the wetland improvements in light penetration Boada de Campos in the project through the water column. area in Spain was the poor quality of the inflowing water of some of the Restoring aquatic ecosystems is a tributaries that are polluted with long-term process and the insufficiently treated sewage Clearwater project still requires containing nutrients and other resources, particularly for substances e.g. from small size biomanipulation and monitoring. Biomanipulation - boat with fish barrier tanneries in an adjacent community. Diffuse pollution, mainly from Water analyses carried out within the agricultural nitrates is still to be project showed that the poor water addressed. quality threatens indigenous animal Restoring aquatic and plant species in the wetland. ecosystems is a long-term New floating macrophyte green filters A new water treatment method process and the This wastewater treatment system Eduardo de Miguel, Fundación Global Nature has been developed by the Madrid Clearwater project still School of Agricultural Engineering, The treatment of wastewater in the and it is based on emergent requires resources, Mediterranean basin is deficient. macrophytes that naturally root to the Wastewater from small cities, soil, but in this case are converted particularly for villages and tourist centres, the food into artificially floating macrophytes. production industry (canneries), biomanipulation and intensive livestock farming (pig Since they float, these species form farms), and other highly contaminating a dense mat of roots and rhizomes monitoring. industries (tanneries) severely that occupy the entire volume of the aggravate river and coastal collector (pond or canal), thus pollution. The lack of effective water forcing all the water to circulate treatment exacerbates the scarcity of through the matted vegetation, which water resources in these arid supports micro-organisms that regions where much wastewater degrade organic material. At the cannot be reused. same time, the leaves pump oxygen
84 to the roots, thus favouring the which water circulates by gravity. Cost-effectiveness process of contaminant degradation. Its most important drawback is the The construction and operating This new method combines the rapid clogging of the terrain over costs of conventional systems are advantages of floating and emergent time by roots, rhizomes, and often cost-prohibitive. Many macrophyte systems, eliminating or sedimented solids. conventional water treatment plants reducing the drawbacks of these 3 System of floating macrophytes: in rural communities and small systems. The system is capable of These systems use species that towns are neglected soon after their secondary and tertiary treatment of float naturally, such as Lemna, inauguration because of high wastewater, eliminating Wolffia, Spirodella, Azolla, or operating costs. eutrophication effects, particularly Eichornia. These species do not The advantages of the FMF system phosphorus and nitrogen. It also reach a large size and their with respect to other systems are: eliminates large amounts of heavy production of biomass is limited, > Economy and easy installation metals and decomposes phenols, which reduces their absolute water which makes the system useful for treatment value. > Minimum energy demand treating industrial effluents. To date, > Greater effectiveness than other Typha, Phragmites, Sparganium, Madrid airport treatment plant systems, including other green Scirpus and Iris have been used in At present, a Floating Macrophyte filters, because the entire volume particular. Filter is being used experimentally at of wastewater circulates through Floating macrophyte filtration Madrid-Barajas, Reus and Alicante the treatment mesh (daily systems are particularly suitable for airports. The first one is a 3000 m2 absorption rate 0.5-4.6 g N/m2 installation in temperate and warm semi-industrial facility for 500 and 0.6-0.8 g P/m2 ). areas of the northern and southern inhabitant-equivalents, for the > Easy harvest of the biomass above Mediterranean coasts. Here, specific treatment of domestic and and below the water surface. municipalities have less resources, aircraft wastewater containing highly Harvesting does not destroy the and warm winters make it possible to specific substances. It runs under the system, as it does in the case of use green filters without protective direction of the School of Agricultural rooted-plant systems. plastic because the plants do not Engineering of the Polytechnical > Production of a large amount of experience a pause in their vegeta- University of Madrid. The project biomass: In the case of cattails tive cycle. This makes these systems involves the use of the Floating (Typha latifolia), the system even cheaper. In addition, these Macrophyte Filter system as the sole annually produces 2.2 kg/m2 of filters are most active in summer, biological system and as a tertiary dry material above water, which when plant production reaches its system for the elimination of nitrogen can be used as compost, livestock peak, coinciding with the growth in and phosphorus. population caused by the arrival of feed, or as an energy source. Another wetland wastewater summer holidaymakers to coasts. > It absorbs hydraulic peaks without treatment based on the Floating serious problems because the filter Other similar methods already tested Macrophyte Filter system is now being volume acts as a laminator. but not as efficient are: developed in Villacañas, Toledo. The > Few controls are needed because 1 System of emergent superficial- project includes the construction of a the process takes place flow macrophytes: 550 m long channel for treating nutrient-laden water from a primary automatically as a natural process. In superficial-flow systems, and secondary water treatment plant Slurry does not have to be recycled contaminants are eliminated through in order to improve the quality of the and there are no problems of reactions that take place in water water in a protected wetland area. washing out bacteria. The oxygen and upper zone of contact. Little After this project has been developed level in the treatment tank does not wastewater circulates through the and becomes fully operational, the have to be checked because roots, which limits their water experience obtained here will be macrophytic plants oxygenate water. treatment capacity. applied to other environmentally > The system produces little noise 2 System of emergent subsuperficial- valuable wetland areas with similar and has a low visual impact. flow macrophytes: water quality problems. Carrying out the project in the As in the previous system, a layer Mediterranean regions is particularly of gravel or soil is used, through cost-effective because:
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 85 10 Examples of Measures >>
> The absence of a winter vegetative municipality of Lorca, 2 FMF in resting period allows water two single-family homes and 1 FMF treatment to continue throughout in an Interpretation Centre in the the year. municipality of Lorca, and 2 FMF in > Tertiary treatment of effluents one pig farm. allows the water to be reused in > Scientific follow-up carried out by this parched region. the Department of Plant Production View of Trinity Broads > Macrophytic filters are not subject in the Madrid School of Agricultural to economies of scale as in the Engineering, with bi-weekly case of large water treatment analyses of wastewater, treated plants. They can be used in small, effluents, and plant material. isolated population centres. > Information campaigns.
LIFE project "Macrophytes": a pilot project in Lorca, Spain 10.2 Examples of Fundación Global Nature is now restoration measures managing a LIFE Environment Bream and macrophytes project financed by the European for wetlands Commission and the municipality of Lorca to demonstrate the The Trinity Broads, UK
effectiveness of a wastewater Julia Masson, Broads Authority treatment system using floating macrophyte filters (FMF). Poor water quality
Main objectives Water from the Trinity Broads complex flows out into the Muckfleet > Implementation of these new water course. A sluice installed in systems in Mediterranean regions the Muckfleet in around 1850 that do not have a winter vegetative isolated the Trinity lakes from the Endemic Lake Constance Forget-me-not rest, thus favouring plant activity, is River Bure and, therefore, from river (Myosotis rehsteineri) especially suitable for centres of nutrient inputs and saline incursions. tourism, which are sometimes In addition, the absence of a sewage located at a distance from urban treatment works means that additio- centres and have a large summer One of the aims of the nal nutrients are not received from population, the time of maximum this source. However, water quality filter activity. biomanipulation was to has deteriorated from diffuse inputs > Development of new water of nitrogen and phosphorus, mainly reduce the amount of treatment systems that are not from agricultural land around the algae in the broad leading dependent on large-scale broads and leaching from domestic economies can be used in small septic tanks into water courses to macrophyte growth communities and different flowing into the broads. activities (urban areas, livestock and clear water. farms, and industries), and are Biomanipulation for Ormesby inexpensive to install and operate. In 1995, with funding of about £1 million from EU LIFE funding, Actions and means Ormesby Broad underwent a pro- > Creation of 7 filters of different cess of biomanipulation - a sizes as prototypes for different restoration technique aiming to applications: 3 FMF in three small establish stable, macrophyte isolated population centres dominated clear water with diverse, located more than 20 km from the stable fish and invertebrate central urban area of the populations.
86 The process of biomanipulation limits compared to other sites in the besides monitoring and public involved placing a fish barrier Broads. awareness activities, relating to between Ormesby and Rollesby landscape management. The Broad. The original barrier, made of Molinion meadows are one main stone-filled gabions with a ramp to EU LIFE project "Untersee life" focus for conservation activities in allow access for small craft, was in Rüdiger Specht, Untersee life the project area. About 120 ha are place between 1995 and 2000. This subject to mowing as regular Lake Constance, second largest has been replaced with a PVC management. For the regeneration lake on the northern fringe of the curtain barrier with attached floats, to of valuable wetlands, a further 35 ha Alps, borders Germany, Switzerland enable better boat access. Once the of successional brush were cleared and Austria. Its western end shows barrier was in situ, 300,000 fish were in the course of the project. On other the longest continuous natural or removed from Ormesby Broad into sites the project launched a semi-natural banks on the German Rollesby Broad on the other side of pasturing concept and started the side covering a shoreline of 20 km in the barrier. Fish were temporarily develop-ment of alluvial forests in length and comprising several stunned using electro-fishing accordance with the management adjoining nature reserves with a total techniques in order to record plan. of 1,100 ha. Characteristic habitats numbers and condition and remove are the shallow water zones with beds them. The reduced numbers of Lakeshore and river restoration of the benthic algae (Chara spp.), zooplanktivorous fish, particularly the Molinion meadows with Other challenges needed technical bream and roach, enabled threatened butterflies (Glaucopsyche solutions. On 300 m the shoreline zooplankton populations to grow, teleius and G. nausithous), a unique was reinforced with concrete walls, particularly water fleas. This lakeshore community with the thus interrupting the natural banks increase in grazing pressure from endemic Myosotis rehsteineri, and and impeding the development of a zooplankton resulted in reduced the estuary of the river Aach which natural shallow water zone. When phytoplankton population, leading to shelters the first population of the the project was inaugurated, the a well-balanced lake environment. European beaver at the lake since water management authorities Optimism for improved water quality this species disappeared 200 years joined in as partners for a restoration ago. scheme. Extensive discussions with One of the aims of the biomani- the municipality, with the relevant For optimising this habitat network, pulation was to reduce the amount of authorities and with local the EU LIFE project "Untersee life" algae in the broad leading to macro- stakeholders followed. In the end, an was implemented from 1999 to 2004 phyte growth and clear water. Algal even longer strip of the shore could by the Bezirksstelle für Naturschutz levels, measured by chlorophyll-a be restored, the surplus costs being und Landschaftspflege ("District have remained fairly low and stable, shouldered by the community Office for Nature Conservation and with some fluctuations. Depth of water involved. Instead of concrete walls, Landscape Management") in clarity relates to phytoplankton local people and tourists now Freiburg. Among the numerous levels, and this has generally cherish a close-to-nature shoreline. remained clear and stable. project partners (regulatory authorities, municipalities, NGOs), Another restoration activity took Since biomanipulation, phosphorus the NABU - German Association for place at the river Aach, where two levels have shown great variability, Nature Conservation plays an river meanders had been with the underlying trend remaining important role in monitoring an disconnected from the water course similar to pre-biomanipulation. operation on site. 50% of the in the 1960s for the purpose of drain- Higher levels experienced in the budgets of about €2 million were age. These actions had backfired: summers of 1996 and 1999 could financed by the Union’s LIFE-Nature The shortening of the river course have resulted from pollution, chang- programme. The remaining costs are led to increased erosion due to higher ing fish populations in response to provided by the Nature Conservation flow velocity. The nearby harbour of biomanipulation or from sediments Administration and other project the community of Moos silted up and releasing phosphorus into the water partners. has to be dredged regularly. column. Moreover, the water quality in the Ormesby Broad still has the highest Wetland management artificial still-water courses decreased, levels of nitrogen in the Trinity The project covers a wide range of and the former meanders became Broads system, but at favourable different actions, for the most part, inaccessible for water organisms.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 87 10 Examples of Measures >>
So, the project pursued various and their environment. Although variants on reconnecting the selective afforestation had been meanders to the river course. realised by Fundación Global Nature Hydrological studies were made to in the past years, trees, shrubs and gather information on the water body natural shore vegetation have as well as to disperse fears of disappeared almost completely. In flooding among the local population. winter 2002 and 2003 in the scope Planting trees in La Nava Property had to be purchased in the of the LIFE-project, substantial surroundings of the meanders, and reforestation measures have been several meetings with the three carried out. Wide corridors between municipalities affected by the the wetlands and agricultural fields planned actions secured the backing were chosen for the plantations. of the local authorities in the end. In total 16,460 trees and shrubs from Eventually, a three-stepped action regional forest nurseries were planted. plan for the reconnection was The holes of 30 cm in diameter and implemented. First, the meanders 60-80 cm depth were dug with a were dredged to avoid sediment ground driller. Around each plant a outflow after reconnection. Secondly, small earth wall was piled up to Burning reed in the Nestos Delta fir trees were fixed in the river bed as improve the water supply, and the biological silt traps, and thirdly the soil around the plant was covered separating dams were removed and with jute to prevent evaporation and the meanders reconnected to the competing fast growing grasses. river course. One effect can already The plants used are: Populus nigra be seen. Fully grown specimens of (black poplar), Populus alba (white fish have been observed in the old poplar), Ulmus minor (smooth- meanders, drawn by new spawning leaved elm), Tamarix gallica grounds. (tamarisk), Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn), Rosa canina (dog rose), Rosa pounzinii, Rosa micrantha Fen harvester of the Broads Authority Reforestation at La Nava (small-flowered sweet-briar), Rubus Fernando Jubete, Fundación Global Nature ulmifolius (bramble), Prunus spinosa (blackthorn), Prunus insititia In the region of Tierra de Campos, (bullace), Cornus sanguinea From experience only several periods of land consolidation (bloodtwig dogwood), Euonymus and intensification of agriculture have 30-40% of all plants europaeus (spindle), Sambucus destroyed forests, bushy areas and nigra (elder). survive the first year in hedgerows which had served as boundaries between fields. However, Cardoons - Appropriate plants for areas like Tierra de these structures are important the installation of buffer zones habitats and retreat areas for Campos due to lack of vertebrates, insects, amphibians and For the buffer zones, the experts reptiles. They offer protection against recommended cardoons because nutrients in the soil and strong winds, or shade during hot these plants are perfectly adapted to summer months, and thereby help to the dry climate conditions in Spain. sparse average rainfall of balance the extreme climatic The species Cynara cardunculus produces on average 15-20 t 400 mm per year. conditions of the region. Additionally, trees, shrubs and hedgerows act as biomass per hectare per year and buffer zones and help to reduce therefore removes high amounts of nutrient loads from agriculture such nutrients. A second advantage is that as nitrates and phosphates. cardoons show a high photosynthetic activity in winter as well. This development also affects the steppe lakes La Nava and Boada
88 10.3 Examples for the reedbed system? Invertebrate Broads fens with minimal environ- populations are particularly mental damage. And so the wetland vegetation manage- vulnerable. fen harvester was launched in 1998 ment > Can the burning be managed to with funding from EU LIFE programme. enable fauna to recolonise As the fens are of high ecological Burning as a management tool afterwards? importance, special features were for reed beds and fens > Can the site be divided into blocks designed for the fen harvester to limit Julia Masson and Sandie Tolhurst, Broads Authority for burning on a rotational system? damage to the fen peat. These include: > Use of tracks rather than tyres to Burning is a traditional technique used > Where are fire breaks required? Burning in small plots requires the give low ground pressure, for reed bed management and is minimising damage to the peat soils. usually carried out in the winter when creation of long lengths of fire the reed is dead and dry. Burning can breaks, which is very labour > An 800 m long blower pipe to blow also be used to manage areas of intensive. cut material to a collecting point off mixed fen. Managing fens requires > How many people are required to the site. This removes the need for careful consideration, as they usually manage the burn? Ensure that no- additional machinery to take support diverse invertebrate one will become cut off by the fire. material off site causing damage to delicate habitat from repeated populations, and the impacts of > Liaison with local fire brigade burning large plots of fen vegetation passes. are largely unknown. Burning small > Will neighbouring properties or > The fen harvester gains access areas may be less detrimental, but the roads be affected by the fire? across the wetter areas using labour required to create fire breaks > Is the correct equipment available lightweight portable bridges, may make the effort less economic. to manage the burn in a controlled comprising modular jet floats. Using burning management on fen way (including a pump and gene- These are 1m3 plastic blocks that vegetation traditionally cut for valuable rator required on site with pipes)? can be joined together in various products such as marsh hay, litter for lengths or doubled-up to carry > Which direction is the wind animal bedding or as forage is not extra weight. coming from? How strong is it? recommended. The fen harvester cuts the fens on a > What is the condition of the three to five year rotation. A The way the burn is managed for a underlying substrate? Fires on dry technique of cutting, by leaving slow ‘hot’ burn or fast ‘cooler’ burn peat can move underground and strips, has been developed so that will have different outcomes, as set burn for weeks. out in the table below. some vegetation is left on a longer rotation. When the fen harvester Burning a reed bed or fens requires Mowing techniques - fen returns after three to five years, it very careful planning. There are harvester cuts at 90 degree to the previous cut, questions to consider when The Broads Authority and its partners applying the same strip cutting. This preparing for burning management: recognised the need for a machine creates an interlinked mosaic of > Has a survey been carried out to that could cut, gather and remove fen vegetation of different ages and has establish important species within vegetation from large areas of the greater benefit for biodiversity.
