Local Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan of Roztochchya (Ivano-Frankove, Lviv Region) - Territory with High Protection Status

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Local climate change adaptation action plan of Roztochchya (Ivano-Frankove, Lviv region) - territory with high protection status

Ivano-Frankove, Lviv. 2016

Authors and consultants: Gorban Igor – executive director of NGO "Public Institute of Environmental Protection"; Bilskyi Ivan – GIS expert, NGO Yavoriv Etnographic Society "Hostynec"; Bilska Lesya – researcher in Natural Reserve “Roztochchya”; Stryamets Galyna - researcher in Natural Reserve “Roztochchya”; Bashynsky Julia - NGO "Public Institute of Environmental Protection"; Skobalo Oksana - researcher in Natural Reserve “Roztochchya”; Gorban Ostap - "Public Institute of Environmental Protection"; Gorban Lyubov - researcher in Natural Reserve “Roztochchya”; Khomyn Igor - NGO "Nature of Roztochchya"; Lyesnik Volodymyr - Assistant in Department of Zoology of Lviv National University; Zabytivskyy Yurij - PhD, deputy director of the Lviv Research Station of Fisheries Institute; Lyubynets Irina, Deputy Director of Yavoriv National Park; Nazaruk Kateryne, Department of Zoology of Lviv National University; Tymkiv Irina, a graduate student of Lviv National University.

Partners: local community of Ivano-Frankove, Yavoriv rayon, Lvivska oblast; administration of Natural Reserve “Roztochchya”.

Copyright and distribution of materials This document has been developed by NGO "Public Institute of Environmental Protection" of the project "Climate change adaptation for sustainable development of local communities in terms of territory with high protection status", with the financial support of the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine (NECU) under the program „Climate Forum East“ (CFE II). This program is financed by the European Union, Austrian Development Cooperation and the Austrian Red Cross.

Copies of all or part of this study may be made for non-commercial use, providing the source is acknowledged. NECU and CFE II would appreciate receiving details of this use.

Requests for commercial reproduction should be directed to [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

INTRODUCTION In September 2015 UNESCO (Paris) approval documentation held on the creation of transboundary biosphere reserve by UNESCO "Roztochchya" This area will bring together three nature ptotected objects of Ukraine and Polish National Park Roztochchy. Ukrainian part of biosphere reserve by UNESCO " Roztochchya " already approved by UNESCO, but there is no any experience in management and implementation of action plans for such large territory where local governments, educational institutions and community organizations have to develop their cooperation and dialogue. Such cooperation should help to strengthen the involvement of local communities in the process make more informed decisions, increasing responsibility of local residants in shaping environmental policy for sustainable community development. The main problem for the region, in addition to already mentioned above, there are issues of sustainable environmental management in high natural reserve areas, which is associated with the possibilities of adapting communities to existing climate change. 1. General description and overview of the target community Research within the project has captured two administrative districts (Yavoriv and Zhovkva) northwest of Lviv, where the physical and geographical area of eastern Roztochchya that fits with the Polish part of Western Roztochchya. This is mainly forested area and there was formed a number of protected areas, including those with the highest national status - Nature Reserve "Roztochchya" Yavoriv National Park, and others. Therefore, various organizations and local communities in both regions held preliminary discussions on the already significant problems associated with climate change. The main European watershed Roztochchya - a hill that stretches from the Lviv city in the northwest direction at 60 kilometers and continues in Poland on 120 km. The project "Climate change adaptation for sustainable development of local communities in terms of territory with high protection status" defined purpose to form Local Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan of Roztochchya. A preliminary analysis of the communities that are formed in the two administrative districts (Yavoriv and Zhovkva) of Lviv oblast, and located on the north and northwest, where neighboring state border with Poland. The main focus of the project is Ivano-Frankove village, located in the Yavoriv administrative district. Location of the village is very special - it is located approximately in the middle of branching highway between cities Yavoriv, Lviv and Zhovkva. Integrated green zone formed outside the village characterized by large forests and river and lake spaces. Ivano-Frankove village council consists of the village Ivano-Frankove and small villages Vereshchytsia and Lelehivka. The community, can be described as compact, quite populated. Local government in the Ivano-Frankove village represented the village council. The population - about 7,000 people, including Ivano Frankove about 6000 people, Vereshchytsia village - about 570 people, Lelehivka village - about 365 people. Area of communities within the settlements - 597.28 hectares, the total area with areas outside the village 13,739.43. Basic Land - forest lands, water resources, arable land. There are no shares in the Ivano-Frankove village council. Arable land is 267.37 hectares, gardens - 40.12 hectares, hayfields - 83,5 ha, pastures - 160.96 hectares, forests - 9804.12 hectares, wetlands - 333.0 hectares, open without vegetation covering grounds - 1973.37 hectares, water surface - 826 ha. It is clear that the village council has less of land resources available for agriculture. The economy is not very diversified. Main profile - agriculture (grain and industrial crops). In animal over the last few years have seen a gradual increase in the number of pigs. An important area of local economic development are forestry and woodworking industry. Development of natural protected areas around the Ivano-Frankove village helps to developing tourist potential, particularly thanks to the Yavoriv National Park. Social security and infrastructure. There are 1 817 private households in Ivano Frankove village council. The villages have gas supply since 1984. The social infrastructure of the village consists of district hospitals, community centers, schools, two kindergartens, two stadiums, sports center and children's creativity. Social infrastructure of Vereshchytsia consists of a local school, library and stadium. Social infrastructure of Lelehivka consists of a school and a health post. In recent years, for local communities of Ivano-Frankove and Lelehivka were developed General plans. For the Vereshchytsia village General plan is in process. Totaly, the Ukrainian side of Roztochchya there are 45 objects of natural reserve fund. Territory of Ivano-Frankove village council.

