The potentialntial for paludicultculture in the Easternrn PPartnership Case studies from MMoldova, Ukraine and GeorgiaGeor

Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

The work done for this reportrt wawas supported by the Re-granting Scheme of thehe EasternE Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF).

Project title: Promotion of paludiculture in Black Sea region wetlands for carbon sequestration, sustainable deveevelopment and community-based renewable energy Grant Agreement no: SEC003/2016/WG3/02 Project duration: 1 May – 30 November 2016 (7 Months)ths)

Lead organisation: Environment People Law Address: PO Box 316, Lviv 79000, Ukraine Person responsible for the projeroject: Dr Oleg Rubel Contact: [email protected]

Partner organisations NGO Agricola, Odessa, Ukraineine: Natalia Goriup Cross-border Cooperation andnd EEuropean Integration Agency, Cahul, Moldova: ValeriuVa Ajder Caucasus Green Area Union,, BatBatumi, Georgia: Maka Ochigava

This report has been produceded wwith the assistance of the European Union. Thehe ccontentso of this publication are the sole responsionsibility of the implementing partners and can in non way be taken to reflect the views of the Europeapean Union.

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 4

2. OVERVIEW OF CASE STUDIEUDIES 5 Table 1: Summary of main charaharacteristics of the case study sites 5 Table 2: Current and potentialial activities at the three case study sites 6

MOLDOVA CASE STUDY 7

UKRAINE CASE STUDY 16

GEORGIA CASE STUDY 30

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1. INTRODUCTION

Because of its low tidal rangee anand presence of many large river deltas (includiningg Danube, Dniester, Dnipr and Don), the Black Seaa reregion is particularly well-endowed with wetlandsnds in the lower river floodplains and around the coasoast. According to the Black Sea coastal wetlandss ininventory published by Wetlands International in 2003,03, there are 94 significant wetlands in the regionn coveringco nearly 2.5 million ha, of which 35 are listedsted by the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of internternational importance. However, this represents lessss ththan half of the wetland area that once occurreded in the region before drainage and polderisation schemschemes were introduced from the 1950s to earlyy 1990s19 for agriculture, fisheries and afforestation purpourposes.

Drainage of wetlands, especiallyially peatland, is connected with several environmementaln problems such as: emission of huge amounts off gregreenhouse gases (GHG) to the atmosphere; releaslease of dissolved nutrients to the ground and surfsurface waters; and loss of natural hydrological regulationregu of floods and groundwater recharge. Wise mamanagement of the remaining wetland areas (ass rerequired by the Ramsar Convention), as well as rewettintting of drained former floodplains, can remediatete environmentale pollution and restore their ecosycosystem services. Thus, they can either be restoredred to close-to-natural conditions or they can be usedsed fofor biomass production under wet conditions.

Paludiculture (wet agriculturere anand forestry on peatland) is a promising land usese alternativea on wetlands. Pilot implementationion projects and accompanying research, particularllarlyy in Scandinavia, Germany, UK, Austria and Ukrainkraine, show that paludiculture provides several ececosystemosy services. It has great potential to substantiallylly ccut GHG emissions and so help Parties to meetet theth UNFCCC global action plan to limit global warmiarming to well below 2°C, agreed in Paris in Decembmbere 2015.

At the same time, paludicultureure contributes to sustainable development by provroviding alternative sources of income in structurallyrally weak regions, for example in organic fish produoduction, wetland restoration and harvesting andnd pprocessing biomass. The latter activity has beenen shownsh to generate significant sources of renewableable energy for local communities through productioction of biogas, briquettes and pellets.

The main aim of the paludiculturulture project (see inside cover) was to promote its role as a means of reducing carbon emissions, suppsupporting sustainable development, and generatingting community-based renewable energy in the Blackck SeSea region. Accordingly, one of the project objectijectives was to to prepare case studies from Ukraine, Moldoldova and Georgia about the potential for paludicudiculture at existing and adjacent former wetland sites. The findings of the three case studies are presentsented here as a contribution to the activitiess of WWorking Group 3 of the EaP Civil Society Forumm..