Different burn temperatures
Slow ‘hot’ burn Fast ‘cooler’ burn
> Burn on very still day with little or no standing water > Burn with the wind and standing water > Removes litter > Leaves litter untouched > Greater impact on trees and young saplings > Leaves pockets of untouched fen > Can be very damaging to fen ecology > Less damaging for fen ecology.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 89 10 Examples of Measures >>
Different uses of the cut material results of the horse grazing are have been explored. It is important collected regularly over a three year that the use of the material is as local period and analysed. Also, the as possible to the cutting site to development of the areas which avoid environmental and financially were scythed, mown and burned is costly transportation. Early ideas, being surveyed. The most such as for animal feed and successful method or a combination Reed harvest in the Broads bedding, proved to be uneconomic will finally be adopted in La Nava due to the bulky nature of the and recommended for ecosystems material, the need for dry material with similar conditions. and because of legal requirements. Currently, most of the material is used as organic compost. However, Vegetation mapping at a new opportunity has arisen to use Villacañas shallow lakes
the material as a biofuel in a heating Santos Cirujano, Real Jardin Botánico Madrid plant for greenhouses. Villacañas wetlands situated in the Province of Toledo (Spain) are a Vegetation management in La Nava Vegetation management in group of three seasonal shallow La Nava lakes: Laguna Larga (107 ha), Tirez Fernando Jubete, Fundación Global Nature (98 ha) and Peña Hueca (126 ha). The areas around the lagoons have In another part of the On the large areas around the La been used intensively for agriculture lagoon a herd of Nava lagoon complex about 10 tons for more than 50 years. The natural of biomass per hectare and year are vegetation has been largely 12 horses from the being produced. Dead reed plants destroyed and today can only be such as Carex divisa, Juncus found on a few hills around the lake. Doñana National Park gerardi, Eleocharis palustris, Scirpus The vegetation survey was part of a maritimus or Thypa domingensis fill Life project carried out by Fundación grazes. These horses are up the steppe lake and cause Global Nature for the restoration of eutrophication. Within the LIFE the lagoons, and served as the basis well adapted to particular project for the protection of the for the management plan. The survey Aquatic Warbler a vegetation included vegetation around the wetland conditions and to management plan was developed lagoons as well as aquatic plants, climate changes. They and four different exemplary especially those species which are measures realised. characteristic of saline, continental are used to living outside > (Manual) Scything wetlands. > Mechanical mowing Four aquatic and 20 terrestrial plant all year round and need communities were analysed. Based > Controlled burning on the vegetation study and on aerial little care. > Horse grazing. photography, a vegetation map with Scything, mowing and controlled typical plant communities was burning is done once a year in late produced in 2000. Areas with the summer when the steppe lake is highest ecological value were almost completely dried out. In designated as "Reserva Botánica" another part of the lagoon a herd of and are now under protection. 12 horses from the Doñana National Park grazes. These horses are well adapted to particular wetland conditions and to climate changes. They are used to living outside all year round and need little care. The
90 Reed
Cressa cretica community
Slopes of nitrophilous vegetation Annual glasswort formation
Saltmarsh grass meadows
Sea-lavender steppes (Limonietalia)
Esparto salt steppes and thyme formation
Aquatic vegetation
Perennial glasswort formation
Example of map of shore vegetation of the Lagoon Larga de Villacañas
Management of wetland Roman Empire during the raids of approximately 1,400 buffaloes at vegetation with water buffaloes Attila and later during the raids of eight Greek wetlands: Lake Kerkini, in Greece Turkish origin groups. Lake Volvi, Axios Delta, Lake Mikri Prespa, Amvrakikos (all five are Y. Kazoglou, Society for the Protection of Prespa The population of water buffaloes in Ramsar sites), River Sperchios and H. Jerrentrup, Society for the Protection of Greece before the 1950s was Nature and Ecodevelopment (EPO) two other small wetlands in the estimated to be more than 100,000 prefectures of Thessaloniki and animals, but declined to less than Komotini. The aim of the present The excellent adaptation of water 700 animals in the early 1990s due paper is to briefly present two buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) to to massive changes in land uses, the experiments on the management of wetland conditions and their unique mechanisation of agriculture, the wetland vegetation with water buffalo abilities as animals for work and import of improved breeds of cattle production established this mammal grazing that took place within the and the exclusion of buffaloes from as the most reliable companion of framework of two different LIFE European Union subsidies. For Greek farmers that settled near Nature projects and are continued example, in the Nestos Delta the last wetlands, particularly in the central beyond. herd of water buffaloes disappeared and northern regions of Greece. The in 1984, shortly after the country’s Water buffaloes and wetland water buffalo belongs to the group of membership to the union. conservation projects Asiatic buffaloes and probably originates from the wild buffalo of Since 1998, the situation has Water buffaloes have played a very India (Bubalus arni) that was improved mainly because of the important role in wetland vegetation domesticated 4,000 years ago. From implementation of an EU supported management by maintaining early a genetic point of view, it belongs to programme by the Greek Ministry of succession stages on their grazing the type of common buffalo (River Agriculture for the preservation of sites. Among the most important buffalo) and the sub-type of the rare domestic breeds. However, a Greek wetlands, Lake Kerkini, which Mediterranean buffalo that has growing understanding of the hosts the largest water buffalo developed particular characteristics conservation significance of grazing population, is graced with large because of long isolation in Greece for the management of protected expanses of wet meadows on which for at least 1,600 years. According to areas in Greece has been observed many specialised aquatic organisms Demetriadis (1957), it seems that during the last fifteen years and depend. On the contrary, at many water buffaloes were gradually water buffaloes hold an important other wetlands, wet meadows are introduced to south-eastern Europe - position concerning wetland scarce due to increasing agriculture including Greece - by the end of the management. At present, there are or deteriorating because of the
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 91 10 Examples of Measures >>
absence of traditional vegetation shrubs, while trampling did not allow management which has led to the for the sprouting of young plants. expansion of dense reed beds or More than thirty water bird species woody vegetation. were observed feeding in the grazed In 1997, the Society for the site. Riddell (2000) concluded that Protection of Prespa (SPP) launched the fenced grazed site was much an experiment to investigate the more favourable for feeding birds Water buffaloes in Greece potential of restoring wet meadows than the ungrazed sites. by means of water buffalo grazing at Water buffalo grazing proved to be a the reed-dominated sites of Lake very effective technique for the Mikri Prespa. Initially, the five grazers control of high emergent helophytes created corridors in the dense reed and woody species and for the bed in order to reach the most maintenance of typical wet meadow readily accessible locations of the vegetation in two different wetland experimental site and "mud pools" for types. In both cases, the positive refreshing and protection against experimental results were combined insects. The consumption of reeds with the endorsement of the activity (Phragmites australis) and trampling by the local communities and the Helophytes fill in open water spaces in La Nava had important effects on the cover, enthusiastic reaction of visitors, who species composition and structure of were guided to the experimental the littoral vegetation: reed cover, sites. By the end of the two projects, Unhindered spreading of density and height were reduced, it was very pleasant to see that both while litter and bare soil gradually the SSP and the ADA decided to reed plants can interfere increased. The main result of the continue the grazing activity experiment was the creation of a wet although additional funding had to with the preservation or meadow habitat type on a large part be secured for that purpose. At of the experimental area. present, the Prespa herd numbers restoration of biodiversity, Additionally, the grazed parts of the thirty five water buffaloes and the experimental site were regularly Amvrakikos herd twenty five. For the ultimate ambition of used as feeding grounds by many some years additional incentives good management rare bird species while carp have been given by the EU for the spawning was observed in April growing of buffaloes as a rare of lakes. 1999 and 2000. domestic breed and it is realistic to In 2000, the Amvrakikos hope that they will be reintroduced in Development Agency (ADA) other wetlands too. In the recent conducted a similar experiment at management plan prepared by the the brackish Swamp of Rodia at LIFE Environment project for the Amvrakikos, a site hosting the largest Nestos Lakes and Lagoons, it has reed bed in Greece covering a total been proposed to use buffaloes for area of 25 km2. Five water buffaloes the management of reed beds and grazed in a fenced area mainly as a great tourist attraction. The covered by sea clubrush (Scirpus buffaloes are known by local people maritimus) and tamarisks (Tamarix to also be of great value at the sp.). The main effects of grazing on Nestos Lakes for their positive the vegetation were the decrease of influence on carp stocks. sea clubrush density and height, Recommendations which was the dominant species on the wet meadow habitat type of the Scientific research on the effects of experimental site, and the reduction water buffalo grazing should be of tamarisk cover by approximately continued to cover important gaps in 70%. The latter was mainly caused the relevant knowledge, e.g. effects by the grazers scratching on the in river ecosystem vegetation. On the
92 other hand, it seems clear that management of lakes. Two different towards better conditions for reed grazing management in Greek habitats have to coexist in wetlands populations, and ultimately nurtures wetlands should follow the example to ensure a balanced development: eutrophication of the water body. of wetland management at many > Open water surfaces without reed Other aspects have not been protected European wetlands, where plant populations but with completely investigated yet, such as livestock raising is linked to nature submersed vegetation as a feeding the influence of fish populations. conservation. Such a scheme would source for water fowl, and However, in several Spanish provide the necessary funding for wetlands a significant spreading of > Reed population in shallow waters the sustainability of management by reed population was determined, and shore zones as retreat areas grazing in wetlands. Especially for after removing the carp (Cyprinus for water fowl and other birds. the water buffalo, the challenge is to carpio) stock. It has also not yet combine the financial support given It is a difficult task to achieve a been sufficiently investigated yet for its preservation as a rare breed balance of these two habitats what influence on reed plants with its abilities as a management tool especially if the wetland or lake is emanates from the widely distributed and its potential for the production of rich in nutrients which add to an American crayfish (Procambarus very high quality primary sector uncontrolled growth of reed plants. clarkii). products: meat, milk and numerous delicious dairy products of increasing Water vegetation of Mediterranean Measures to control reed plants market demand. wetlands consists of several helophytes, such as reed > Mowing and clearing of biomass (Phragmites australis), cattail (Typha > Controlled burning Management of water plants domingensis, T. latifolia), rushes, > Removal of sediments Santos Cirujano, Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid bulrushes (Scirpus lacustris, S. litoralis, S. maritimus), and sedges > Grazing with cattle, horses and Water vegetation is one of the most (Carex divisa). They produce large other large herbivores. important and most influential amounts of biomass, which can fill in All measures have assets and elements in temporary steppe lakes the wetland within a few years. This drawbacks, and have to be chosen and wetland areas. The development can be particularly according to the attributes of the development of reed plants depends critical in water bodies without wetland. on general hydrological and outflow or those where water Mowing of reed can only be effective ecological conditions. Reed plant renewal takes place very slowly. if the biomass is removed from the populations can substantially alter On the one hand, high-growing reed wetland. On average, mowing the physiognomy of wetlands or plants cannot grow optimally in should be carried out twice a year. lakes within a few years. wetlands which dry out during long Controlled burning generally is Unhindered spreading of reed plants periods of time and are quickly applied where mowing is not adaptive. can interfere with the preservation or replaced by smaller species or rush Compared with mowing and restoration of biodiversity, the meadows. On the other hand, a removing biomass, only 60% of the ultimate ambition of good regular water supply contributes nutrients are removed when burning
Production of biomass by different water plants in El Hondo National Park and La Nava steppe lake
Plant species Height (cm) Dry mass (g/m2) Dry mass (t/ha)
Reed (Phragmites australis) 400 5,786 57.86
Reed (Phragmites australis) 208 1,690 16.90
Alkali Bulrush (Scirpus maritimus) 130 1,605 16.05
Common Spike rush (Eleocharis palustris) 60 792 7.92
Divided sedge (Carex divisa) 65 745 7.45
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 93 10 Examples of Measures >>
Restored river in Upper Swabia
Upper Swabian lakes
Development of water plants in La Nava steppe flooding promoted other water plants, such as Buffer zone between agricultural land lake, since regular water supply is provided Typha latifolia, T. domingensis and Eleocharis and lake in rural area of Upper Swabia A The steppe lake was dried up and covered palustris. Open water surfaces were occupied with low bush pasture land. by Chara vulgaris and other aquatic plants such as Ranunculus peltatus, Zannichellia pedunculata, B After first flooding the lake, vast populations Potamogeton pusillus. The composition of At the moment a total area of Carex divisa developed which covered the vegetation depends on regular flooding. total steppe lake within a few years. Regular of over 770 ha
surrounding about is applied. The rhizomes normally eliminates the bigger part of nitrates remain intact, but dead plant materi- and phosphates. In addition, the 50 lakes are reserved for al is largely removed to allow a entire biomass including all better water circulation. However, it rhizomes is removed, which can extensive farming by is important to pay attention to affect retarding of regeneration of contracts in breeding times of birds and to burn reed plant populations for four or divided into lots to preserve retreat more years. However, sediments Upper Swabia. areas for animals. including all nutrients have to be The removal of sediments is a removed completely from the wetland drastic measure for vegetation system and should not be deployed management, but can be of vital onto an adjacent field. One dis- advantage compared to all advantage of this method is the loss measures described before if carried of most seeds and spores, especially out in the right way. in old wetlands. For this reason, the In wetlands rich in nutrients the removal of sediments should be removal of 5-30 cm soil layer carried out in several phases.
94 Grazing of large herbivores is consisting of staff of the water nutrient input, a further measure used especially suited for spacious management and agricultural in some cases is the removal of fish wetland areas. Although this method offices, carried out surveys, (biomanipulation). The use of the is often applied today, there is no developed restoration concepts and ponds for recreational purposes comprehensive knowledge on the the necessary measures to should not affect the ecological return of nutrients through urine and implement these. In the year 2000, stability of the ponds. It is excreta of the animals. Nutrient 15 lakes had been successfully recommended that regional concepts supply can alter the water quality just cleaned up and were taken out of which regulate the recreational use as the composition of flora. The most the programme. In the same year 41 and the environmental protection of important and difficult task for the new stillwaters were added to the the ponds are put in place. manager is the calculation of programme. The management of the adequate livestock unit per hectare. project was transferred to a private Conclusions Comprehensive inventory before the organisation, the Pro Regio Ober- The restoration of small lakes and grazing starts as well as continuous schwaben GmbH. ponds by reduction of the diverse monitoring of the impacts are nutrient input from the catchment Wastewater treatment plants are not required. areas is to be preferred to measures allowed to drain their water into taken inside lakes and ponds which lakes, and excess rainwater basins only affect the symptoms. The are optimised. The major impacts on implementation of measures on a 10.4 Examples of lakes and ponds now come from voluntary basis takes up a lot of agricultural agriculture. Active consultation in manpower and is not always easy to the areas of fertilisation and extensification carry out but, especially in the area cultivation, creation of enough of agriculture, can lead to storage capacity for solid and liquid Restoration of Upper Swabian sustainable improvements and manure and the extensification of lakes manageable costs. critical areas can lead to changes in Albrecht Trautmann, Pro Regio Oberschwaben GmbH the farming behaviour and can significantly reduce nutrient input. At Model Project Constance Ltd - the moment a total area of over farmers' markets at Lake There are almost 2,300 stillwaters 860 ha surrounding about 50 lakes Constance (lakes and ponds) in the southern is reserved for extensive farming by Michael Baldenhofer, part of Upper Swabia, north of Lake contracts. €260,000 compensation PLENUM Westlicher Bodensee Constance. These lakes and ponds is currently paid for these areas. make up over half of all stillwaters in The Modellprojekt Konstanz GmbH The restoration of regulated and Baden-Wuerttemberg. All of these (Model Project Constance Ltd) technically enhanced rivers in the stillwaters have been heavily initiates and supervises projects catchment area of the lakes and burdened with high levels of aimed at the sustainable protection ponds is another important measure. nutrients especially in the past half- and development of cultural In a few cases, sedimentation ponds century. The results of this have landscapes around the western part and flooding areas have been been excessive growth of algae and of Lake Constance. The work of the created upstream of stillwaters. higher water plants, loss of case study is based on the These are most useful during heavy biodiversity, unfavourable understanding that landscape rainfall when they can filter out the composition of the fish stocks, partial conservation, nature and resource erosion sediment which is carried in fish dying, strongly increased protection can only be realised on a the tributaries. production of digestive sludge and large scale in co-operation with very fast siltation. Use of the ponds for fishing should farming and with other relevant In 1989 a research programme, the be adapted to the demands of the regional partners. This is the reason "Programme of Action for the restoration measures. The why the model case study Constance Restoration of Upper Swabian Lakes" management of artificially created gathers representatives of muni- was started by the environmental and drainable ponds should follow cipalities, farming, nature protection, ministry of Baden-Wuerttemberg. For traditional cleaning methods tourism, trade and business together 33 selected stillwaters and their (regularly draining the pond every 3-6 to decide on strategies for catchment areas a project group, years). As well as the reduction of the implementing joint projects.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 95 10 Examples of Measures >>
One focus of the "Modellprojekt fruits, is not offered. All dairy Konstanz GmbH" is to maintain the products are produced outside the carrying capacity of the cultural and region (neighbouring district) as recreational landscape thereby there are no dairies in the district of strengthening the rural areas and to Constance. balance the economic needs with The distribution of the general costs the urge to preserve and improve the (investment costs, rent, staff, PR) is Farmers' market in Radolfzell, Lake Constance natural environment. A main activity made on the basis of the size of the field of the project during the last area and the expected annual decade was the marketing of turnover. Each farmer keeps track of regional products, goods and The farmers' market his own costs. services through the establishment Radolfzell is centrally of close co-operation between An important element of the producers, refiners, traders and comprehensive marketing concept located and offers a wide consumers. of the farmers' market is a very strong Corporate Design. The product range at Farmers' markets developed logo (brand) is seen The privileged climatic situation of everywhere in the shop, on wall tiles, competitive prices. Five the Lake Constance region allows freezers, on the shop windows, on the cultivation of a wide range of wrapping material, product package regional full-time farmers - agricultural products. Nevertheless and in press advertising. In an early project phase, consultations took within a radius of about the local farmers have great difficulties earning their living and place with the municipal authorities, 25 km - are running the building up long-term economical the Office of Economic Promotion, perspectives through farming only. In Economic Control Department and market. the framework of the project, two the Public Veterinary Service. Thereby farmers' markets had been differences and possible later costs launched, offering fresh regional for alterations could be avoided. agricultural produce. The intention of A campaign together with the these farmers' markets is to provide regional daily paper was organised additional income by direct to introduce the farmers involved in marketing, thus guaranteeing a the project. An annual budget of secure living of small family about €5,000 is allocated for press businesses and at the same time advertising. offering the opportunity to buy daily fresh and high quality regional food The farmers' market concept can be to the consumers. assessed as very successful. The real turnover exceeded the The farmers' market Radolfzell is calculated break-even point from the centrally located and offers a wide first year and has increased since product range at competitive prices. then. An additional value of the Five regional full-time farmers - market was the stimulation of the within a radius of about 25 km - are pedestrian zone and the creation of running the market. Traders are not new jobs for shop personnel. accepted. The goods offered in the market are produced by the five farms involved. The possibility of buying in vegetables during the vegetation break in winter was an agreement reached, but only the same kind of vegetables that are cultivated by the five farmers. Foreign produce, such as citrus
96 Comparison of Farmers' Markets in Radolfzell and Constance
Farmers' Market Radolfzell Farmers' Market Constance
Size (sales area) in m2 110 350
Investment €1,000 per m2 €750 per m2
Small subsidies (< 10%) from a Rural Subsidies None Development Programme (ELR) Calculated Turnover Break-even €380,000 per year €1,500,000 per year Point
Annual Turnover in the first year approx. €500,000 approx. €1,000,000
Inauguration October 1996 May 1999
Vegetables, fruits, sausages, meat, Vegetables, fruits, sausages, meat, Main Product Range bread, beverages, pastries, dairy bread, beverages, pastries, dairy products, honey products, honey, fish
Mon, Tues, Thu 9.30-18.30 Opening hours Mon - Fri 8.00-18.00 Wed 9.30-14.00 Sat 8.00-13.00 Fri 9.00-18.30 Sat 8.00-15.00
Average customers 200 per day 350 per day
... hier isst das Leben... Slogan ...da kauf’ ich natürlich... (... where I buy naturally...) (... here eats life...)