2. Regional trends of climate change

Analysis of meteorological data from meteorological stations in the Roztochchya (Yavoriv, Rava - Ruska, Bryukhovychi, weather station of Natural Reserve "Roztochchya", Lviv International Airport weather station) during the last 50 years, shows significant changes in the local climate trends. Indicators and trends of climate change in the reference period from 1985 analyzes based on available data and long-term observations of local weather stations. Changes are the following:  By 2050 the average annual temperature will increase by 1-1,7°C (summer - 1,9°C and in winter - 1,5°C). This will reduce the period with temperatures below 0°C, the extension of the warm dry season, increasing the intensity of evaporation, increasing the number of hot days and decrease the period of permanent snow cover. Assumed a rapid change of seasons.  Long-term forecasts of precipitation characterized by considerable uncertainty. Projected reduction in average precipitation for 5-18%, but is also possible slight (5%) increase in precipitation due to heavy rains in the warm season.  Extreme and dangerous weather events such as storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, heavy rains and snowfall, thunderstorms and hail will occur more frequently and will have more destructive power.  Local small rivers in consequence reducing runoff (by 5-20%) and its redistribution for seasons, experiencing severe water stress. Table 1. Indicators and trends of climate change (base period 1985)

Period (years) Options / features Comments 2011-2030 2031-2050 The average annual The average temperature in the surface will temperature +0.7°С ↑ 1.0-1.5°С↑ increase Maximum annual temperature +0.8°С ↑ +1.5°С ↑ Increasing of absolute maximum temperature

Minimal annual Assumed that the minimum temperature will fall temperature +0.6°С ↓ +1.5°С ↓ or become more fluctuate Temperature in summer months +0.5°С ↑ +1.0°С ↑ Increase, mainly in July - August

Temperature in winter +0.5°С ↑ +1.2°С ↑ Increase, mainly in January-February months Number of days with frost ↓ ↓ Decreases Assumed acceleration changes in the seasons Duration of warm period ↑ ↑ timing, it is possible sharp transitions from one phenological phase to the another Duration of a swow cover ↓ ↓ Extremly decreases period without thaws Days with overall snow ↓ ↓ Decreases cover Projected increase in annual precipitation and Total annual precipitation +2%↑ +4%↑ significant redistribution of precipitation between seasons Assumed increase in temperature, accompanied by an increase in moisture content in the lower Extreme precipitation, troposphere. This will increase the variability of rain, tornadoes, ↑ ↑ the atmosphere during the warm period of the year thunderstorms, hail and increase the number and intensity of convective natural phenomena: rain, squalls, thunderstorms and hail Assumed increase because of the general warming Deficiency of water and rising the absolute maximum of temperatures, ↑ ↑ (drought) possible redistribution of temperature between seasons The growth of temperature Assumed increase because of the general warming in the upper layers of the ↑ ↑ and rising the absolute maximum of temperatures soil Period (years) Options / features Comments 2011-2030 2031-2050