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2. OVERVIEW OF CASESE STSTUDIES

The three case studies on thee popotential for paludiculture at existing and adjacentcent former wetland sites were carried at Lower Prut Sciencientific Reserve, Cahul, Moldova; Lake Kagul (lowerwer Danube floodplain) in Odessa, Ukraine; and centrall KolKolkheti wetlands of Kolkheti National Park in Saamegrelome and Guria regions, Georgia (Figure 1, Tableable 1).

Figure 1: Location of the threeee ccase study sites

Table 1: Summary of main charaharacteristics of the case study sites

No. Name Country Area (ha) Main charactersiticsitics 1 Lower Prut Scientific Reseeserve Moldova 1,691 River floodplain withwit lakes and fens. Listed in Ramsar Conventiention. 2 Lake Kagul Ukraine 2,895 River floodplain and lake with reedbeds, riverine forests,, farmlandfarm and fish ponds. Not protected. 3 Central Kolkheti wetlandsnds Georgia 29,300 Mires, lakes and riverineriv forests at Rioni river mouth. Partrt of Kolkheti National Park.

At all three sites, some economiomic activities were already carried out based onn the available wetland resources which could providede a foundation for sustainable use in line with thhee principlesp of paludiculture. Indeed, there werwere opportunities to expand the range of economiomic activities which could benefit both local businesssinesses as well as improve environmental conditionsions such as rewetting

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abandoned arable land to growow wwetland biomass and expanding ecotourism facilitiesfacil . These are set out in Table 2.

Table 2: Current and potentialial aactivities at the three case study sites

Activity Lower Prutrut Kagul Lake Kolkheti wetlands Grazing Exists (sheepheep and cattle) at a Exists (sheep, cattle, horses) CattleCattl and buffalo grazing low level wiwith potential for at a low level with potential existsexist increase if aabandoned areas for increase if abandoned are rewetteetted areas are rewetted Construction Exists at a lolow level (reed Exists at a low level (reed ExistsExist at a low level with materials cut for roofing and fencing), cut for roofing, insulation potentialpote for increase with potenttential for increase panels and fencing),with potential for increase Craft products Feasibilityity ststudy needed Feasibility study needed ExistsExist at a low level with potentialpote for increase Biomass energy Some potenotential, especially if One company already FeasibilityFeas study needed abandonedned areas are producing pellets from reed rewetted biomass; considerable scope for expansion Ecotourism Exists at a lolow level with Exists at a low level with Exists,Exist with level increasing potentiall fofor increase; needs potential for increase; needs as NPN invests in visitor investmentent and capacity investment and capacity centres,cent accommodation, building building boat tours, observation towerstowe Sport fishing Exists at a lolow level, could Exists at a low level, could FishingFishi is regulated at a be increasedased somewhat be increased somewhat sustainablesusta level Sphagnum moss Feasibilityity ststudy needed Feasibility study needed ConditionsCond favour cultivation SphagnumSpha farming on degradeddegr peatlands as well as on recently abandoned alluvialalluv soils Education / Exists at a lolow level with Very limited. A small ExistsExist at a good level with research potentiall fofor increase wetland information centre potentialpote for further is being established and a increaseincre nature trail has been set up

The general conclusions from ththe case studies can be summarised as: • Naturally wet soils are bestest used wet, not drained. • Floodplains, peatlands, fens and marshes provide essential ecosystem serviervicesc (hydrological balance and control, carbonrbon emissions reduction, nutrient removal, sedimeniment filtration). • Paludiculture delivers sustasustainable economic benefits: fisheries, livestock rearing,rea construction materials, biomass, ecotourtourism. • Drained areas should bee restrestored by rewetting in order to regain these lostlost services, and also as a least cost adaptation to climclimate change scenarios in the Black Sea region.

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MOLDOVOLDOVA CASE STUDTUDY

Lowerr PruPrut Scientific ReserveRes

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Physical features of the site

The "Lower Prut" Scientific Reseeserve (LPSR), with an area of 1,691 ha, was createdated by Government decision no. 209 / 23.04.1991.1. ThThe main objective of this reserve is to protectt andan conserve wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, includinluding Lake Beleu, which is inhabited by rare and eendangerednd species of plants and animals. It is locatedted iin the south-west of Moldova, along the lowerer courseco of the River Prut, the last main tributary of ththe Danube. It is situated close to the Moldovanan-Romanian border. The reserve is flanked by Valeni and Slobozia Mare villages. The main component of thet LPSR is the Lake Beleu area of 628 ha. The LPSRSR ggeographical coordinates are 45°36'32" N andd 28°9'14"28 E.