Timetable for Radolfzell’s markets February 96 Foundation of the August 97 A four-colour consumer Association "Bauernmarkt Radolfzell leaflet was published. April 95 The project idea was born e.V." and discussed with interested September 2000 Second Client survey. farmers of the Constance district. April 96 An adequate location was found and rented. Summer 95 In several meetings with LIFE Project : Restoration of interested farmers a concept was May 96 Final planning of the shop the Villacañas wetlands, Spain equipment and PR concept (name, developed and an action group was Eduardo de Miguel, Fundación Global Nature formed. A charter and market logo, slogan, PR and packaging material). regulation was created. Through the LIFE Programme, the October 95 Development of a first Summer 96 PR campaign with the European Commission has concept for the interior decoration, local media. Renovation of the shop supported the project of Fundación furnishing and facilities. in accordance with the official 2001 Global Nature for the recovery regulations. Interior installation by Winter 95/96 Meetings with the of the Villacañas wetlands, a group local craftsmen and experts. authorities in charge (Economic of three seasonal ponds: Laguna Control Department, Public October 96 Opening and Inaugura- Larga (107 ha), Tirez (98 ha) and Veterinary Service, Municipal Public tion of the market. Peña Hueca (126 ha). Affairs Office, Office of Economic June 97 Client survey (250 The three Villacañas wetlands have Promotion of Radolfzell). customers interviewed). been declared Special Protection
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Areas for birds (SPA). These However, as local farmers are wetlands are home to many birds indifferent to organic farming in this listed as priority species in the region, we prefer to focus on other European Directive of Birds. more urgent agri-environmental The saline steppes that surround the measures that are easier to Villacañas wetlands constitute unique implement. plant communities. They are protected Measures such as extensification, Transhumance was included in the agri- environmental programme in Spain by the European Directive of Habitats complete set-aside, increasing and their preservation is a priority. fallow land, or new tillage methods The restoration of the wetland com- make it possible to reduce plex has involved activities such as: agrochemical products. > Creation of a green filter to > Overgrazing improve the quality of water Overgrazing affects only certain entering Laguna Larga plots around the Laguna Larga and > Recovery of the natural vegetation Tirez wetlands. In Laguna Larga, a along margins rental and compensation contract was signed to eliminate grazing in > Establishment of nesting islets the most sensitive areas. Sheep are > Debris removal grazed mainly on fallow land and > Land purchase and rental stubble fields. Natural vegetation areas are only marginally used. > Community awareness raising Consequently, agricultural set-aside > Surveillance. is a much more important measure for recovering the natural habitat One of the main goals of the project than sheep reduction programmes. was to implement certain agri- environmental measures to create a > Destruction of flora and fauna buffer zone around the Villacañas habitats wetlands complex. This project should The replacement of natural habitats LIFE-trail Untersee with interactive serve as a demonstration project by CAP subsidized crops is the main elements illustrating how this important financial ecological problem in the area of tool can be used to restore and protect influence of the wetland complex. other wetlands in Central Spain. Although farmland Conservation of fallow land should Environmental impact of agriculture be one of the main goals here. In occupies only 40% of the around the Villacañas wetlands Villacañas, many endangered species use fallow land as nesting > Erosion caused by conventional Spanish territory, seventy and feeding habitats, such as the farming methods and sediment Collared Pratincole (Glareola accumulation in ponds percent of the erosion in pratincola). Ploughing fallow land in Although farmland occupies only spring destroys nests and is one of Spain is generated in 40% of the Spanish territory, seventy the main dangers for some of these percent of the erosion in Spain is cultivated farmland using species. Consequently, it is funda- generated in cultivated farmland mental to establish a programme for conventional techniques. using conventional techniques. increasing the area of fallow land > Use of pesticides and fertilisers and preventing useless tillage during nesting periods. Early harvesting can There is no significant problem with also damage populations of steppe excessive use of fertilisers or birds such as Great Bustard pesticides. The farmland around the (Otis tarda). wetlands is dedicated to cultivation of low-yield dryland crops which require little input.
98 The new agri-environmental goal is set-aside. Other measures to the higher yields under irrigation scheme of Spain may improve the habitat of steppe conditions. This new programme was released on fauna adapted to extensive dry land Inclusion of transhumance in the 12 January 2001. It is based on nine agriculture. The set-aside measure Spanish agri-environmental different measures, applicable must be modified to eliminate some programme throughout the country. of its commitments, such as the conservation of ploughing or grazing One of PROJECT 2001’s main out- 1 Extensification plots. The elimination of comes was the approval in 1995 of a 2 Preservation of endangered commitments reduces the farmer’s new Law on Drovers’ Routes. After varieties of cultivated plants conservation costs and increases different efforts, we could include a € 3 Reduction of agrochemical use the grant. The Regional Administra- 60/ha grant for transhumance as a tion has decided to propose set-aside special measure in the new agri- 4 Erosion control as a single measure for restoring environmental programme. 5 Protection of wetland flora and fauna wetland habitats: > The stockbreeder must accept a 6 Traditional farm systems in the 1 Although set-aside is one of the general measure of landscape Canary Islands most expensive measures, it improvement, with a basic grant of achieves visible and effective € 7 Irrigationwater saving 36-48/ha. environmental results in a short > Animals must be absent from the 8 Landscape protection and fire period. The 5-year costs of set- farm of origin for at least 4 months control aside for grain crops or olive groves from June on. 9 Integrated management of live- in Villacañas are around €48,000, stock production an average of €16,000 per > A minimum movement of 75 km or medium-size lagoon (90-100 ha). a change in altitude of 500 m is Measures applicable to Villacañas required. 2 It is the easiest measure to verify, After conversations and discussions thus minimizing the cost of > The grant may be increased by with Villacañas farmers, we have controlling compliance. €12/ha, if at least 75% of native concluded that the following breeds is raised. Villacañas belongs to the Site of measures are more practical and Community Interest called "La The main problem of this measure is applicable: Mancha Wetlands" (12,226 ha). It that it does not differentiate between > Agricultural extensification. has at least 28 important lagoons. transhumance on foot or by truck or Improvement of traditional fallow The extension of the programme to train. land: environmental fallow land. all these wetlands would > Agricultural extensification. theoretically cost the Regional € 10.5 Protection of flora and fauna and Administration 93,000/year. Examples of actions to improve steppe bird visitor management Note habitats. This is a theoretical study. In order to > Set-aside recovery of wild flora Lake Constance trail achieve massive set-asides, we and biodiversity. should: Wherever people come across > Fight against erosion in arboreal > Increase the grant by 20% to 30% protected natural areas, prohibition crops and herbaceous crops. signs catch the visitor’s eye. There is > Inform farmers directly > Integrated management of live- no information available on stock production. Actions in > Use other agri-environmental ecosystems with all their plants and pasture and stubble fields. measures in areas where animals species living in them for vineyards occupy most of the strollers and hikers. Conclusions farmland. The Lake Constance Trail is a One of the main objectives of nature > Irrigation reduction schemes concept that offers descriptive and restoration in Castilla La Mancha should be a priority in wetlands clear information on natural history should be the recovery of saline located on overexploited aquifers. on the spot. Thus, the trail represents habitats around wetlands. The only Set-aside programmes cannot a new destination for locals and feasible measure for achieving this succeed in these conditions due tourists, where they learn about
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animals, plants, habitats and Life Trail Untersee landscapes from appealingly One of the latest sections of the Lake designed information panels. Constance Trail is the "Life Trail Since 1999, 12 sections of the Lake Untersee" installed by the EU-LIFE- Constance Trail have been realised: project "Untersee life" (for details on project see chapter 10.2). The trail > Langenargen located at the Upper leads visitors along a 6 km long Information panel on mammals at Boada trail Lake Constance (Obersee) in footpath to the lake shore close to Baden-Wuerttemberg Radolfzell (Germany). For the Life > Moos at the Lower Lake Trail, the design of the Lake Constance (Untersee) Constance Trail was enhanced, > Überlingen located at the Lake of some displays now including Überlingen (Überlinger See) interactive elements. Both text and graphics follow a clear hierarchical > Wasserburg and Lindau at the structure, taking new didactical Upper Lake Constance in Bavaria guidelines and reading habits into > Kressborn towards the restored account. Thanks to the attractive and part of the river Argen at the same time robust design, the Hedgehog exhibition at Conservation > From the district office of the reception by the public is very good Centre Eriskirch region of Lake Constance to the and damage to the plates is landscape protection area Lower minimised. The municipality of Argen Valley (Unteres Argental) Radolfzell supported the Life Trail in and to the nature trail in the logistical and financial terms. The Hepbacher-Leimbacher Ried trail proves to be an attraction for tourists and for locals as well. > Friedrichshafen with an agricultural trail in Kluftern and Raderach Nature trail Laguna Boada In the scope of the EU LIFE project, a > Immenstaad along the shore trail nature trail going from the village towards Kirchberg and the Building Herons Carr Boardwalk in the Broads Boada de Campos to the steppe lake restored part of the river Lipbach was constructed. On four panels > Island of Mainau as an entrée for along the way the visitors get the island. information on traditional clay The Herons Carr Access Further sections are planned for architecture, traditional agricultural Project was designed to Friedrichshafen-Kluftern, along the use, steppe birds, mammals, alpine river Rhine and on the island amphibians and reptiles. provide new opportunities of Reichenau. Conservation Centre Eriskirch - The information panels are made of experience nature at Lake for people to enjoy the Aluminium-Dibond, which are fitted Constance open water of Barton into a frame of metal and then installed in the field. Texts and Gerhard Kersting, Conservation Centre Eriskirch illustrations are printed on a special Broad from the land as Over 60 years ago, several foil and attached to the panels. scientifically valuable reed areas part of the Clearwater The trail sections are financed by with scenic landscapes at the shore 2000 project. municipalities, administrative of Lake Constance were designated districts, the International as nature conservation areas, such Conference of Lake Constance as as the Wollmatinger Ried near the well as private donors and sponsors. City of Constance, the Mettnau As part of the marketing strategy, a peninsula near the City of Radolfzell, brochure for locals and tourists is and the Eriskircher Ried near the city being prepared. of Friedrichshafen.
100 With a size of 552 ha, Eriskircher "Nature at Lake Constance", or the open water of Barton Broad from the Ried is the largest conservation area changing exhibitions presented in land as part of the Clearwater 2000 at the eastern shore of Upper Lake the former railway station building of project. The Clearwater 2000 project Constance. It is characterised by Eriskirch, which is provided loan free aimed to restore the water quality of extended reed meadows, the river by the municipality. the broad by sediment removal and Schussen with its back waters and However, the Conservation Centre is re-establishing aquatic plant alluvial forests as well as the shallow not a classical museum. The central communities, and to enable people zones of Lake Constance. More than concern of all employees is to jointly to understand better the wetland 500 flowering plant species, 280 bird experience nature with children and environment of the Broads. species and numerous small adults. Thus, the majority of all The walkway is located in a protected animals have been observed here. activities with over 5,000 participants area within wet woodland (carr). A site The area is of special importance as per year take place outdoors in the assessment was carried out prior to the resting and wintering spot for Eriskircher Ried or other natural areas. starting work, including an inver- Nordic water fowl and waders. The annual programme covers tebrate survey and Environmental For 10 years the Conservation about 75 events, such as Impact Assessment. As the site is very Centre Eriskirch, on behalf of nature presentations on topics of cultural wet, some of the framework support conservation authorities, has been in and natural history, guided tours with timbers are driven into 7-10 m of wet charge of the Eriskircher Ried and a certain focus e.g. "Bird feathers", mud, and at times high water levels other protected areas in the region of seminars, and events for children. prevented work progressing. The Lake Constance. As type of School classes may independently walkway itself is constructed of organisation a charitable foundation explore plant and animal life with the tanalised timber decking with ridges has been chosen, financed by the help of biologists. routed into the planking to prevent land of Baden-Wuerttemberg, the people slipping. The timber is sourced All events are announced in the region of Lake Constance and the sustainably from European companies yearly programme brochure, in the municipality of Eriskirch. At present who are members of the Pan information boxes at the building and the foundation employs three European Forest Certification. people, several freelancers as well in the region, via local and The walkway is designed for access as one person in the "Zivildienst" sometimes regional media and radio for disabled people, particularly (mandatory community service). The channels, and on the Internet. While wheelchair users, with provision of a annual budget amounts to €135,000. exhibitions and presentations are car park for their use close to the trail. However, the maintenance measures free of costs, seminars and excursions The whole route is on one level in the reed area, making up approx. are charged to cover the costs. without steps, and with safety hand- €25,000 per year, are not financed Naturally there are sensitive zones rails where deep mud, corners or by the Conservation Centre itself, but which have to stay more or less free passing places are a hazard. Strong by the Rural District Office of the of impact. In other areas different plastic netting has been placed over Lake Constance Region. Overall the measures to optimally experience deep mud as an extra safety measure. costs are covered by the land of nature were implemented: Two Baden-Wuerttemberg (70%) and by platforms at the lake shore allow By Winter 2004 the boardwalk will the region of Lake Constance (30%). easy observation of water fowl, two have several interpretation panels Particular projects like the nature trails inform the visitor with along its route, and a trail pack in construction of nature trails or visitor descriptive panels on habitats, braille is available for blind or platforms were financed through animals and plants, and at the newly partially-sighted visitors. special grants. The city of constructed pond frogs, snakes and Part of the project development Friedrichshafen also gave financial dragonflies can be observed. involved consultations with the local shares in such activities in the past. community through the parish The Conservation Centre generates Visitor trail: Herons Carr council and by holding a public €12,000/year itself. Besides the Boardwalk in the Broads meeting. Businesses, recreation maintenance measures of the pro- Julia Masson and Eilish Rothney, Broads Authority user groups and landowners were tected areas, environmental included in the consultations. A local education is another focus of the The Herons Carr Access Project was liaison group was formed to help activities. Each year 10,000 people designed to provide new steer the project, which is still visit the attractive permanent exhibition opportunities for people to enjoy the operating beyond the life of the
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 101 10 Examples of Measures >>
Building the boardwalk: Fact file
Cost of materials and equipment for building the boardwalk £115,000
Labour costs (contractors, staff, volunteers and trainees) More than £200,000
Length of boardwalk 610 metres
Amount of timber piling 9,000 metres
Amount of decking board 7,500 metres
Number of nails keeping decking board in place 32,000 nails project in developing a management restoration work on Barton Broad, land Development Agency, English plan for the water space at Barton. creation of the walkway, the solar Nature and Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Establishing a liaison group has powered boat ‘Ra’ and an Questions to consider before starting: proved to be productive beyond the environmental education centre at life of the project. How Hill, came from Broads > Is the site protected for its nature The boardwalk took two years to Authority, The Millennium Commission conservation importance? complete and was officially opened (Lottery), Anglian Water, Environment > Is a site assessment required for by David Bellamy at an event with Agency, UK Cleaning Products important species and habitats? local schoolchildren. Industry Association, Department of > What funding is available for the Funding for the whole of Clearwater Environment, Transport and the project, and what are the funders’ 2000 project, which included Regions, Landfill Tax, East of Eng- requirements?