Evaporation ↑ ↑ Assumed increase because of the general warming The probability of flooding is increasing because Flooding associated with a ↑ ↑ of the increased intensity of rainfall showers per local flow rain The intensity and height of the flooding on local ↑ ↑ The possible growth rivers The minimum flow of ↓ ↓ Reduction is expected local rivers Partial flooding and Assumed increase the threat for some lowland ↑ ↑ flooding areas at all areas The temperature of water Growth is expected in all natural and man-made +0.7↑ +1.5↑ in local reservoirs reservoirs Deteriorating due to the reduction of dissolved oxygen. There deteriorating water exchange and Water quality ↓ ↓ eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) of water bodies Assumed reduce the frequency and intensity of ice Ice phenomena ↓ ↓ phenomena The frequency of years with low water levels in ↑ ↑ Forecast to decrease of minimum flow local rivers and reservoirs Water exchanging Expected deterioration of the natural processes of processes in local water ↓ ↓ water exchange, but water exchange rates in the bodies fishery entirely provoked by anthropogenic factors

Between 1985 (weather station of Natural Reserve "Roztochchya"), the average annual temperature on the Reserve and within the territory of the entire target community is within 7,0-7,8°C. Over the next 10 years (to 2015 inclusive) this figure raise to 8,8°C and it is expected that this trend will continue.

A characteristic feature of the weather in recent years is the changing of precipitation. For Yavoriv region is typical long rains of low intensity. Duration of precipitation is shorter and they are more intensive.

3. The main climate risks and threats The current analysis of existing risks associated with climate change in Roztochchya shows that the main threat for the region is increasing the air temperature and the consequent increase in the number and intensity of droughts. This phenomenon will have the most significant impact on the health of local people, the most important sector of the local economy (primarily agriculture and forestry) as well as environmental sustainability and natural biological productivity (including protected) ecosystems. Possible development of landslides and deepening formations of ravines in the settlements, the development of karst processes in large parts of Yavoriv region, increasing the number of fires, increasing the number of adverse weather events (hurricanes, heavy rains). Hazards which may be increased due to the high human pressure on local rivers and reservoirs is increasing the risks and threats associated with and necessary for the public natural ecosystems quantity and quality of water. Conducted in previous decades reclamation activities, primarily draining the local peat bogs, draining forest wetlands, leading to decrease in biological productivity of ecosystems and the loss of many rare species biodiversity, negative trends in the hydrological regime. Increased winter temperature on 1,7-1,8°C has a very negative impact on biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Thus, there is a high threat of loss of forest biodiversity at the global level. Studies in 2014-2015 have shown that wind direction vectors on the territory of Roztochchya began to change. This fact makes the new trends in the movement of atmospheric masses affect the traditional balance of rain, the air pollution in the lower atmosphere. Also, consider the fact that large area drained peatlands are concentrated in the eastern side of Roztochchya. For several years there are cases of fires on these peatlands in the growing season (spring and summer). Sometimes they are quite lengthy - 2-3 weeks. 4. Natural Areas and Ecological Network Natural Areas of Roztochchya submitted 45 objects of various level protected areas. An important positive factor is the presence of three institutions with their own administrations: Yavoriv National Park (7078.6 hectares), the Nature Reserve "Roztochchya" (2084.5 hectares) and Regional Landscape Park "Rawske Roztochchya" (19103 hectares). The objects of natural reserve fund plays an important protective, scientific and educational function. On the basis of these environmental institutions was established Biosphere Reserve "Roztochchya". The total area of the Biosphere Reserve "Roztochchya" - 74,416.0 hectares. The Natural Reserve "Roztochchya" is under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The area of the Reserve consists of two sections - Vereschytske and Stavchanske forest. There are two rivers in the reserve: Vereshchytsia rivers and its tributaries Stavchanka, which is a cascade of artificial ponds, the largest of which is Yaniv pond became an area of 207 hectares. Roztochchya is the only territory in Ukraine, where are concentrated more than 20 forest types. Yavoriv National Park is under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine. The park has significant natural, historical and cultural resources. There are many attractive places for tourism development: numerous hills with rocky outcrops, caves and boulders. Each year, public entertainment places visited by 9 thousand of tourists. Regional Landscape Park "Rawske Roztochchya" is subordinated to the Lviv regional state administration. The area of it combines landscapes, wetland sites, forests and agricultural land. Regional Landscape Park "Rawske Roztochchya" was launched to preserve the intact condition of Roztochchya unique natural landscapes, historical and cultural complexes and also wetland complex, which has a significant impact on the water regime of rivers, tributaries of the Western Bug. . 5. Evaluation of target communities priorities (including non-climate / natural disasters)