Geology and geomorphology

Origins

The surface layer is composedd of quaternary deposits (silt deposited on river leveesleve , including pebbles, gravel, sand and silt). In termss of geomorphology the LSPR area belongs to the geomorphologicalge region of the Lower Prut riverr (Lo(Lower Prut plains) and is represented by the floodloodplains originating during the Holocene period. LakLake Beleu is strongly linked to the current Prut River,ive but has its own evolution. Manolescu channelel in the first half of the twentieth century was thehe firstfi human interference in the area. The ememergence of the first human settlements in thee LoLower Prut date back to the early fifteenth century (VăleVăleni – 1430, and Slobozia Mare - 1436).

Soil type

The soils of the region are mainlainly chernozem with a humus content ranging from 2% to 5%, total salt content index is from 5 to 7%.. ThThe soil contains some rare elements such as Cu ((252 -35 mg/kg), Zn (40- 50 mg/kg), Ni (20 to 25 mg/kg),kg), CCo (8-10 mg/kg) and Mo (3-4 mg/kg).

Hydrology and hydrochemistrystry

The surface waters in the LPSRSR aarea come from the Prut River and Lake Beleu. BecauseBe Lake Beleu is located on the left bank of thehe PPrut floodplain, its hydrological regime is usuallylly determinedd by that of the Prut River. Thus, in 1946,, a vvery dry year, due to unusual natural conditionnss ofo the Prut River, the maximum depth of the lake was 4.3 m, while the annual average level was abouboutt 3.10 m. But during another very dry year in 1987,7, bbut with a different hydrological regime, the maxiaximum depth of the lake reached 4.4 m and the averaverage annual value did not drop below 3.46 m.. TheseThe data show the difficulties of accurately forecastcasting the water level in the lake and thus the probroblems arising for the local ecosystems due to significacant variation of the hydrological regime.

Water supply to the lake is doneone in two ways: rising water of the Danube and PruPrut rivers during spring, and summer floods during perioeriods of heavy rains. Such a regime of water supplpplyy compensates for water evaporation, the amountunt of evaporated water being quite high in the sumsummer months. The hydrology and rainfall ensureses a maximum depth of 6 m in the lake. In other cascases,e the depth of the

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lake is usually between 4-5 m.. PrPrut water is currently flowing through Lake Beleueleu and there is no human involvement in waterr levlevel control.

The water is fresh with a preponponderance of hydrocarbon ions. The water of thehe PPrut river is generally moderately polluted. Sometimesimes the concentration of some components (especispecially heavy metals such as zinc and copper) can exceeded tthe permitted statutory levels established by the Republic of Moldova.

At present, the concentrationn of suspended matter in river waters varies betweeween 13-404 mg / l. The pH varies from 7.38 to 8.89 and oxygen saturation is between 56% and 100%.

Climate

The annual amount of precipitatitation in the area is less than 400 mm. Winterss are mild, frosts are regular and permanent in winterinter. Ice thickness can usually reaches 5-10 cm. In someso very cold winters (when the temperature fallss to -20°C) the thickness of the ice may reach 37 cm.m. TheT average period of ice cover is 63 days. Snowmeltelt ststarts in March and lasts for about 10 days. Weeatherath becomes warm and stable in spring. This seasonson can be characterised by many sunny days andd relativelyre high temperatures (often exceedinging 20°C), sometimes the temperatures can reachh 30°C30 in the end of spring.

In the summer period, most of ththe days are sunny, torrential rains are frequent mostlym in June, the second half of the summer beineing more dry. The autumn is quite warm with occaccasional light rain, until mid-November when it is gettingtting colder with longer periods of rain. Northernn andan north-eastern winds dominate in winter. Their averagerage speed is 2-5 m/second.