Broads Authority staffing for the Herons Carr Boardwalk
Responsibility for day-to-day running of all facilities. Managing staff Area Countryside Ranger and volunteers, ensuring health and safety measures are in place. Co-ordinating with other Broads Authority departments.
Responsible for the structural integrity and technical matters of the Projects Team Supervisor walkway.
Weekly maintenance programme for car parks and paths leading to Seasonal Countryside Assistant the walkway during the summer season.
Responsible for site checks, patrolling, liaising with public, vegetation management on boardwalk, minor repairs, reporting any problems. Assistant Countryside Rangers Assisting the Area Countryside Ranger (ACR) with taking groups along the walkway and the events programme.
Other Staff Involved with the provision of interpretation, signage and promotion. Once these are in place the responsibility passes to the ACR.
102 > How will any consultation be 10.6 Examples of Since 1991 Anke Biedenkapp, the carried out with local community founder of Reisepavillon, has been groups, landowners, businesses environmentally the motor of this marketplace for as well as the recreational user sound tourism alternative travel which started as a groups? development meeting place for a few alternative > Who will use the facility? travel agencies and convinced "In future our main concern will no ecologists. Today it is the most > What other infrastructure is longer be whether we can travel to important international fair for required such as picnic site, every place on earth. Our main sustainable tourism with an toilets, refuse collection? interest will be whether it is interesting programme about new > How will people arrive at the site - worthwhile arriving there!" trends, studies and projects, by car, train, bus, walking? How (Herman Löns, 1908). discussion forums and seminars. At will visitors be directed to the Reisepavillon Hanover you can In the 1970s, in Europe - especially facility, and to parking areas? inform yourself, exchange in Germany - initiatives emerged to experiences and promote > What impact might the project analyse the negative effects of environmentally friendly tourism in have locally, such as extra traffic tourism on the environment, social your wetland or lake region. on country roads, the impact of welfare and culture. Most of the one user on another? groups criticised and still criticise in www.reisepavillon-online.de > What maintenance will the a constructive way tourism impacts boardwalk require? What is the on nature - for instance they give lifespan of the materials? positive examples of sustainable tourism. How suitable is the site for the project? Need to consider: ECOTRANS: Background information and positive > How easy the site is to access with examples machinery and materials > Ease of construction of the The non-profit organisation REISEPAVILLON Hanover boardwalk ECOTRANS was founded in 1993. Alternative travel?! Thinking about all Today 25 non-governmental > Use of materials from sustainable the environmental and social organisations and consultants from sources effects? Holidays are supposed to be 12 European countries are members > Disturbance to wildlife during fun! True. But if we want them to be of the European network to construction fun in the future too, we’ll need an exchange information and > Negotiating access with adjacent intact natural environment and experience and to develop common landowners welcoming holiday regions. projects. Under www.ecotrans.de, you will find an overview about At Reisepavillon, the fair for alternative > Providing information for the public. European projects on sustainable travel, 280 operators from 50 > Health and Safety issues tourism, studies, publications and a countries show sustainable ways to link to the database eco-tip with > Any insurance requirements. the pleasures of travel. Reisepavillon more than 300 concrete sustainable is the showcase for a different kind of tourism initiatives in Europe. travel business, one that can make almost every holiday wish come true. Ecolabels for tourism: many Nature, arts, culture, relaxation or certificates - limited activity holidays, for single people or effectiveness families, with or without the kids ... In 2000/2001, the World Tourism The travel specialists, regional Organisation (WTO) commissioned tourist boards and environmental ECOTRANS, a global study on associations at the fair offer individu- voluntary initiatives for sustainable al advice, detailed information and a tourism. More than 100 ecolabels, cornucopia of ideas for holidays that awards and self committing initiatives feel ‘good all over’. were studied in the first comparative
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analysis worldwide to assess the In 2002, the UN Year for Ecotourism, EMAS - European Eco-Manage- history, development, objectives, the VISIT image campaign was ment and Audit Scheme requirements, procedures and launched under the motto: "Caring The EU Eco-Audit, also called EMAS, effectiveness of every initiative. The for the environment ... is caring for is a voluntary management system study found that many ecolabels are the visitor". This slogan connects for businesses and organisations struggling to survive and to meet the environmental quality with the quality that wish to improve their operational promises they made to their certified of the product and experiences. environmental protection measures businesses in terms of significant Further information: www.yourvisit.info on a continual basis beyond the cost savings and increased practices called for by law. The re- consumer demand. vised EMAS II includes all the aspects of the international ISO 14001, Diversity of tourism - diversity of but in some respects has higher ecolabels requirements, for example employee By 2004, there are more than 50 EU Ecolabel "EU-Flower" participation and the publication of environmental certificates and an environmental report. awards in Europe covering all types The European Ecolabel for tourist All organisations participating in of tourism suppliers, including accommodation service was EMAS regularly draw up an accommodation, beaches, marinas, created in May 2003 to reward acco- environmental statement for the protected areas, restaurants, handi- mmodation services and tourists that public. In it, the organisational crafts, golf courses, tour packages, respect the environment. It signals environmental policy and its and various other tourism-related environmental good performance as environmental programme with activities. More than 40 schemes it is an added-value quality when concrete environmental goals are certify accommodation services: consumers are choosing a resort. established in connection with a hotels with or without restaurants, Enterprises bearing the Flower logo complete description and evaluation camping sites, youth hostels, farm have officially been distinguished as of as much quantitative data as houses, alpine huts, holiday houses, being amongst the most environ- possible. All the relevant guest houses, bed and breakfast mentally friendly in their area. environmental aspects that the lodgings, and others. The group "tourist accommodation company or organisation is able to Further information: service" shall comprise the provision influence must be taken into www.eco-tip.org of sheltered overnight accommo- consideration. Among these are to dation in appropriately equipped be numbered indirect aspects as Besides the successful Blue Flag rooms, including at least a bed, well, such as investments, admini- International certificate for beaches offered as a main service to tourists, strative and planning decisions, the and marinas, in 2003 the long list of travellers and lodgers. The provision range of products produced or the ecolabels for accommodation of overnight accommodation may environmental balance of certified about 4,000 hotels, camping include food services, fitness contractors and suppliers. sites or similar services in Europe - activities and green areas. The all together not more than 1% market criteria are divided into two main Each environmental statement must share. Only a few schemes - e.g. in sections, the mandatory criteria and be evaluated by an independent, Scotland or Denmark - can offer a the optional criteria. The competent government-certified environmental choice of 10% or more. body, which is the national organi- verifier. If it meets the requirements of sation responsible for the application the EU eco-audit ordinance, the To change this situation and to environmental auditor declares the increase market share, ten of the of the EU Ecolabel in every EU Member State, gives information on environmental statement to be valid. most important ecolabels in Europe The organisation is then registered started co-operation with the VISIT the application procedure, distributes the application pack and is responsible in the official EMAS-Register of the Initiative to work on a common basic country - under the condition that the standard regarding the organisation, for the verification of compliance prior to the awarding of the Ecolabel. applicant has not previously violated contents and procedure of their the relevant environmental legislation. ecolabels and to collaborate inten- The criteria for camp sites are under development. The audit process must be repeated sely in the fields of marketing and at least every three years. promotion of the products awarded http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ with an ecolabel. ecolabel/product/pg_tourism_en.htm
104 Numerous certifications, especially What is the aim of ECOCAMPING? depend on size, number of perma- in the hotel business, prove that the The most important aim is the nent campers, type of business or environmental management system improvement of environment previous activities in environmental EMAS is well transferable to the protection, nature conservation, and quality management. tourism sector. It is a good instrument safety, quality and qualification of the ECOCAMPING does not require to accelerate the improvement of the entrepreneurs and their staff, as well costly investments, but responds environmental quality. Every tourism as an image improvement in politics flexibly to the possibilities of the establishment - hotel, restaurant, and the Civil Service. Ultimately, entrepreneur. The consultants make leisure operators, camping grounds - ECOCAMPING aims to help the whole suggestions, but the campsites is competing with businesses of the business to be more successful. decide if, when and how they same ranking - companies which implement these. have already implemented environ- Where has ECOCAMPING been mental protection measures as well active so far? What are the costs? as enterprises which have not yet There have been ECOCAMPING Consultancy, workshops and public tackled this problem. Each hotel € projects at Lake Constance, at Lago relations cost 4,000-5,000 per owner defines his environmental Maggiore, in Baden-Wuerttemberg participating business. Normally, goals. It is important to integrate and Bavaria, with a total of 55 60-70% of an ECOCAMPING project environmental protection into the participating campsites. Currently, are funded by public subsidies, and management structures taking into ECOCAMPING runs working groups only 30-40% have to be paid by the consideration all phases of the in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower entrepreneur. So far the average management i.e. planning - Saxony, Brandenburg and Bavaria, prices for the complete qualification implementation - controlling - revising. € with more than 50 participating have been 1,100 for small € During the first years an campsites each. ECOCAMPING is campsites, 1,500 for medium- € environmental management scheme also a partner of the Living Lakes sized, and 2,000 for large can comply with cost saving Network. campsites. At the moment, measures by reducing the ECOCAMPING is the cheapest consumption of energy, water, What does ECOCAMPING include? possibility of introducing an environmental and quality cleaning agents and waste volume. The aims of a regional working management. Later on creativity is needed to group are the introduction of further reduce, step by step, the environmental and quality Advantages for a campsite environmental burden. management on campsites. The > Improvement of image and participants are campsites in the Further information: http://europa.eu.int/ acceptance, also with public comm/environment/emas respective region, who attend six authorities workshops on environmental management, waste, energy, water > Improvement of the overall and cleaning, site design and safety. organisation, through environ- Each campsite receives, at least mental and quality management twice, individual on-site consultancy. > Enhancement of customer ECOCAMPING - Environmental The workshops and the counselling satisfaction ensure that each campsite can management for camping sites > Cost reduction (energy, water, introduce an appropriate waste) ECOCAMPING is an association environmental management. The founded by German camping qualification is concluded by the > Improvement of work safety federations and environmental awarding of the campsites and > Qualification of managers and staff organisations, such as Lake admission into the ECOCAMPING through ECOCAMPING workshops Constance Foundation, ECOTRANS network. Certified campsites are > Enhanced publicity through and GNF. The association has been promoted through brochures, the ECOCAMPING public relations active since 2002. Before, internet and presentations at fairs. ECOCAMPING was a project of the > Exchange of experience with other international Lake Constance Who can participate? camping businesses Foundation. Every campsite can participate. A > Competitive advantage through successful participation does not ECOCAMPING award.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 105 10 Examples of Measures >>
Advantages for guests Development > Linking of environment protection The park was founded in 1973. The and convenience visitor management was built up > Cost reductions keep prices stable from the mid-seventies and has been continuously adapted to the growing > Environmental education and demands. Its leading principle is to nature experience programmes facilitate intense experience of > Natural site design and main- nature and at the same time to keep tenance enhance quality of the stay the most sensitive areas free from > Guest information (timetables, use. leisure activities, etc.) The lake itself, parts of the lakeside > Health protection (e.g. avoidance and the adjoining bogs are a of automatic air freshener sprays) "Wetland of International Importance" and will be part of the Natura 2000 > Guest surveys ensure close system. contact to the customers and help Photovoltaic facilities on campsite Klausenhorn to enhance the quality of the stay. Measures > Zoning: concentration of Advantages for camping associations recreational activities at two areas > ECOCAMPING facilitates dealing of the lakeside with politics and public authorities, > also ministries Constructing an attractive, well marked circular route around the > Strengthening of the position of the lake for hiker and cyclists association within the overall > tourism context Relocating paths and observation facilities from sensitive to less > Enhancement of own public sensitive areas relations through use of subsidies Architecture of solar passenger ferry "Helio" > and public relations of Designation of two lakeside areas ECOCAMPING where windsurfers have access to the lake > Better satisfied members, because > ECOCAMPING is an attractive Fencing off protected lake areas service for them by buoy chains > > Topics from the workshops can also Limiting water sports to the period be used to improve attractiveness of from 1 April to 31 October association meetings. > Working out a voluntary agreement on ballooning routes in the nature Sports activities in the park area "Helio" operates between the Swiss and the Steinhuder Meer Nature Park > Intense co-operation with different German border of Lake Constance The Steinhuder Meer Nature Park, stakeholders. located near Hanover, is a highly Effects Good visitor management frequented recreation area with attractive possibilities for various > Protection of wetlands and bird makes it possible to sports activities. At the same time it is habitats an important birds habitat with many combine recreation and > Offering attractive opportunities for endangered species. sport, recreation and experience sports with nature Good visitor management makes it of nature. possible to combine recreation and conservation. sports with nature conservation.