During the public discussion of Roztochchia climate change adaptation action plan the participants allocated a number of important issues and major areas of life of the local community, which affect global and local climate. Among the local public discussion that took place on December, 25, 2015 were local deputies, teachers, local authorities, workers in agriculture and forestry, research workers, local entrepreneurs, the energy sector workers, volunteers of NGOs. These issues and major areas include also environmental and social issues. Environmental issues: - lowering the quality of drinking water, increasing deficits of safe drinking water in rural areas, often due to prolonged lowering of groundwater; - water pollution due to economic activities (local fisheries, drain sewage and waste facilities in local ponds, canals and small rivers, etc); - air pollution by combustion products, increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to increased emissions of road transport on the main international highways; - air pollution of woodworking industry (the main source - a furniture factory in the Ivano - Frankove); - air pollution from large livestock farms (mostly modern layouts); - burning of various weeds in agricultural lands, burning of stubble after harvest crops; - burning of plant waste, dead wood and old roadside vegetation along some roads, existing railways; - burning sticks and low-quality wood residues on forest clearings; - seasonal burning of marsh vegetation in marshy grounds and particularly peatlands, burning reeds in the river flood plains, along the river banks, in fishery ponds along the canals drainage systems; - increase in the frequency of spontaneous peat and forest fires; - the absence or low capacity of local treatment facilities sewage; - drainage, lack of rehabilitation measures for peat lands; - losses of humus due to irrational land using, soil erosion, weathering surface layers of fertile soil, formation of gullies; - soil contamination as a result of strong operating vehicles, certain types of industries; - the spread of alien and exotic species of flora and fauna, also species that are blocking the development of natural succession process of vegetation, replacing native species; - the spread of blood-suckers new species of insects (mosquitoes, midges); - increase in the frequency of daily temperature fluctuations, as in vegetation and in winter, increase the duration of droughts, floods, winter rain showers, windfalls, storms, icing of trees and power lines; - change the natural duration and timing of phenological seasons; - improving environmental conditions for many agricultural and forestry pests. Social issues: - the spread of new viral and infectious diseases, including the rapid spread of Lyme disease, a sharp increase in cardiovascular and cancer; - insufficient of local budget for the development of environmental education and environmental responsibility of local communities; - formation of landfill; - unemployment, labor migration to the EU; - low awareness of environmental law that extends legal irresponsibility in nature using; - high rates of alcoholism, the consumption of tobacco products. 6. Climate change adaptation capacity

Factors that contribute or limit climate change adaptation and sustainable development of the target community.

Factors that contribute climate change Factors that limit climate change adaptation adaptation and sustainable community and sustainable community development development

 Multifunctional economic structure  Gradual degradation (siltation) of local  Inadequate inclusion of land into production natural water sources and the low proportion of arable land in the  Increasing siltation small rivers community  Gradual loss of some local traditions  High level of forest cover (manual mowing, grazing free)  Gradual development of tourism  High risk of natural and man-made disasters infrastructure (hotels, campsites, indicators, (development of karst processes) etc.).  The labor and educational migration  Initial development of modern roadside  High unemployment service  Relatively low average income of the  A high percentage of natural areas employed population  A natural potential of biomass as a renewable  Lack of updated planning documentation energy source  Lack of information available to investors  Significant biological potential of the  Inadequate system of household waste territory  Low use of renewable natural resources,  Favorable climatic conditions such as reed, cattail, willow  Beneficial for farm relief  Spontaneous development of small landfills  • High potential for Fisheries  Cross-border air pollution  • A natural conditions for tourism and  No Internet portal / website of local recreation community or village council  • Presence of areas with high potential for  Insufficient development of railway tourism development (historical and cultural transport environment)  Significant neighboring areas requiring  Landscape diversity and the presence of remediation of land and used water unique landscapes contaminated with sulfur mining past  An extensive hydrological network, the  Unfinished marking boundaries and relevant presence of large freshwater documentation on all the land system of  Ability to available resources and restore the protected areas, including the highest natural state landscapes (ecosystems). environmental official status  A significant proportion of clean areas.  High intensity of vehicles in some areas,  Significant land fund poor protection of animals from death on  Compact community (3 settlements) motorways  Gaz provided settlements  Lack of management plans for the  Boundary location of the community development of protected areas  The presence of NGOs, including youth  Intensive use of chemicals in agriculture.  Improved state highways engineering  A large official repository of radioactive  High rates of hunting grounds waste on the territory Yavoriv District  A few weather stations in Roztochchya  Lack of management plans for managing wetlands, including peat bogs drained  High local scientific potential (Nature Reserve, National Park)  Low provision of sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants  A local research phenology and climate databases, program of environmental  The emergence of uncontrolled illegal quarries extracting building materials (sand) monitoring of natural ecosystems and biodiversity at the Nature Reserve