General ecological features

The major habitats (exceedingng 220 hectares) of the Lower Prut Natural Reservee arear set out below:

Code Name Description Approx. Area (ha) C1 Surface standing Lakes, ponds and pools of natural origin containinging freshf water. 607.1 waters Manmade freshwater bodies, including artificiallyly createdcr lakes, reservoirs and canals, provided that they contain ssemiem -natural aquatic communities. C3 Littoral zone of inland Reedbeds and other water-fringing vegetation byy lakes,lak rivers 544.5 surface waterbodies and streams; exposed bottoms of dried up riverss and lakes; G1 Broadleaved Woodland, forest and plantations dominated by treetrees that lose 432.9 deciduous woodland their leaves in winter. Includes woodland with mixeixedd evergreen and deciduous broadleaved trees, provided that the deciduous cover exceeds that of evergreens. Excludes mixedd forestsfo (G4) where the proportion of conifers exceeds 25%. E3 Seasonally wet and Unimproved or lightly improved wet meadows andnd ttall herb 89.6 wet grasslands communities of the boreal, nemoral, warm-temperaperate humid, and steppic zones.

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Flora and fauna

Due to the presence of Lake BeleBeleu there is a complex ecosystem in the area withwith a rich biological diversity.

Flora

Postolache (1995) has recordedded 160 species of vascular plants in the LPSR. Thee mostm species-rich families are: Asteraceae (21 specspecies) and Poaceae (20 species), as well as Lamiaciaceae and Cyperaceae (7 species each), and the remainingining 35 families comprising 1-5 species. Phenologicagical analysis revealed the dominance of perennial plantsts (6(64 species). Annual plants are represented byy nnearlye 40 species. Perennial woody plants are reprrepresented by willows, with white willow Salix albalba the most important species, but also with clumpss of S. fragilis, S. viminalis and S. triandra. In additionition, there are associations of sedge Carex riparriparia and Elitrigia repens.

Lake vegetation is representeded bby aquatic plants and shore plants. The shore is occupiedo by reed Phragmites australis and reedmadmace Typha angustifolia. Most of the surface waterate is covered by higher aquatic plants such as pondweedeeds (Potamogeton crispus, P. pectinalis, P. graminemineus), hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum and wwhite water lily Nymphaea alba whose roots lie beneathbe the bed, and their leaves float on the waterer susurface or lie underwater. Associations formedd by reed Phragmites australis and Eleocharis palustrisstris are the most common of the shore plants. The most common floating plant species is Lemna minor.

The second layer of plants iss reprepresented by reedmace (Typha latifolia and T.. angustifoliaang ), and meadowsweet Thelipterus palustalustris. The area provides habitat for rare and endandangered species in Moldova: white water lily, waterater fern Salvinia natans, water chestnut Trapa natansnata , wild vine Vitis sylvestris and rare species such aas sedge Carex pendula, water arrow Sagittariaria sagitifoliasa and ash Fraxinus pallisae.

Fauna

Research conducted in recentt yeyears has demonstrated that the Prut River and associatedas meadows are an important bird migration routroute, with the wetlands providing good places for restr ing, feeding and nesting. During the breeding seaseason up to 70 species of birds nest in the reserveerve, while around 50 species of waterfowl stop herere tto feed and rest during spring and autumn migratigrations. In all, some 189 species of birds, 34 species off mmammals, 7 species of reptiles, 11 species of ampmphibiansh and 27 species of fish have been recorded inn the LPSR over a period of several years. Among them, 21 species of birds, 5 species of mammals, 1 speciescies of reptile and 1 species of amphibian are includecluded in the Red Book of Moldova. These include otter LutLutra lutra, European mink Mustela lutreola, stoat Mustela erminea, wild cat Felis sylvestris, whooper swaswan Cygnus cygnus, mute swan Cygnus olor, Dalmalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus, white pelican Pelecanusnus oonocrotalus, great egret Egretta alba, squacco heron Ardeola ralloides, osprey Pandion haliaetliaetus, white-tailed eagle Haliaetus albicilla, glossyssy ibisi Plegadis falcinellus, Eurasian spoonbill PlaPlatalea leucordia, black stork Ciconia nigra, pondond turtle Emys orbicularis and large whip snake Dolichophisophis jugularis etc.

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

The state of threatened vertebraebrate populations within the reserve is precariousus.. They comprise only a few individuals, and the Europeaopean mink occurs sporadically in the Danube regiongion for feeding. Many species have significantly decreacreased since 1990, including: great egret, mute swanswa , ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca and short-eareded oowl Asio flammeus. Other species such as whiteite pelican,p Dalmatian pelican, and black stork visit the LPSR just for feeding, or during migration (e.g. whooper swan, osprey, white-tailed eagle).