106 Biolandhaus Arche - The concepts in harmony with nature installed on roofs of residential ecological concept (launch of the "Noric inn-keeper" buildings as well as on factories and The hotel Biolandhaus Arche committed to meet ecological churches. And solar power is also (bio-inn Arche) with a capacity of 25 standards and the use of regional used by the Bodensee- beds has operated for 15 years and products). Solarschifffahrt gGmbH (Lake offers a very special kind of holiday, Energy: Despite the increasing Constance Solar Navigation Ltd) to such as hiking trips along the Noric number of guests, the annual energy operate a fleet of currently seven panorama trail, wholefoods, and consumption (wood, electricity, gas) solar-powered ferry boats on the information on Celtic heritage. could be constantly reduced thus western part of Lake Constance Guests interested in sports can go contributing to the increased positive since 1998. Along with the regular horse riding or explore the image of the bio-inn among tourists ferry service, they are also in use for fascinating world of caverns and and the hotel business. The local special round trips and excursions. grottos. The eco-concept of the bio- farmers benefit from the additional Furthermore these exceptional boats inn Arche which has been income from the sale of firewood. can be chartered by anyone for special private activities and events. implemented since 1991 aims at Waste: The amount of refuse was linking tourism with environmental reduced by using recyclable A particular feature co-ordinated by protection and agriculture. beverage packaging, no plastic Bodensee-Stiftung (Lake Constance packaging. Foundation) is an environmental Measures education programme. The solar Waste separation: paper, glass, Energy: Use of wood stoves ferry "Helio" serves as floating general waste. Use of recycled (thermoelectricity with an efficiency classroom, where young students products. of 90%), tiled stoves (optimal use of can experientially learn about the the raw material wood which is Water: Reduced water consumption, local natural characteristics (see directly supplied by local farmers) protection of the drinking water by also chapter 10.7). the use of environmentally sound and solar cells on the roof (for One of the economic partners of cleaning agents, reduced water flow heating of 1,500 l water combined Global Nature Fund, the medium- velocity. Own spring water. Improved with a buffer reservoir of 1,000 l). The sized company Kopf AG has image due to the fact that the tap owners of the bio-inn pay a special constructed solar boats of capacities water is drinkable (unlike in many price for the firewood. ranging from 2-120 passengers. other places). Protection of Nature/Landscape: Natural design of Solar powered boats work by headwaters, oligotrophic grassland. the entire house installation with harnessing electric energy gained indigenous wood, non-asphalted Comments: The bio-inn Arche is the from photovoltaic cells and therefore natural paths, garden, and instead of first hotel in Carinthia which is co- feature several advantages. Because mowing every week, lawns are operation partner of Bioernte Austria of their soundless movement and maintained with sheep grazing and (eco-products Austria). Bio-inn equal-zero-emission engines, they the use of scythes. Arche received several awards for provide an opportunity to experience its eco-concept: "Grüne Haube" the undisturbed pleasure of the beauty Information: Offering bus and train (Green Bonnet), 1st prize for exemplary schedules, free pick-up and drop-off of nature. They do not pollute the implementation of an integrated service to encourage guests to use water with toxic residues and concept by Envirotour 1993, the public transportation. Co-operation therefore are particularly suitable for Environmental Label of Carinthia as with nearby food stores (for example vulnerable waters. well as the Raiffeisen award. It was farmers' shops, Demeter farms, Meanwhile this sustainable also awarded - as first Austrian eco- cheese factory) to reduce truck traffic. technology has spread to several hotel - the eco-certification. German cities, where solar-powered Products: Organic vegetarian whole ships are in use as solar taxis, food cuisine using home-grown, Lake Constance solar boat pleasure boats or research vessels. In natural and organic products. network 2000 the solar technology was Building: Natural paints and colours, Lake Constance region offers transferred to England: a solar cata- furniture made entirely of indigenous appropriate climate conditions for maran is now also used in the Broads, wood and brick construction. the use of solar energy. In the past the British Living Lakes partner. Culture: Active regional cultural years numerous solar power www.bodenseesolarschifffahrt.de work, smooth and intelligent tourism systems and collectors have been www.solarschiff-netzwerk.org
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 107 10 Examples of Measures >>
Information European Charter for Sustainable Tourism
EUROPARC protected areas which are meeting > An assessment of the area’s agreed requirements for the natural, historic and cultural The European Charter for sustainable development and heritage, tourism infrastructure, Sustainable Tourism in Protected management of tourism. and economic and social Areas is a valuable and practical circumstances; considering tool for ensuring that tourism The Charter is for individual issues of capacity, need and development in Europe’s protected protected areas of all kinds. They potential opportunity areas is sustainable. In becoming are invited to apply for recognition members of the Charter, protected by the EUROPARC Federation as > An assessment of current visitors areas demonstrate that they are co- meeting the requirements of the and potential future markets operating to a high level with local Charter. These requirements > A set of strategic objectives for stakeholders and tourism partners include: the development and to address strategic tourism issues, > A permanent structure for working management of tourism, covering: and receive official recognition for in partnership with others conservation and enhancement their achievements in this field. > A strategy for sustainable tourism of the environment and heritage, At the same time, in joining the economic and social > A set of actions which address Charter, they are making a 5-year development, preservation and identified sustainability issues commitment to further that co- improvement of the quality of life operation, to implement agreed joint > A development and management of local residents, visitor actions with their partners, and to plan that involves all those management and enhancement continue striving for excellence in implicated by tourism, in and of the quality of tourism offered the management of tourism in their around the protected area. > An action plan to meet these regions. The European Charter is The Charter recognises that park objectives with an indication of thus neither a conventional quality authorities should not work alone in resources and partners to label, nor a conventional partner- the management of tourism, if it is to implement the strategy ship agreement, but combines be successful and sustainable. A > Proposals for monitoring results. elements of both to encourage and permanent forum, or equivalent support a truly sustainable arrangement, should be established Addressing key issues: Each development of tourism in Europe’s between the protected area protected area is different. Strategic protected areas. authority, local municipalities, priorities and action programmes should be determined locally, using The European Charter belongs to conservation and community the approach described above. the EUROPARC Federation, the organisations and representatives However, the Charter requires that umbrella organisation of protected of the tourism industry. Links with the following key issues should be areas in Europe. The Federation regional and national bodies should addressed: brings together a membership of be developed and maintained. some 500 national parks, nature Strategic approach: To prepare and > To protect and enhance the areas parks and biosphere reserves. The implement a sustainable tourism of natural and cultural heritage, Charter builds on the strategy and action plan for the for and through tourism, and to recommendations of the 1993 protected area. The strategy should protect it from excessive tourism EUROPARC study "Loving Them to be based on careful consultation development, by: Death?" Up to now, 17 members and be approved and understood > Monitoring impact on flora and implemented the Charter and 14 by local stakeholders. It should fauna and controlling tourism in protected areas are in the process contain: sensitive locations of implementation. > A definition of the area to be > Encouraging activities, including The purpose of the Charter is to influenced by the strategy, which tourism uses, which support the encourage good practice by may extend outside the protected maintenance of historic heritage, identifying those parks and area culture and traditions
108 Information European Charter for Sustainable Tourism
> Controlling and reducing of their visit, by researching the authentic images, and is sensitive activities, including tourism im- expectations and satisfaction of to needs and capacity at different pacts, which adversely affect the existing and potential visitors, times and in different locations, quality of landscapes, air and water meeting the special needs of providing readily available and > Controlling and reducing the use disadvantaged visitors, good quality visitor information in of non-renewable energy and supporting initiatives to check and around the area and assisting unnecessary waste and noise and improve the quality of tourism enterprises to do so. facilities and services > Encouraging visitors and the tourism industry to contribute to > To communicate effectively to conservation visitors about the special qualities > To provide all visitors with a high of the area, by ensuring that the quality experience in all aspects promotion of the area is based on Further information: www.europarc.org
Adventure biking tours at adventure cycle track as a basis for 10.7 Examples of Lower Lake Constance package tours. During the first season already more than 500 environmental The 120 km "Adventure cycle track bookings for "overnight stays in education Lower Lake Constance" connects 44 straw" were made. Then the internet places and destinations under the site www.erlebnisradeln.de was set aspects of agriculture, nature up. Meanwhile, the second edition of EPO’s environmental education protection and gastronomy. Together the whole package is being sold. activities in the Nestos area with the Model Case Study Eleni Daroglou, EPO Constance and the Untersee A central factor for success is the Tourism Association, a compre- close and constructive co-operation While the results of environmental hensive brochure was established. of representatives of agriculture, education with adults are ordinary, In co-operation with the supervisory nature conservation, tourism and with children and young people the authority of Baden-Wuerttemberg, a gastronomy. success can indeed be spectacular special topographic map was It is also very important to define from if environmental education projects developed. the very beginning which institution fulfil basic principles of integrated Both publications, as well as will take over which services and projects such as: information brochures of the project products that will be developed and > To attract and keep the interest of partners Tourismus Untersee e.V. who is going to market them. Only the children by stimulants and AG Hegau, are being sold as a then it is guaranteed that the > To provide knowledge "package" via the book trade and the signposting of the bicycle tracks and tourism information offices of the home page will be maintained, so > To secure active participation of Lower Lake Constance communities the tourist will find well tended cycle the children and paths and an updated homepage. with the title "Adventure cycle tracks > To give possibilities for further Western Lake Constance, Hegau activity and publicity of the subject. and neighbouring Switzerland". Methodology Initially 15,000 booklets were printed. Additionally, a special It is ascertained that practical signpost system for the biking tracks contact of children with nature has was developed and installed. direct and better results than any Meanwhile a travel agency theoretical lesson. Hence the EU specialising in biking tours uses the project consist of four parts:
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 109 10 Examples of Measures >>
1 Presentation of the project with > National Welfare Organisation slide shows about the Nestos (KEFO Kavalas) Delta and the wider area, videos, > Cultural NGOs. information leaflets, posters, photos. Contents 2 Guided tours to the biotopes of the Main aim of the environmental Nestos Delta. education project in the framework Workcamp at La Nava lagoon 3 Work relative to the subject done of the LIFE project is to raise public by the pupils, such as an awareness of the lakes and lagoons exhibition, any construction, of the Nestos Delta. Thus, the contents theatre play, painting etc.. focus on the natural characteristics 4 Presentation to the public. of the lakes and lagoons, the problems, the works and activities in For the integration of every project the frame of the Life Programme that the necessary particular activities may give solutions to some of the are carried out as following: problems of the ecosystem of Nestos > Preparation of leaflets Lakes and Lagoons. > Summer Camp in St Lucia Wetland Park, Selection of slides, video, photos etc. Six environmental education South Africa > Contact with the schools and components have been prepared for teachers the presentation of the Lakes and Lagoons in the schools and for the > Presentation in the schools, guided school classes: discussion with pupils and teachers 1 Brief sheet about the project with information about the goals and > Excursions to the biotopes activities of the Life project. > Painting or text writing related to 2 Information leaflet about the the subject by the children with Nestos Lakes and the Delta prizes for the best including information about their > Invite children to bring materials natural characteristics, biotopes, Summer Camp at Lake Baikal, Russia and tools problems, needs etc.. > Presentation of the work to the public. 3 Information leaflet about the Ramsar convention. The Summer Camp Collaborations 4 Information leaflet about wetlands For successful implementation of in general. experience will enhance any EU Project the collaboration with relevant bodies and services is very 5 List of animal species of the lakes the environmental important. In Greece, EPO and lagoons. awareness and affects collaborates with: 6 Slide series about the lakes, > Ministry of Education and the lagoons and the surroundings. both their personal departments of first and second The first four listed publications are level of education in the prefectures given to the teachers and pupils development and of Xanthi and Kavala during the presentation in the school working life. > Ministry of Youth together with leaflets about EPO, the > The Environmental Education Living Lakes network, posters, Officers for Basic and High calendar, and stickers. The list of the Schools of every Prefecture animal species is circulated during the excursions. The slide series and > Basic Schools, High Schools and a video about the Nestos Lakes and Universities, especially with the Lagoons are used for presentations. University of Aegean, School for Environmental Sciences
110 Results conservation work, culture and hostels and is registered as such. From the beginning of the present leisure time. A football game with Moreover, Spanish law demands LIFE Environment Project in June local youth or an evening discussion liability insurance for each 2001 until June 2004, 52 schools with the mayor and council is part of participant and their supervisor. have been visited for presentations, the workcamp just like visiting the Besides the requirements of the law, and 2,073 pupils plus 119 teachers numerous romanic churches in the regulations for the daily living, such have participated in the presentations region. as precise rules of the house or and excursions. In 50 schools However, it is important that all con- scheduling of kitchen duties and events have been carried out with servation activities are meaningful other activities, which have to be final presentations of the work of the and a helpful contribution to the work taken on by the group, are crucial. classes. on the site. At least two supervisors (with 13 A typical workcamp programme participants per supervisor at the Floating Class Room at Lake comprises the following details: most), specially trained as group Constance > Field trips to the steppe lakes with leaders for the environmental field, Several years ago the "Floating explanations on the restoration are in charge of the group 24 hours Class Room" was established at measures: which drainage a day. Their professional input has to Lake Constance, Germany. A solar channels were filled and why, be considered in the planning powered boat was equipped with where is the water of La Nava process of the programme. In terms laboratory facilities, such as coming from, which problems of guaranteeing a smooth microscopes and binoculars. School have to be solved, etc. organisation and giving professional classes and youth groups use the advice during field trips, they are > Bicycle tours around the different floating lab for investigation tours on assisted by staff of the Fundación. ecosystems to get to know the area the lake, e.g. to take water samples A cook with adequate qualification is and observe the life that exists in > Assistance during bird ringing employed for the workcamp, but water. They learn about algae activities (identifying bird species, some meals are organised in growth, measure the ph-value of the measuring and weighing, marking restaurants to benefit local water, and water quality. Here of birds) gastronomy. To add a nice detail, the environmental aspects are packed > Bird observation; studying the participants from different countries in a very attractive and exciting way. typical flora sometimes take turns cooking a > Collecting litter typical meal for each other. Workcamps in La Nava > Construction of observation Antonio Guillem, Fundación Global Nature platforms or setting up signs along nature trails For the past decade, Fundación > Afternoon with games and Global Nature has been carrying out handicrafts together with children workcamps with young people from from a local school. Spain and other European countries. To the surprise of the local population, All activities have to be assessed in the beginning, young people from concerning potential dangers for the all over Europe came to spend their participants. The workcamp has to be registered at the competent Summer Camps with holidays and actively participate in DaimlerChrysler and Lufthansa the conservation work of "their" regional authority (Consejería de steppe lake. Today, workcamps take Familia e Igualdad de Oportuni- Bettina Jahn, Global Nature Fund place on a regular basis in Fuentes dades) and the programme has to be Nature Summer Camps offer young de Nava every summer. Two to three agreed with. people the opportunity to gain groups of 20-25 young people each Due to the lack of accommodation experience in practical nature spend a fortnight within the region to facilities within the municipality and conservation work, together with contribute towards the protection of its region, the groups are locals, during a stay of one to four nature, but also to learn about the accommodated in the information weeks. This experience will country and culture. The programmes centre of Fundación Global Nature. It enhance the environmental are always a balanced mixture of fulfills the standards of Spanish Youth awareness and affects both their
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 111 10 Examples of Measures >>
personal development and working skills and commitment and, last but life. It is also an intercultural not least, what they expect from the exchange with the chance to Summer Camp participation. improve language skills. This provides important information A good possibility for organising a for the selection of the Summer Summer Camps is a co-operation Camp participants: motivation, between companies and NGOs. language skills and expectations. "Heatwave" Puppet Show Based on the experience with The size of each Summer Camp Summer Camps carried out in co- group should be between 10-20 operation with DaimlerChrysler in participants. The participants should 2003 and 2004, young employees be at least 18 years old. It is and children of employees show advisable to fill the Summer Camp great interest in this kind of holiday. with people of similar age to avoid The benefit for the company is the conflicts of interests. motivation of its employees and an A seminar in advance is very helpful. image enhancement. The participants have the possibility The co-operation offers numerous to get to know each other and to advantages for the NGO. In large receive detailed information about Children watching the Puppet Show companies one can accomplish the the host country, living conditions, the support from different departments Camp programme as well as useful concerning the marketing for the travel and flight information. You may Using puppetry and Summer Camp and the arrangement also show some pictures of the area, of project details. At DaimlerChrysler, the working sites and accommo- drama to explain often GNF got access to all available dation facilities. It is important to media to announce the Summer inform the participants about cultural complex ecological Camps, e.g. newspapers, intranet, aspects, particularly if they do not e-mail-lists. It is advisable to contact have much travel experiences. Good problems or the communication department for opportunities are working groups for their assistance, because they know each Camp during the seminar. They environmental conflicts the best ways to get in touch with the may solve a fictitious problem in the employees. For the Summer Camps group, for example to prepare a short to a non-specialist a brochure with detailed programme presentation about their forthcoming audience has descriptions for all offered camps Summer Camp and introduce it to the including work plan, timeframe and other Summer Camp groups. This will proved amazingly costs should be produced. The flyers support the evolvement of group and posters should be displayed at dynamic. successful. central locations like canteens, A wide range of working activities secretariats, meeting points and on can be done with the help of the blackboards. participants during a Summer Camp. A long application period is crucial Depending on your field of activities, because people need time to make the volunteers can be a useful support their decisions. It is important to for large projects, which need a lot of arrange a hotline and an e-mail manpower. contact in order to allow interested The following aspects are helpful for people to gather further information planning a Summer Camp: on the Summer Camps. In addition to completing an application form, the > Allow extra time for the preparation applicants should write a motivation of the Summer Camp. It can be very letter with the following points: why time consuming to arrange details they want to take part in a Summer like timetable, camp programme, Camp, why they decided on the application procedure, legal special Summer Camp, interests, advice, insurance and visa.