6. The main directions of climate change adaptation

Agriculture  To recommend farmers early planting spring campaign and optimize agriculture practices adapted to new conditions of temperature and humidification mode: - focus on growing winter and early ripening crops; - changing the timing of landing; - to grow a second crop after harvesting the main; - develop new rotation.  Use adapted to the new agro-climatic conditions and the introduction of drought-resistant crops;  Optimize the structure of land resources of territorial communities considering risks to soil fertility due to climate change;  Increase the land area under perennial plantations and forests;  Changing the balance between livestock and crop agriculture. To promote the restoration of reclaimed land using them as pasture.

Ecosystems, especially valuable natural areas and biodiversity  Development and implementation of restoration/rehabilitation of natural wetlands ecosystems on reclaimed land, increased spawning areas and floodplain grasslands;  Conduct research to assess the resource potential and establish a system of monitoring of natural ecosystems, including invasive alien species and the definition of their potential danger;  Restoration of traditional and implementation of new approaches to the sustainable use of natural resources community-based assessment of their potential. For example, using of reed and willow as a renewable energy resource, feed for domestic animals or material for popular products (brooms, baskets, furniture from twigs, etc.).

Free natural grazing  Implement projects to restore the natural pastures of grazing controlled load;  Suggest controlled grazing in riparian areas are drained in the past in the natural reserve, or in lands that do not meet the conditions of intensive agriculture, or used inefficiently (abandoned), in conjunction with other types of use of their resources;  Free grazing of domestic animals can further promote and restore essential habitat important for the development of beekeeping.

Restoration of fish resources Pond fishing is a very important kind of economic use of water in the territory of the target community. The use of ponds and lakes in the area, have a long, over 200 years history.  Development of a rational, natural and economical usage of local reservoirs, which provided a comprehensive and sustainable use of resources and biodiversity of ecosystems. Develop a plan and determining the amount of fish needed and reclamation activities;  Implement measures for fish-reclamation and improving the natural spawning of native fish species under almost natural water regime of local waters;  Promote the implementation of limited fishing traditional savings instruments and methods of fishing;  Create conditions for development of recreation, organized recreation and sport fishing;  Conduct necessary for fish-reclamation work according other measures of control management plan of wetlands.  Create a community-based system of local control over the use of fish resources and the fight against poaching.

Preservation of historical and cultural heritage, tourism and recreation Rural and eco-tourism is becoming an essential component of revenue local communities and a significant source of income for local resedents. Regional climate change could have positive implications for the development of tourism and recreation industry through the development of rural tourism  Develop a plan for tourism development in cooperation with regional tour operators.  Develop and implement an action plan for cultural and environmental education of the local population.  Develop and conduct pilot tours for tour operators in the area and visit tours for schoolchildren and students.  Create a tourist information and local community development center of Ivano-Frankove. Local government and institutional capacity development Institutional capacity and degree of awareness of the local authorities, experts and local community are very important in process of community climate change adaptation.  Implement lessons on climate change and adaptation in schedule of secondary schools in targeted community;  Initiate the establishment of regional information and consultation center on issues of adaptation of the Ukrainian transboundary biosphere reserve by UNESCO "Roztochchia" to the effects of climate change;  Provide information and explanatory work among the local population and prepare relevant materials on climate change and measures to minimize risks;  At the level of the target communities to prepare public events with invited representatives of neighboring communities and leadership Yavoriv district for dissemination of information on measures aimed at adaptation to climate change;  Create a web site of Village Council and /or the local community for relevant information on community’s development, priorities, facilitate investors etc.

Conclusions

The target community of Ivano-Frankove village can be classified as high potential development and capacity to climate change adaptation, despite the high degree of vulnerability due to the low diversification of industries priority, low level of awareness about the ways and approaches to adaptation, outflow of population (labor and educational migration), lack of sufficient opportunities for the youth, the weak application of tools for sustainable development.

This climate change adaptation plan makes it possible to combine and concentrate local government, resedents, business and experts to reduce the vulnerability of community to changing climate. The key position on the sustainability of the community is to implement the principles of sustainable development, improved planning, diversification of the economic structure, using of an integrated approach.