Due to an increase of the willowllow forest areas that replaced shrubs, favourable nestingne conditions for many species of herons, spoonbonbills and cormorants were created. The continuedued growth of mixed colonies of marsh birds can be eexplained by the emergence of new favourablele nenesting places and the low water level of Lake Beleu.

Among reptile species, the mostost numerous is the dice snake Natrix tesselata whichwhi preys on fish and can be found everywhere. Itss brebreeding period begins in April. The grass snake NatrixNa natrix is a less prevalent, with an irregular distrdistribution. The green lizard Lacerta viridis is alsoo fairlyfa common, and inhabits the buffer zone. Amphiphibians have favourable conditions for feeding and breeding throughout the reserve. The most numerousrous species is Marsh frog (Rana ridibunda), followweded by the pond frog (Rana lessonae) and grass frogog (R(Rana temporaria).

In recent years there has been an explosion of breeding European green toads BufaBu viridis. Hundreds of young frogs can be seen onn ththe shores of Lake Beleu in June. Some of them becomebe prey for the marsh frog when moving to the lake. European fire-bellied toads Bombina bombiombina inhabit small ponds and European tree frogs Hyla arborea inhabit areas with vegetation. Thehe spadefoots toad Pelobates fuscus is included in ththe Red Book of Moldova.

Lake Beleu provides favourableble bbreeding conditions for nearly 18 species of fifish,sh, which later return to the Prut River. These include valvaluable economic species such as bream Abramismis bramab , roach Rutilus rutilus, carp Cyprinus carpio, zanzander Sander lucioperca, catfish Silurus glanis, CaspianCasp shad Alosa kessleri and pike Esox lucius.

Natural values

Although the LPSR is relativelyly smsmall, the territory included in the reserve is off particularpa importance for preserving the biodiversitysity oof the region because the flora and fauna of the areaa (see above), which has remained little changed, mamaintaining the typical features of the region.

Social and cultural values

The wider Lower Prut valley had in the past a very picturesque landscape, popupulatedla by thousands of migratory waterfowl, and localcal ppeople obtained abundant amounts of fish forr food.foo With the draining of the marshlands, much of the tterritory was transformed for the use of collectivctive farms. At the end of the 1990s, the land became privprivate property. As a result of poor land use practicctices, the sedimentation rates of Lakes Beleu and Mantanta have accelerated.

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The educational value of the site is also very important. The existence of severaleral types of ecosystems (aquatic, wetland, forest, grasslaassland) within the reserve serves as a natural laboraboratory for organising various forms of training and awawareness, especially for children and youth.

The LPSR may be of tourism inteinterest because of the unique ecosystems it contantains.in Only here can various species of terrestrial vertvertebrates and plants included in the Red Book of MoldovaM can be seen, which can be of particular intereterest to a large number of people. With the developelopment of appropriate infrastructure, the Prut Riverr wewetlands could become a favoured destination for tourists.

The diversity of species and landlandscapes allow scientific research in the fieldss of biology,b ecology and nature conservation. The vertebrtebrate fauna and flora have been catalogued in papasts years. In future, it is necessary to continue investigatstigations in relationships within ecosystems, ecossystemyste protection and ecosystem services, using commmmon methods so that the data obtained can bee compared.co

Land tenure/ownership

The entire territory of the LPSRSR (approximately 1691) is state property. The territerritories nearby have various type of ownership. Mostost of the adjacent land is agricultural land owneded byb inhabitants of Valeni and Slobozia Mare, ass wewell as municipal areas of these two villages. Thereere is a process underway to substantially expand the proteprotected area (see below).

Current land (including water)er) uuse

Lake Beleu occupies 35.9% off ththe total area of the LPSR, 32.2% are marshes and swamps, pastures are 5.3%, forests are 25.6% and 1% other uses. Of the total area of 379 ha of Vălenileni village, 61.6% is arable land, 27.8% is coveredd wiwith perennial agricultural plants and 10.6% iss ppasture.ast In Slobozia Mare, of the total area of 10,909 ha,a, 4848.5% is arable land, 14.3% is used for perennial crops (vineyards, orchards), 7.1% are pastures,s, 6.36.3% are forests and 10.6% wetlands.