112 > Be aware that all participants are interest or some outdoor activities show is decided through joint individuals and some people need like cycling or canoeing can be discussions about current Broads more support and help than others. organised. Authority projects, problems or > Hand out a mandatory registration > After finishing the Camps you conflicts in the Broads, or global form, which the participants must should offer a final meeting for all environmental issues. Research on sign if they intend to participate in participants. It is a good the selected topic is carried out by the Camp. opportunity to summarise the Nutmeg Puppet Company, then a storyline and script are produced. > Accommodation should be basic Summer Camp activities and Nutmeg Puppet Company tour but clean, comparable to a youth results. Each group can give a approximately 15 villages in the hostel. lecture with photos of the Camp and report on their experiences. Broads area performing on village > The participants may bear costs of greens and other public open travel, accommodation, food, and > It is helpful to document your spaces. The audience, usually made transport themselves. It is a good experience with the participants up of families, can watch the show idea to give advice for travel and the Summer Camp for free. Although many parents bring arrangements. Accommodation, organisation for further Camps. their children to watch the show they food and transport on site should You can carry out a survey to get become involved with the be arranged by the organiser of feedback from the participants. entertaining storylines themselves the Summer Camp. and often end up as transfixed as the Check list for Camp participants: > Co-operation with local companies children, and hopefully take away a > Clothing could offer the possibility to ask for message too! > Climate & time zone financial support for organisation 2003’s show - ‘Heatwave!’ - was and preparation the Summer Camp > Currency & exchange rates performed at the Living Lakes programme. > Acceptance of credit cards & conference which was held in the > Keep in mind that it can be traveller's cheques Broads. It was a very appropriate title sometimes difficult to prepare the for an exceptionally hot summer! > Visa requirements local population, supposed to be The puppet show told the tale of working together with the > Health requirements & vaccination global warming on a local level, and workcamp participants. The NGO > First aid kit & emergency numbers how rising seas would affect not only has to act as a mediator between the wildlife but also the human > Communication participants and local people to inhabitants of the Broads. Also avoid disaffirmation and scepticism. > Tourist guides & contact address. included were suggestions the > It is advisable to accompany the audience could take away to reduce participants during the Summer fossil fuel emissions, for instance Camp. At the beginning of the Nutmeg Puppet Show tour of turning down heating and cycling Camp, the participants should get the Broads instead of using the car. an introduction in the field of work Rachael Miller, Broads Authority The annual tour of the Nutmeg and the project area. At the end of Puppet show has a strong local the camp, all work activities should Every year the Broads Authority following and provides a good way be carried out as they were organises a programme of public for the Broads Authority to interact planned. It means a great benefit events called ‘Fun in the Broads’ to with local communities. Nearly 2,000 for your organisation, and the encourage understanding and people saw the ‘Heatwave!’ show young people feel that their enjoyment of the Broads. The events during its three week August Tour. participation was reasonable. programme includes walking, sailing Using puppetry and drama to explain and canoeing. The Nutmeg Puppet > During the Summer Camp you often complex ecological problems Show tour of the Broads has become should offer a mix of work, cultural or environmental conflicts to a non- an integral part of this programme. activities and leisure time. The specialist audience has proved participants are also interested in The puppet shows have evolved amazingly successful. The shows, discovering the host country and during the long-running working as part of the wider events the surroundings of the Camp relationship between the Broads programme also provide an important area. On weekends, day trips to Authority and Nutmeg Puppet addition to local tourism, which is the historic sites or other places of Company. The theme of the annual main industry in the area.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 113 11 Management: Structure, Documen
Management: A permanent environmental > Relevant studies and analyses Structure, committee should co-ordinate the (water, bird counts etc.) various initiatives. Team work is > Public Relation work scheme Documentation, essential and cannot be emphasised Communication enough and the committee must > Reports on Public Relation consist of people sufficiently measures. motivated to ensure success. If All staff members should have Once targets and procedures have outside businesses and NGOs can access to this information, preferably been established for the be drawn into the plan it will likely in the form of a handbook. Someone participation of all interested parties increase the potential for creative must be appointed and made and a plan of action has been ideas and more ambitious targets. responsible for the updating of all decided upon the situation must be However the number of committee records and information. avoided where participants sit back members should be kept as low as > Staff training and allow the projects to become possible in the interests of efficiency. moribund. It is essential to keep the The action of staff directly influences The environmental team must act in projects alive and to this end the the environment where they work an advisory capacity co-ordinated organisation needs to keep a check and can have a positive or negative by management. This task should be by asking for regular reports and effect. Well trained employees are to elaborate on the action plan, arrange periodic meetings with the more motivated and will make better modify where necessary and see to role players in order to ensure decisions. Management should the carrying out of functions. They results and make modification where emphasise the importance of good should supply and interpret necessary. training for its field staff and insist on information for the internal audit and good communication. Competent management saves time monitor the situation. Their meetings, and money so it is important to make which must be held 1 - 2 times a Management should clearly define use of any existing organisation that year, must be minuted. who is responsible for the can be integrated into the new plan dissemination of information to the > Communication and and create an efficient operation. staff and how it should be relayed. documentation Management must also appoint a It is known from experience that field suitably qualified trainer and see that Key elements for management workers do not devote much time to all staff review suitable training for > Leadership and management writing reports and keeping records. their tasks. representation For this reason management should > External communication Responsible leadership creates res- keep its documentation to the Depending upon available funds ponsible management so the leader minimum while making it as informa- there are many ways of spreading should have the necessary know- tive as possible. Records should information. The official responsible ledge and authority to ensure that however be explicit showing by for news releases must be clearly discussions are carried out in accor- whom, for whom, when it was identified to the public and be dance with the management plan. produced and where it can be found. A simple and complete index will always available to answer queries, Detailed job descriptions for the help efficiency and contribute to accept recommendations and field various participants are essential to transparency. Environmental data any problems and objections that ensure the implementation of the comprises: need to be dealt with. action plan. > Environmental texts of laws and There must be regular reports regulations between the members and the management. The leader and > Legal documents such as licences organiser of the Environmental > Reports, files and plans Management System (EMAS) should > Instructions be obliged to carry out an internal audit at regular intervals and keep > Minutes of all meetings management advised of the results. > Reports of management > Management Environmental Team representation
114 tation, Communication >>
Relationship between the Broads Plan, legislation, strategies and plans (Broads Plan 2004)
Statutory Legislation Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act DEFRA / Countryside (international and national) 1988 Agency guidance
District Plans and Strategies Regional Plans and Strategies e.g. BROADS PLAN > Regional Economic Community Strategies Statutory strategy and Developmant Strategy managenent plan District Local Development > Regional Planning Guidance/ Documents Regional Spatial Strategy 20-year aims > Regional Environmental Strategy 5-year objektives > Regional Tourism Strategy Broads Local Development > Regional Transport Strategy Documents supported by > Biodiversity Action Plans Forward planning, > Joint Statement of Intent to development control 5-year Co-operate between the and land use policies Protected Areas of the East of ACTION PLAN England and Local, Regional and National Government
Broads Strategies e.g. > Landscape Character Assessment > Broads Natural Area Profile > Drained Marshes Strategy > Fen Management Strategy > Rivers and Broads Strategy > Broads Flood Alleviation Strategic Environmental Assesment > Norfolk Coast AONB Management Plan
Broads Authority Business Plan Annual financial plan for implementing Broads Action Plan
Broads Authority Best Value Performance Plan Annual performance plan, with targets for improvement, plan of action and bid for government funding (audited)
Broads Authority Corporate Performance Review Review of all services every 3-5 years (audited)
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 115 12 Participation and Communication
Participation and and communal level but also for the successful management of a Communication wetland or lake. The management plan must contain a structure for the "Sustainable development is not just incorporation of citizens and about the environment, it is about the stakeholders as well as a structure future of society as a whole. for efficient information to the public. Stakeholder participation in Upper Swabia Sustainable development is not just Communication and participation the responsibility of a small group of are very much related. Before people or institutions. It is the making any decision or an qualified responsibility of us all“. With this input - whether on a personal basis „Sustainable appeal Environmental Commissioner or on behalf of the company or local Margot Wallström opened the Green development is not just authority - citizens need to have the Week 2004 in Brussels. right information. Information that about the environment, it Environment is still an important covers the issue from all different issue of the civic society. According angles and that offers all possible is about the future of to a Eurobarometer survey of 2003 solutions. Only then they can make the most important fears of the an informed choice. society as a whole. Europeans were: Sustainable development > 79% threats and violence Local Agenda 21 > 66% health is not just the Local Agenda 21 is the name of an > 65% unemployment action plan for sustainable urban/ responsibility of a small > 56% poverty and social exclusion communal development which is established and implemented by the > 48% drugs group of people or local authorities in co-operation with > 46% damage to the environment the different local actors. According institutions. It is the > 40% non respect of human rights. to chapter 28 of Agenda 21, the global initiative for sustainable responsibility of us all.“ But how can environmental rights of development which was adopted citizens such as the right to clean air, during the UN Conference on Margot Wallström drinkable water or biodiversity be Environment and Development covered? How can citizens be more (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, involved in policy-making? all local authorities in each country Answers to these questions are not should be encouraged to implement only crucial at European, national Agenda 21.
Citizens' concerns regarding environment
60
50 40 1999 30 1995 20 1992 10 0 Green Air Tap water space Noise Waste Landscape pollution Traffic
Source: EU DG Environment
116 >>
During the past 10 years cities and crucial for a good local Agenda 21 Water management and communities have established work process participation groups on the topics traffic, Agenda 21 goals and approaches Article 14 of the EU Water construction, living, education, should be integrated into the Framework Directive requires that consumerism, etc. where common management plan for the wetland Member States encourage the active targets and project proposals for the and lake. If there are already active involvement of all interested parties future of the city or community are Agenda 21 groups in the region, in the implementation of the developed by representatives from then they should actively participate Directive. Member States are the local government, local enterprises, in the implementation and further required to carry out public associations and private households. development of the management plan. information and consultation in the Competent moderation of all initiatives development, review and updating of Further information: http://www.un.org/ from the parties involved (work groups, esa/sustdev/documents/agenda21/ River Basin Management Plans professional process management by index.htm (RBMPs). This includes access to the local government and continuing http://www.unep.org/Documents/ background documents and incorporation of all local Boards - www.agenda21.de (German) information used for the Town and Municipal Council) is development of the draft plan.
Information Aarhus Convention
The Aarhus Convention (1998) early stage in environmental States of the European Union to establishes a number of rights of decision-making. Arrangements have their legislation in place at the public (citizens and their are to be made by public the latest by 14 February 2005. associations) with regard to the authorities to enable citizens and Directive 2003/35/EC aligns environment. Public authorities (at environmental organisations to Community legislation with the national, regional or local level) comment on, for example, provisions of the Århus Convention are to contribute to allowing these proposals for projects affecting on public participation. The rights to become effective. The the environment, or plans and Directive updates provisions on Convention provides for programmes relating to the public participation in the > The right of everyone to receive environment, these comments to permitting procedures at national environmental information that is be taken into due account in level under legislation on held by public authorities decision-making, and information environmental impact assessment (access to environmental to be provided on the final and integrated pollution prevention information). This can include decisions and the reasons for it and control, and it introduces rules information on the state of the (public participation in on access to justice. Furthermore, environment, but also on policies environmental decision-making). it contains rules on public or measures taken, or on the > The right to challenge, in a court participation in the preparation of a state of human health and safety of law, public decisions that have number of environmental plans where this can be affected by the been made without respecting and programmes under Directives state of the environment. Citizens the two aforementioned rights or on waste, air pollution and protection are entitled to obtain this environmental law in general of waters against nitrate pollution. information within one month of (access to justice). Member States are obliged to adopt the request and without having to The main instrument to align their laws and other provisions to say why they require it. In Community legislation with the comply with this Directive by 25 addition, public authorities are provisions of the Århus Convention June 2005 at the latest. obliged, under the Convention, on public access to environmental In addition, the Commission has to actively disseminate information is the Directive adopted a proposal for a Directive environmental information in 2003/4/EC on public access to to fully address the requirements of their possession. environmental information. This that Convention on access to > The right to participate from an new Directive obliges the Member justice in environmental matters.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 117 12 Participation and Communication
Example Stakeholder forum Nestos
Hans Jerrentrup, EPO > Prefectural Tourism Committee comprises: Biotope and Water Up to now in Greece top to bottom (tourism service providers) Management, Restoration, processes in administration are > EOT (Greek National Tourism Agricultural Extensification and rather common and do not usually Organisation) Sustainable Tourism/Visitor Ma- involve the public. In the frame of nagement. The two stakeholders, > Local Authority of Hrysoupolis working groups met on a regular the LIFE project it was decided to and Keramoti work with round tables to multiply basis in order to review and refine the involvement of stakeholders > Agricultural co-operatives the draft. into the project and its benefits > Hotel and tourism association of The Working Group on Agriculture, from the measures in a step-by- Kavala. Nature and Water Management - step strategy. The stakeholder under the auspices of AENAK and groups that were identified to Working groups EPO developed the agricultural participate in the procedure for the Two working groups were installed: past of the management plan with management plan should be one to discuss the wetland and the aim to agree on voluntary capable of informing and involving agricultural issues and a second measures to support the a broad public as well as following group to discuss the tourism- extensification and foster a long- crucial target groups: related issues. The tasks and term improvement of agriculture > Development Agency AENAK objectives of the working groups and to ensure the environmental (civil servants) are defined as follows: quality of the area. > Prefecture of Kavala > Discussion of the measures in The Tourism Working Group (communities, mayors and the the LIFE Environment Programme developed the part regarding public) ENV/D/000351 tourism development of the area. > Department of Agriculture of the > Management plan and maps After a reviewing phase of the prefecture of Kavala written proposals and comments of > Proposals for collaboration > Department of Livestock (farmers the different stakeholders the final > Guidelines for activities and cattle dealers) management plan for the selected > Recommendations for actions Nestos areas has to be approved > Department for Fisheries and for the government (in the and will be signed at a public event. (fishermen and traders) tourism sector also the investors). The awareness raising and > Department of the Environment Within the LIFE project, the project participatory processes for the (wardens and landowners) partner EPO in cooperation with management plan contributed to > Forest Service of Kavala AENAK developed a draft the improvement of the (forest owners and hunters) management plan for four of the communication between > Fisheries Research Institute Nestos lakes and the Vassova and authorities, NGOs and the local (INALE) Erateino Lagoons. The draft population.
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While public participation is a funda- Regular newsletter, lectures, The management’s ultimate ambition mental part of the WFD, there are exhibitions, interviews, articles in must be complete and clear additional legal tools citizens and trade magazines, etc. information to the public. Glossaries NGOs can use to ensure they are of technical terms, graphics, photos, > Who should be involved in the involved, including the ‘Convention on these elements help raise interest elaboration and further development Access to Information, Public and understanding. Have your notes of the management plan? Participation in Decision-Making and and reports written or at least Access to Justice in Environmental Representatives of the relevant corrected by a journalist. Meanwhile Matters’ (Aarhus, 25 June 1998), economical sectors, local there are a lot of methods to involve which has been partially ‘transformed’ administrations, private environmental citizens and stakeholders. An into a set of EU Directives. organisations and other NGOs experienced moderator may play an To meet the requirements of the EU > How should they be involved? important role and prove a good investment. A short questionnaire Water Framework Directive they Working groups or other forums, with questions on the information must be brought down to local level; timetable, additional possibilities for content of the event, moderation, that means to the area for which a feedback management plan should be worked discussion offer etc. should be > What happens with the results of out and implemented. displayed. Encourage citizens and the participatory involvement? stakeholders to send you a feedback Questions which have to be clarified Only if you are well informed will you and handle them with care. within the scope of the management have a say. Often scientists and See also chapter 11: Management plan: experts are not able to convey their structure, documentation and > Who is going to inform and how? widespread knowledge to the public. communication.
Stakeholder meeting in Greece
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 119 13 Monitoring and Evaluation >>
Monitoring and > Design issues about the context Evaluation - A cyclical and planning of a site; > The adequacy and Process appropriateness of inputs and
Dr Michael Green, Broads Authority management processes; and > The delivery of management Effective management objectives in terms of outputs and outcomes. Management is a cyclical process involving planning, allocation of Assessments of planning and inputs resources, implementation, are concerned principally with the monitoring and evaluation, and economics of management, those of feedback. Monitoring and evaluation processes with efficiency and those is crucial to effective management of outputs and outcomes with because it ensures that: effectiveness. Each of these stages is considered in Table 1. > The management body is held accountable to its stakeholders Consideration of all stages in the Water quality monitoring > Management is adapted, as management cycle is important but, necessary, in order to address although often the most resource changing circumstances, be they intensive, evaluating outcomes provides the most meaningful Consideration of all new knowledge, priorities, threats or opportunities and measure of management effective- stages in the ness. For example, restocking a > Lessons are learnt to improve water body with fish may achieve the future management planning. management cycle is objective of increasing the population Management involves six distinct of fish-eating birds but, depending important but, although stages. Its evaluation involves on the species of fish re-introduced, examining: might result in a less desirable often the most resource intensive, evaluating Context: status and threats outcomes provides the Where are we now ? most meaningful measure Planning Outcome Where do we want to be of management What did we achieve ? and how will we get there ? effectiveness.
Evaluation
Output What did we do and what products or services Inputs were produced ? What do we need ?
Management Process How do we go about it ?
Management cycle and its evaluation (Source: Hockings et al., 2000)
120 Framework for assessing management effectiveness (Hockings et al., 2000) (Table 1)
Management stage Description of assessment
Assessment of the importance of the site and status of its features, the broad Context: status and threats legal and policy environment to which it is subject, and threats and opportunities facing it.
Assessment focused on the appropriateness of national legislation and policy, the design of the site in terms of the integrity and status of the Planning resource, and the more detailed management plan and objectives that may affect achievement of the vision planned for the site.
Assessment of the adequacy of resources in relation to management Inputs objectives, based primarily on measures of staff, funds, equipment and facilities.
Assessment of the suitability and adequacy of management processes, Management process mechanisms and systems to deliver the management objectives for the site. Assessment of the extent to which actions have been implemented and Outputs targets achieved.
Outcomes Assessment of the extent to which management has been successful in terms of objectives being achieved.
outcome of higher algal densities, > The outcomes of big programmes Monitoring and evaluating beyond reduced water clarity and a and expenditures on management. boundaries consequent decline in aquatic plant Indicators for measuring The integrity of wetlands is populations. management effectiveness should particularly dependent on their being meet the following criteria: fed with adequate supplies of good Use of indicators > Have an unambiguous, quality water, which, in turn, is a It is not practical or even possible to predictable and verifiable consequence of land management, measure directly all the attributes relationship to the attribute being water abstraction and water discharge that relate to the management of a assessed practices within the catchment. site and, therefore, it is necessary to Thus, management authorities > Be sensitive to change in the select a number of representative should consider developing some attribute being assessed indicators. These should be chosen indicators that reflect the environ- on the basis of their ability to provide > Reflect enduring environmental mental status of the catchment within information about: change across the site which a wetland is located.
> The extent to which key manage- > Reflect changes and processes of Who should be involved? ment objectives are being achieved significance to management > The condition of the most > Reflect changes at spatial and Can a manager responsible for a site significant conservation values temporal scales of relevance to assess the effectiveness of its (natural and cultural) management management objectively? While every manager has a responsibility > The level or extent of perceived > Be cost-effective in terms of data for continually evaluating their area threats, pressures or risks to collection, analysis and of responsibility, there are benefits in significant values interpretation involving others from within and > The resolution of important, > Be simple to measure and interpret outside the management authority. complex or controversial > Be able to be collected, analysed As a rule, long-term monitoring and management issues and reported in a timely fashion. evaluation programmes should give
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 121 13 Monitoring and Evaluation >>
a central role to staff, involve developed by the World Commission the monitoring and evaluation. This partners (both statutory and non- on Protected Areas. Each action will approach adds credibility to the governmental organisations) and be rated in terms of being: not independence of the evaluation; and provide opportunities for local started, in progress or completed it provides a mechanism for sharing community participation. (Table 2). and learning from successes and failures among partners. Case Study: Monitoring and A core set of performance indicators evaluating implementation of the is under development to monitor Broads Plan progress towards the 20-year aims (outcomes), some of which are The Broads national park illustrated in Table 3. A number of management plan comprises a these indicators have the potential to Strategic Plan, based on a set of 20- be used at a landscape and/or year aims, and a supporting Action catchment scale. This is particularly Plan with 5-year objectives (Broads important given the dependence of Authority, 2004). Costed actions from the Broads as a wetland on its the Action Plan are incorporated in catchment. Others have the potential the annual Business Plan according to reflect economic and social to their respective priorities and values, both within the national park availability of resources. and beyond its boundaries. Implementation of the Broads Plan Responsibility for some of the will be monitored in terms of inputs monitoring falls within the remit of and outputs through the annual other organisations, including some business planning process and within the non-governmental and evaluated in terms of outcomes by corporate sectors (Table 3). This means of a set of indicators. reinforces the partnership approach Progress with the 143 actions to managing the Broads. The Broads (outputs) in the Action Plan will be Authority is in the process of monitored according to a simplified establishing a representative panel version of the status codes of partner organisations to oversee
System for rating implementation of actions in the Broads 5-year Action Plan, adapted from (Table 2) WCPA status codes (Hockings et al.)
WCPA status code Implementation of actions Broads Plan status code
Not started Not started
Reactive work only
Planning in progress
Policy/planning complete In progress
Planning complete: work started
Substantial progress
Completed Completed
122 Potential performance indicators for evaluating outcomes of the Broads Plan (Table 3)
Outcome Potential performance indicator Monitoring agency
Living landscapes > A long-term vision for the Broads is > Sustainability of vision > Broads Authority developed. > Degree of consensus among stakeholders > Extent and percentage of flood plain maintained as open water, fen, grazing marsh or open space > Broads Authority > The character of the Broads landscape > Rural Development is maintained. > Extent and percentage voluntary uptake of Environmental Stewardship schemes within the Broads Service and its catchment > A planning policy framework that is > Percentage of appeals against planning decisions that socially, economically and are upheld by Planning Inspector > Broads Authority environmentally sustainable is > Percentage of new homes built on previously > Broads Authority developed and implemented. developed land
> Flooding is managed. > Number of properties damaged by flooding > Environment Agency Water, habitats and wildlife > ‘Good’ status for all water bodies, in line > Percentage of length of rivers and of number of broads with the European Water Framework > Environment Agency in ‘good’ status within the Broads and its catchment Directive, is achieved. > Percentage of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in > Biodiversity is conserved and enhanced. > English Nature favourable condition within the Broads and its catchment
> Fens are managed sustainably in > Total area of fen under appropriate management > Broads Authority ecological and economic terms. Tourism and recreation > Risks associated with boating are ‘Low as > Number of incidents resulting in serious injury or death Reasonably Possible’ and boats meet > Broads Authority per year minimum safety standards. > Mean number of weeks per year that cruisers are > Broads Hire Boat > The boating holidays industry provides a hired quality service that is economically Federation > Percentage of hire boats accredited under Quality sustainable. > Broads Authority Grading Scheme > Percentage of boats that meet a set of criteria > The design and use of boats causes concerning wash, exhaust emissions, noise etc. > Broads Authority minimal damage to the environment. > Percentage of boats violating speed limits, based on > Broads Authority standard monitoring > Percentage of public rights of way easily accessible to > Appropriate forms of good access to > Broads Authority land and water are available for all to the public > Broads Authority enjoy the Broads. > Length of footpaths accessible to those with disabilities
> Visitor services, facilities and associated > Number of catering establishments accredited under infrastructure meet minimum quality > Unicorn Tourism the Broads Quality Charter standards. Understanding the Broads
> The Broads is well known as a national > Percentage of residents and visitors aware of Broads’ park and its purposes are understood > Broads Authority by all sectors of society, including young national park status, based on standard monitoring > Broads Authority people, those from urban areas, ethnic > Composition of visitors to the Broads minorities, and those with disabilities.
> Stakeholders, including partner > Number of organisations and community groups organisations, local communities and the > Broads Authority actively implementing Broads Plan public, are engaged with the Authority.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 123 13 Monitoring and Evaluation >>
Information Evaluation system for lakeshore conservation
Professional evaluation system A better integration between water as well as from concepts for the for lakeshore conservation and management and conservation evaluation of trophic status and water body protection objectives is urgently required. A from the evaluation of
Survey of the Arbeitsgruppe Bodenseeufer stronger commitment of nature hydromorphologic status of running (AGBU) for Lake Constance Foundation and conservation, and here in particular waters. GNF, Radolfzell also more involvement of the private > Realization of public participation conservation sector on regional during the implementation of the The shore and the shallow water and local levels in the WFD on Lake Constance zone is the most diverse, and at the implementation process of the WFD The earliest possible participation same time, the most endangered should be achieved. The aim is to of interested parties in the part of the ecosystem of Lake increase the involvement of implementation process of the WFD Constance. Here the conflict conservation objectives in all can have positive effects on the between protection and the implementation steps, starting with quality of status surveys and interests of users is particularly survey and evaluation as well as monitoring programmes. Public great. As a result, it is also a major monitoring of water bodies. participation can be access to focus of interest for water pollution > Development of an evaluation background information for the control and nature conservation. procedure for lakeshores on the "wider public“ and "interested Since the 1960s the work of water basis of the WFD-concept parties“, consultation of "interested pollution control has focussed on In water pollution control there are parties“ (=the lowest level), and the reduction of the over-fertilisation many multimetric, water body type- active involvement of "interested of the lake. The declaration of specific evaluation procedures, parties“ (=higher level). "Interested protection areas in the shore zone which are currently being parties“ are not only professional was the major focus of nature developed and tested. They use the organisations from the public sector conservation. In the last years a potential close-to-natural condition (e.g. NGOs) and the private sector change of circumstances has as a reference, and the multimetric (economic and industry groups, become apparent. This is distance between the as-is- research institutions), but also local, characterised by the fact that the condition and the reference as an non-professionally organised free water body has been evaluation measurement. However, groups with locally bound interests. successfully restored, as a result of evaluation methods used for The advantages of increased public new guidelines from the EU, but riverine and lakeshore wetlands, participation may occur on a wide also through the continuing should be incorporated into this scale on national level and on the intensification of use of the structure, as far as this is level of river catchment areas as lakeshore zone. advantageous for the mutual well as on regional level of partial This survey investigates and interests of water management and catchment areas and river basin presents the overall importance of conservation. Integrative districts. the lakeshore zone for nature environmental protection is needed, An important first step for a better conservation and water pollution and synergies, which can arise co-operation between all nature control in light of the EU Water through the evaluation of water protection organisations active Framework Directive (WFD) and the bodies in practice, justify the efforts. around Lake Constance could be Natural Habitats Directive or the The WFD and its CIS-guidance the joint formulation and Natura 2000 network system. documents offer a wide-reaching, implementation of a lakeshore Final recommendations of the integrative approach. However, in evaluation procedure. survey are: view of the special features of the lake shore zone they are not Further information: > Integration of the objectives of detailed enough. Status description www.bodensee-ufer.de professional nature conservation and evaluation systems for the and water pollution control lakeshore can benefit from the conceptual guidelines of the WFD,
124 Natural shallow water zones belong to the most important development goals for Lake Constance
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 125 14 Project Partners and Supporters
Project Partners and in the Lake Constance region since (including biomanipulation of fish 1994. It deals with issues like populations), fens and grazing Supporters organic agriculture, transportation, marshes and provides this sustainable tourism, visitor knowledge to the project. It carried management and restoration of out two training courses in the Germany, Lake Constance rivers. The Lake Constance Broads in June 2002 and April 2004. Lake Constance is located between Foundation contributes knowledge The Broads Authority Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It gained from their own experiences 18 Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 is the second largest freshwater lake in the field of extensive farming, 1BQ, Great Britain in Central Europe with a surface tourism, visitor management and Ph +44-1603-610734 2 area of 540 km and a maximum sewage treatment and carried out Fax +44-1603-765710 depth of 252 m. 2.2 million people two training courses at Lake E-mail: [email protected] live, work and relax in the Lake Constance in May 2002 and June www.broads-authority.gov.uk Constance region and up to 4.5 2004. million people are dependent on Bodensee-Stiftung Spain, Lagunas La Nava and Lake Constance drinking water. Paradiesstrasse 13, 78462 Konstanz, Boada Germany The lagoons La Nava and Boada are Ph +49 7531 90 98-0 Fax +49 7531 90 98-77 shallow steppe lakes located in E-mail: [email protected] north-western Spain on the Tierra de www.bodensee-stiftung.org Campos Plateau near Palencia. GNF - Project co-ordination They cover an area of about 4 km2, Global Nature Fund (GNF) is an Great Britain, The Norfolk and but most of the water evaporates in international non-governmental and Suffolk Broads summer, leaving behind big pastures for grazing livestock. After decades non-profit organisation, registered in The Broads National Park, located of drainage the Fundación Global Berlin, Germany. GNF was founded about 200 km north-east of London, Nature started to revitalise a part of in 1998 and with it the Living Lakes is one of Britain’s finest wetlands with the completely dried out Laguna La network. A principal task of the a surface area of about 300 km2. The Nava in the beginning of the 1990s, foundation is the co-ordination of National Park consists of shallow whereas Laguna Boada was Living Lakes, an international lakes, the Broads, interconnected by restored in 1998. The wetland network for the protection of lakes rivers, and associated wetland complex La Nava and Boada mean- and wetlands and sustainable habitats and is one of Europe’s most while has become a very important development in the lake regions. popular inland waterways. In terms nature reserve and resting place for of staying visitors, there are around Global Nature Fund migratory birds. International Foundation for one million trips to the Broads and a Environment and Nature further 1.3 million trips made by day
Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4, D-78315 Radolfzell, visitors. supported by Germany Ph +49 7732 99 95-80 Fax +49 7732 99 95-88 E-mail: [email protected] www.livingwetlands.org; www.livinglakes.org; Fundación Global Nature - Project www.globalnature.org Broads Authority - Project partner Partner The Broads Authority is the statutory The Fundación was founded in 1994 agency for the Norfolk and Suffolk and works in the protection and Broads National Park, responsible restoration of habitats and species in for the conservation and management Spain and the exchange of experience Bodensee-Stiftung - Project partner of the National Park, local planning with organisations in South and and navigation. The Broads Authority Middle America. Fundación Global The Bodensee-Stiftung (Lake has expertise and 20 years' Nature co-ordinates projects to Constance Foundation) in Germany experience in the restoration and protect the dehesas (oak forest) in has been working on demonstration management of shallow lakes Extremadura, the tortuga mora turtle projects for sustainable development
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in Murcia or the restoration of the Greece, The Nestos Lakes and Wetland Centre and regional Villacañas wetlands in Castilla La Lagoons authorities and has organised and Mancha. It runs the La Nava The 18 small Nestos Lakes and 8 carried out many long-term seminars Information Centre "Centro de Estudios brackish Lagoons are part of the and environmental education projects. Ambientales Tierra de Campos“. The large Nestos Delta, located in north- EPO-Society for Protection of Nature Fundación Global Nature was east Greece, about 200 km to the and Ecodevelopment responsible for the co-ordination of east of Thessaloniki. The Nestos PO Box 124 the measures in the project area La Lakes lie within a 200 km2 complex GR-64200 Hrysoupolis, Greece Nava and Boada in Spain. Ph +30-2591-023 144 mosaic that includes wetlands, dry Fax +30-2591-047 009 Fundación Global Nature meadows, hedges, small E-mail: [email protected] Corro del Postigo, 1, E-34337 Mediterranean bush forests, and Fuentes de Nava, Palencia, Spain small-scale agricultural fields. The Ph +34-979-84 23 98 lakes and wetlands of the Nestos Fax +34-979 84 23 99 Valley have survived thousands of E-mail:[email protected] www.fundacionglobalnature.org years of human history, but now are AENAK - Project partner confronting unprecedented challenges, primarily from industrial The Development Agency of the methods of agriculture, careless Prefecture of Kavala (AENAK) is waste, and governmental neglect. actively involved in the installation of Selected by the Government of the buffer zones, the elaboration of Fuentes de Nava - Project partner Greece two decades ago for the management plan and the The community of Fuentes de Nava recognition as a Wetland of Internati- dissemination of the project results. owns the parts of the area at the La onal Importance under the Ramsar Development Agency of the Prefecture Nava lagoon where the restoration treaty. of Kavala (AENAK) S.A. measures were carried out. The Ethnikis Antistaseos 20 community was actively involved in Prefecture of Kavala supported by the installation of the buffer zones, P.O. Box 1392, GR-65110 Kavala, the elaboration of the management Greece Ph +30 - 2510-291284, 291285 plan and the dissemination of the Fax +30 - 2510-291286 project results. Hellas E-mail: [email protected] Ayuntamiento de Fuentes de Nava EPO - Project partner Mayor Plaza Calvo Sotelo, 1 E-34337 Fuentes de Nava, Spain EPO, the Society for the Protection of The project is co-financed by the Ph +34-979-84 24 11 Nature and Ecodevelopment is European Union: responsible for the local co-ordination and implementation of the demonstration project in Greece. EPO was founded in 1988 in EU LIFE Programme, DG Environ- Hrysoupolis (Kavala District, Greece) Boada de Campos - Project partner ment and is a non-governmental nature The small community Boada de conservation organisation. EPO has The European LIFE Programme (the Campos is owner of the area of the worked in the Nestos area since financial instrument for the Boada wetland. The community was 1988 on sustainable management of environment) co-finances actively involved in the installation of wetlands and lakes, environmental environmental initiatives in the the buffer zones, the elaboration of education and ecodevelopment. European Union and certain third the management plan, the This includes issues like eco- countries bordering on the development of the interpretation tourism, ecological farming and Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea, trail and the dissemination of the monitoring of fauna and flora. and in central and east European project results. accession candidate countries. EPO has collaborated in many Ayuntamiento de Boada de Campos studies and activities with the Greek Mayor, Plaza José Antonio, 1 Ministry for Environment, the Ministry E-34305, Boada de Campos, Spain Ph +34-979-11 80 08 of Youth, the Greek Biotope and
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 127 14 Project Partners and Supporters
Advisory Board Prof Aitken Clark Commission, among other posts, (Vice President of BTCV, England and Vice and most recently with the Station The Advisory Board helped to guide President of GNF) Biologique de la Tour du Valat in the project, through evaluation of the Arles, France. progress of the project together with He graduated in Architecture and the project team, provision of advice, Urban and Regional planning and Dr Argyris Kallianiotis relevant information and additional researched in Government and (Fishery Institute INALE, Greece) contacts, as well as to raise the Administration at LSE. Practised profile of the project through their Architecture in London and He is a Biologist (Ichtyologist) with a respective institutions and networks. Cambridge. Moved to academic 20-year experience on mainly positions in England and Italy for ten fishery related objectives. Starting Members of the Advisory Board: years. Returned to England to help from 1982 he was fisheries supervisor, responsible for fisheries Prof Dr Gerhard Thielcke build a team to engage in the activities in the port of Kavala, N.E. (Honorary President of GNF, Germany) restoration and management of the Broads, now Britain’s Wetland Greece and lecturer in practical After finishing his PhD in Zoology in National Park. Former President of training courses for fish skippers. Freiburg he lectured in Behavioural the Federation of Nature and Natio- After 1990 he obtained a position as Physiology, Human Ecology and nal Parks of Europe and Chairman of a senior scientist in fisheries research Environmental Conservation at the the European Habitats Forum. programmes on demersal fish stock University of Constance. For 29 Currently Vice President GNF, a Vice assessment, gear technology and years he did research on bird voices, President BTCV, Chairman Europarc fish resources management, projects evolution and the fundaments of Consulting and a member of IUCN’s carried out by the Laboratory of environmental conservation at the World Commission on Protected Areas. Fishery Research (University of Max-Planck-Institute. He is one of the Crete) and by the Institute of Marine founders of the Bund für Umwelt und Dr Tobias Salathé Biology of Crete. Since 1995 he is Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND - (Senior Advisor of the Ramsar-Convention director of the Fishery Research Bureau, Switzerland) German Federation for Environment Institute of NAGREF, responsible of and Conservation). He is also He received his MSc and PhD from Fisheries Resources Department. In Honorary President of the Deutsche Basle University and has worked the last 10 years he has been Umwelthilfe (DUH - German with ICBP (now BirdLife Internatio- responsible of research projects Environmental Aid). nal) and DG XI of the European concerning to the exploitation of
Living Lakes Project Supporters
Living Lakes Global Partner Living Lakes supported by
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Training course at Lake Constance 2004: Prof Thielcke explaining the restoration project at the river Aach
fishery resources and the lagoon manegement. numerous publications and studies development of the fishery sector in about the inventory, evaluation and Dr Santos Cirujano various Greek locations. monitoring of Mediterranean (CSIC Real Jardin Botánico Madrid, Spain) He is the director of the State wetlands. He is an expert in aquatic plants and Fisheries Research Centre INALE in wetland vegetation and author of Xanthi, Greece and an expert in
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 129 15 Living Lakes - An international Par
Living Lakes Members & Associates
Member Lakes
1 60,000 humans share the 6 The Pantanal, situated in the 12 Lake Balaton, a famous resort Columbia River Wetlands in heart of South America, is the area in Hungary is also home for Canada with 100,000 mammals world’s largest wetland. some 250 species of birds. such as grizzly bear and elk. 7 Mar Chiquita in Argentina is a 13 The Milicz Ponds in Poland, 2 Mono Lake, located in the breeding place for up to 50,000 made by monks in the Middle Californian desert, is threatened pairs of the Chile flamingo. Ages, are a paradise for birds. by excessive diversion of water 8 The British Norfolk and Suffolk 14 The Greek Nestos Lakes and from its tributaries to the Broads are a prime example for Lagoons are characterised by metropolis Los Angeles. the restoration of lakes exposed their outstanding biodiversity. 3 Lake Chapala in Mexico is in to eutrophication. 15 Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda extreme danger of disappearing, 9 Years ago the Spanish steppe share Lake Victoria. It is indeed having lost about three-quarters lake La Nava was drained. Africa’s largest freshwater oasis of its volume due to irrational Thanks to our Spanish partners it having a surface area as large human activity. is a living lake again. as 68,800 km2. 4 Laguna Fúquene is a shallow 10 Five million people drink the 16 Eco-tourism creates jobs in the water lake situated in the water of Lake Constance Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, Colombian Andes at an altitude (Germany, Austria and South Africa’s oldest nature of 2,500 m. Switzerland). The idea of the reserve. 5 Lake Titicaca is the second solar boat originated from here. 17 No other lake in Turkey is largest lake in South America 11 Lake Peipsi connected by the covered with so many waterlilies and the world’s highest Emajõgi river with Lake Võrtsjärv as Lake Uluabat. navigable lake, lying at 3,810 m in Estonia, is the largest trans- 18 The Dead Sea, 417 m below sea above sea level. boundary lake in Europe shared level, is in severe danger of by Estonia and Russia. drying up.
130 rtnership for the Protection of Lakes and Wetlands >>
19 The Kazakh steppe Lake Tengiz untreated sewage of the 6 Labanoras Regional Park, is the last intact steppe lake in metropolis Manila. Lithuania the whole world. 24 The Indonesian Mahakam Lakes 7 Lake Uvs, Mongolia 20 Lake Baikal world’s deepest lake are the home of the very rare 8 Pulicat Lake, India and "pearl of Siberia“, is the Irrawaddy freshwater Dolphin. home of the Baikal seal. 9 Lake Maduganga and Madampe Lake, Sri Lanka 21 The basin of Lake Poyang is one of China’s most important rice- Associated Partner Lakes 10 Lake Bolgoda, Sri Lanka producing regions and a 1 Kolindsund Wetlands, Denmark wintering place for the remarkable Siberian Crane. 2 Lago Enriquillo and Lac Azuéi, Dominican Republic and Haiti Living Lakes Honorary Member 22 Every year 24 million tourists visit 1 An enigmatic Lake Vostok 3 Lake Sapanca, Turkey Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. buried 4 km under the ice of 4 Salobrar de Campos, Majorca, Spain 23 The largest lake of the Antarctica is the Honorary Philippines, Laguna de Bay, is 5 Mindelsee, Germany member of the Living Lakes highly threatened by the network.
Living Lakes - An > Permanent protection of natural providing financial support from international Partner- resources and lake watersheds international conservation > Environmentally friendly economic programmes. ship for the Protection activities and structures Living Lakes partners will actively of Lakes and Wetlands > Co-operation among citizens, non- participate in a diverse programme governmental organizations, of mutual support. Examples include government authorities, and the following: Living Lakes is an international businesses. > Exchanging environmentally network and partnership whose Bridge building to overcome the friendly technology for use by mission is to enhance the protection, geographic and the stakeholder co- businesses and others restoration and rehabilitation of operation gaps is the underlying lakes, wetlands and other freshwater > Sharing information and idea of the Living Lakes initiative. bodies world wide including their experience in raising awareness The overall intent of the International catchment areas. The Living Lakes of the need for lake protection Lake Network is to prepare the network was introduced in 1998 by > Helping to secure financial and ground for an on-going and sustain- the Global Nature Fund, a non-profit other support for lake programmes able international dialogue and co- NGO working for environmental and operation between all private and protection. The partnership promotes public stakeholders involved in > International political support for voluntary, international collaboration water issues. Objectives are to water body protection. among organisations that carry out further the exchange of know-how The Living Lakes network provides projects benefiting water bodies, and technologies (e.g. Green Filter important infrastructure with respect wildlife, and people. or Solar Cell Technology) and to communication, co-operation and Aim of the project is to promote experiences between environmental trust to the EU LIFE project sustainable development objectives NGOs and other stakeholders of lake "Sustainable Management of at international level. Currently, there regions moving Agenda 21 Wetlands and Shallow Lakes“. All are 30 member lakes and wetlands objectives from paper to practice. four "lake project partners“ are spread across five continents. The Annual Living Lakes conferences members of Living Lakes. The partners provide a fantastic wealth of are held to promote the exchange of concrete measures in the wetland experience and expertise other. experiences, formulate statements, areas in Spain and Greece have Although the types of assistance will co-ordinate single activities and been successfully on the basis of the be adopted to the local conditions, agree on further steps for common fundamental experience provided by support will target the following activities. The Lake Network the project partners in Germany and goals: supports campaigns and activities England.
Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 131 16 References >>
Berichte aus dem Arbeitsgebiet Nixon, S.W., (1982) References Entwicklungsforschung. Vol. 27, pp. 82 - Nutrient dynamics, primary production and 91. Münster. fisheries yields of lagoons, Oceanologica Acta Suppl., vol. 4, pp. 357-372. Chapter 8.1 Jerrentrup. H. (1991) The Programme of EPO: Conservation and Pereira-Filho, J., Schettini, C.A.F., Rorig, L., Barnes, R.S.K. (1980) Management of Wetlands in the Nestos Siegle, E. (2001) Coastal Lagoons. Cambridge University Delta. Proceedings of the Congress: Intratidal variation and net transport of Press, Cambridge, 106 p. Nestos, natural environment and the dissolved inorganic nutrients, POC and Chauvet, C. (1988) problems to be solved. The Technical chlorophyll-a in the Camboriu River Estuary, Manuel sur l’ amenagement des peches Chamber of Natural Scientists (GEOTEE). Brazil. Estuarine, Coastal & Shelf Science, dans les lagunes cotires: la bordigue April 1991. pp. 230 - 243. 53, pp. 249-257. mediterraneenne. FAO Doc. 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132 Chapter 8.7 Chapter 10.3 continuation of grazing by water buffaloes as a management practice in Amvrakikos. Internationale Gewässerschutzkommission Cirujano, S. Mimeo. report on the LIFE - Nature project für den Bodensee (2004) Estudio “El Paisaje vegetal de la Laguna “Conservation Management of Amvrakikos Der Bodensee: Zustand-Fakten-Perspektiven. Larga de Villacañas (Toledo) y su entorno. Wetlands”. Langenargen. ISBN: 3-902290-04-8. Valoración y gestión de la flora y la Kazoglou, Y.E. & V.P. Papanastasis (2003) www.igkb.org vegetación”. Real Jardín Botánico de Effects of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Madrid (CSIC). grazing on the vegetation of the littoral Chapter 8.8 Demetriades, I.N. (1957) zone of Lake Mikri Prespa, pp. 201-207. General Zootechnics and Lessons on Range Science and development of Bodensee-Stiftung (2004) Cattle Raising and Buffalo Raising. mountainous regions (P. D. Platis & T. G. ECOLUP: Environmental Management of University courses. Thessaloniki. 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Proceedings of the 20th and habitats: Biological conservation and ment and conservation proposals for the General Meeting of the European Grass- socio-economic issues. Blackwell Science, Nestos Delta Wetland. In Proceedings of: land Federation, 21-24 June. Oxford. “The Nestos, natural environment and its Kazoglou, Y, I. Koutseri & M. Malakou Ravagnan G. (1978) problems”. Geotechnical Chamber of (2004) Vallicoltura monderna, Edagricole, Bologna Greece, Kavala (in Greek). Conservation management of wet meadows at the Greek part of Lake Mikri Ravagnan G. (1981) Jerrentrup, H. & H. Mattes (1996) Prespa. Proceedings of the BALWOIS Productive development of lagoonal zones: Naturschutzplanung im Aladjagiola. In: Conference on Water Observation and available technologies and operational Mattes, H. & C. Lienau (Ed.): Das Information System for Decision Support, strategies. Stud. Rev. GFCM, 58, 173-239 Aladjagiola im Nestos Delta in Nordost- Griechenland. Beiträge zur Flora, Fauna, 25-29 May 2004, Ohrid, FYROM. Rosecchi E. & B. Charpentier (1995) Landnutzung und Naturschutz. Berichte Aquaculture in lagoon and marine Lienau, C. & H. Jerrentrup (1996) aus dem Arbeitsgebiet Entwicklungs- environments. Conservation of Das Aladjagiola. In Mattes, H. & C. Lienau forschung. Vol. 25, pp. 114 - 120. Münster. Mediterranean Wetlands, Tour de Valat (Ed.): Das Aladjagiola im Nestos Delta in Jerrentrup, H. (1997) Nordost-Griechenland. Beiträge zur Flora, Sorokin, Y.I., P.Y. Sorokin, O. Giovanardi & Naturschutzprobleme am Nestos. In: Fauna, Landnutzung und Naturschutz. L. dalla Venezia (1996) Lienau, C. & H. Mattes (Ed.): Natur und Berichte aus dem Arbeitsgebiet Study of the lagoon of Venice: Wirtschaft in Nordost-Griechenland. Entwicklungsforschung. Vol. 25, pp. 2 - 5. anthropogenic impact. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. Berichte aus dem Arbeitsgebiet Münster. 141:247-261. Entwicklungsforschung. Vol. 27, pp. 82 - Riddell, E.S. (2002) Zimmerman, J.P.F. (1982) 91. Münster. The effects of water buffalo (Bubalus The flushing of well mixed tidal lagoons bubalis) on wetland bird habitat: and its seasonal fluctuations. In: Coastal Jerrentrup, H. (Ed.) (2004) Implications for habitat management in the lagoons research: Present and future, Proposed Management Plan for the Lakes Amvrakikos wetlands, Greece. A Unesco, Paris. and Lagoons of Nestos. European Life Environment Programme. Hrysoupolis. dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister Chapter 8.11 Kazoglou, Y. (1999) in Scientia in Ecology of the University of The Greek buffalo. Ionos, issue 10. Wales. School of Biological Sciences, Europe needs a sustainable tourism Quarterly edition for birds and wild nature. University of Wales, Bangor. strategy Hellenic Ornithological Society (in Greek). www.eeb.org/activities/tourism/ Kazoglou, Y.E. & V.P. Papanastasis (2001) Tourism_MemorandumFIN_EN.pdf Effects of Water Buffalo Grazing on Wet Chapter 10.4 Pils, M. (2003) Plant Communities of the Littoral Zone of Report from the EU LIFE Project “VISIT - Lake Mikri Prespa (Greece). In: Gerken, B. Ministerium für Umwelt und Verkehr Baden- Voluntary Initiatives for Sustainability in & M. Görner (Eds.): Neue Modelle zu Württemberg, Ministerium Ländlicher Raum Tourism”, Topic: “Destination indicators for Maßnahmen der Landschaftsentwicklung Baden-Württemberg (1996) tourism, sustainable development and mit großen Pflanzenfressen - Praktische Leitfaden für die Sanierung ober- quality management”, Friends of Nature Erfahrungen bei der Umsetzung. Natur- und schwäbischer Seen International. www.yourvisit.info Kulturlandschaft 4, Höxter/Jena (in English Ministerium für Umwelt und Verkehr Baden- with German summary). Tourism and Environment - Making tourism Württemberg (1998) the driving force behind a sustainability Kazoglou, Y. & S. Zogaris (2003) Tagungsband Internationale Seenfach- strategy: www.nfi.at/english/index.htm Proposals and prospects for the tagung
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Frede, Dabbert (1999) Hockings, M., Stolton, S. and N. Dudley Games Handbuch zum Gewässerschutz in der (2000) Landwirtschaft. Ecomed Evaluating Effectiveness: A Framework for Wasserquartett Assessing the Management of Protected Ein Kartenspiel der Vereinigung Deutscher Jaeger, D., Koschel, R. (1995) Areas. IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Gewässerschutz e.V., Bonn (A card-game Limnologie Aktuell Band 8 - Verfahren zur Cambridge, UK. 121 pp. by the Association German Water Protection) Sanierung und Restaurierung stehender Gewässer, Gustav Fischer Stuttgart, Jena, Hockings, M., Stolton, S., Dudley, N. & , J. Wasser für die Ohren New York. Parish: Wassergeräusche-CD. Vereinigung The Enhancing our Heritage Toolkit - Books Deutscher Gewässerschutz e.V., Bonn Konold, Werner (1987) 1 and 2. 35 pp and 136 pp. (CD-ROM with sounds of water by the Oberschwäbische Weiher und Seen, Teil I Association German Water Protection) und II, Landesanstalt für Umweltschutz Baden-Württemberg. Unser Wasserwettlauf Ein Umweltspiel mit Regeln. Vereinigung Pro Regio Oberschwaben GmbH - Further Reading Deutscher Gewässerschutz e.V., Bonn Seenprogramm (Board game by the Association German Albrecht Trautmann Bodensee-Stiftung (2004) Water Protection) Frauenstr. 4, 88212 Ravensburg, Germany ECOLUP-Leitfaden. Umweltmanagement [email protected] für die kommunale Bauleitplanung. Konstanz. Chapter 10.5 Links Broads Authority (2004) Naturschutzzentrum Eriskirch Broads Plan 2004. A strategic plan to Gerhard Kersting manage the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. www.globalnature.org Bahnhofstr. 24, 88097 Eriskirch Norwich. www.livinglakes.org www.livingwetlands.org [email protected], www.naz-eriskirch.de Haslam, Sylvia (2003) www.bodensee-stiftung.org Understanding Wetlands: Fens, Bog and www.fundacionglobalnature.org Marsh. University of Cambridge, UK. Chapter 10.6 www.igkb.org Interagency Workgroup on Wetland www.ilec.or.jp Adventure biking tours at Lower Lake Restoration www.iucn.org Constance: www.bodensee-stiftung.org An Introduction and User’s Guide to www.ramsar.org Biolandhaus Arche - The ecological Wetland Restoration. National Oceanic and www.ugandawetlands.org concept: www.bio.arche.hotel.at Atmospheric Administration, Environ-mental www.wetlands.org Protection Agency, Army Corps of www.wetlandprofessionals.org ECOCAMPING: Environmental Management Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, www.wwf.org for Camping Sites: www.ecocamping.net Natural Resource Conservation Service. ECOTRANS: European Network on Internationale Gewässerschutzkommission Tourism and Sustainable Development: für den Bodensee (2004) www.ecotrans.org Der Bodensee. Zustand - Fakten - Photographers EUROPARC Federation: European Charter Perspektiven. Bregenz. for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: IUCN (2003) Baldenhofer, Michael: 96 www.europarc.org/international/europarc.html Guidelines for Management Planning of Bally, Andreas: 80 European Ecolabel for Tourism Protected Areas (Lee Thomas, Julie Cirujano, Santos: 44-45, 92/2 Accomodations (EU-Flower): Middleton), Cardiff. www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ Naturschutz Praxis, Natura 2000 (2003) Denyer, Richard: 84 ecolabel Handbuch zur Erstellung von Pflege- und Finlay, S.:100/3 EU Environmental Management and Audit Entwicklungsplänen für die Natura 2000 Hydra, Büro Peter Rey, Konstanz: 125 Scheme: Gebiete in Baden-Württemberg. www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/emas Landesanstalt für Umweltschutz, Karlsruhe. Institut für Seenforschung, Langenargen: 62/1 Management of Sports Activities in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2004) Kersting, Gerhard: 100/2 Wise Use of Wetlands, Handbook Steinhuder Merr Nature Park: Martin, Chris: 69 www.steinhuder-meer.de Vereinigung Deutscher Gewässerschutz e.V. Specht, Rüdiger: 86/3, 98/2 Reisepavillon - Marketplace for Alternative (2004) Travel: www.reisepavillon-online.de Ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern. Trautmann, Albrecht: 62/2, 70, 94, 116 Bonn. ISBN: 3-937579-01-X. VISIT - Voluntary Initiatives for Sustainability in tourism: www.yourvisit.org Vereinigung Deutscher Gewässerschutz e.V. All other photographs are provided by (2004) Global Nature Fund, EPO, Fundación Naturstoff Wasser. Bonn. ISBN: 3-937579- Chapter 13 Global Nature España, Broads Authority 00-1. and Bodensee-Stiftung. Broads Authority (2004) Vereinigung Deutscher Gewässerschutz e.V. Broads Plan 2004: A strategic plan to (2004) manage the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. 64 Naturereignis oder Menschenwerk. Bonn. pp. www.broads-authority.gov.uk ISBN: 0503-9290
134 Global Nature Fund – Living Lakes 135 Fundación Global Nature España International Foundation EPO – Society for Protection of Corro Postigo, 1 for Nature and Environment Nature and Ecodevelopment E-34337 Fuentes de Nava, Palencia, Spain Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4 PO Box 124 Tfno. +34 979 842 398 D-78315 Radolfzell, Germany GR-64200 Hrysoupolis, Greece Fax +34 979 842 399 Ph +49 7732 9995-0 Ph +30 2591 02 31 44 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax +49 7732 9995-88 Fax +30 2591 04 70 09 http://www.fundacionglobalnature.org E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.globalnature.org
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