Agriculture is the main occupatiopation of the transition zone. The most importantt aagriculturalg activities are: - Cultivation of agricultural cropsrops (wheat, corn, sunflower, vegetables etc.) - Livestock (sheep, cattle, pigs,gs, ppoultry etc.) - Viticulture and fruit growing.

Factors (past, present or potenttential) adversely affecting the area’s ecologicall charactercha

According to a SWOT analysissis of the LPSR for its management plan, there are severalsev risks of various intensities and probabilities of ooccurrence that could affect the area’s ecologicicalal condition.

Threats to local flora include mowing grass in core areas, abusive grazing, illegalgal cutting of trees and shrubs, and vegetation burning.

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

Threats to local fauna compriserise illegal hunting, water basin sedimentation, polluollution by oil products, and biological pollution of waterater resources.

Threats to landscape, culturalal anand historical values: lack or inadequacy of feasibilsibility and spatial planning studies of these territoritories, that could lead to some human interventiotionsn which could alter the landscape.

Threats related to the social and economic development of the area: insufficientient or lack of production, processing and storage technolonologies of agricultural products in the neighbouringring villages; poor quality of roads and other infrastructurecture.

Threats related to recreationalal fafacilities and tourist values: deterioration of existixisting tourism resources; poor tourism and recreationalal ininfrastructure as well as insufficient accommodatidation facilities; insufficient cross-border projectjects and little funding received up-to-date; unsustaisustainable exploitation of area’s natural recourses.

Threats related to climatic changhanges: climate change is accompanied by frequentent droughtsd in summer and may lead to catastrophicc dedecrease in water level. It can also lead to an increacrease of aquatic ecosystems eutrophication, as wwell as water and soil salinisation

The intensive land use in the floofloodplain and in the hilly area surrounding it, andnd thet erosion it has caused, has led to a processs of sedimentation in Lake Beleu. Moreover, there is ongoingo extraction of oil from the Lake Beleu bed, caucausing pollution from leaks and posing the threatat ofo a major spill. At present, Lake Beleu is in dangerger and requires restoration activities with externalrnal financial support.

Conservation measures in placelace

The LPSR territory is listed in the Ramsar Convention as a wetland area of internaernational importance. It is under state protection andnd all economic activities are banned to avoid disturisturbing the natural processes. A buffer zone aroundund the reserve was created to reduce human impapact on the natural area.

LPSR administration is coordinatinated by the State Agency for Forestry MOLDSILVA.LVA. Administration headquarters is located in thee vivillage of Slobozia Mare and has a staff of 28 emplmployees, headed by a director and a deputy director.or.

Currently, efforts are made to unundertake additional steps of including new terrrritoriesito in the protected area, especially the Manta lakeskes and upgrade its status to a biosphere reservee (see(se Figure 1).

Alternative scenarios based on paludiculture

The wetlands areas in the Lowerwer Prut region are relatively small compared to whatwh they once were due to the Soviet era policy of draininaining wetlands and using them for agriculture. ThaThatt is why Lakes Beleu and Manta and adjacent areasas ccannot be used extensively for economic activitivitiese due to their small size, and the potential impactct on local ecosystems of those economic activities could be too high. In

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the short term, the best scenarionario would be to use these areas for such activititieses asa ecotourism, sport fishing and educational purposeoses. There are already measures taken in this direirectionc but much more has to be done: informing localcal population and authorities, training local businesssinesses, and investing in small scale infrastructure (obserbservation areas, information signs etc.).

In some areas some limited biombiomass harvesting and some grazing could be doneone as well (Figure 1). For the more distant future it coulduld be possible to reclaim some of the drained wetletlandsa due to the fact that they are not suitable forr agragriculture anymore. For instance, some agricultulturere lands that are regularly flooded could be usedsed for growing short-rotation willow (or energy willow)will or maybe poplar that has also a good potentialal fofor being cultivated in the area.

Figure 1: Planned future extentent of the “Lower Prut” Biosphere Reserve and possiblepos uses

Site 1: Suitable area for wetland conservation: - A polder (590 ha) close to lake MantaMant (Annex 2, fig 1.1 & 1.2).

Site 5: Suitable area for wetland conservation: - An area (11 ha) cultivated withh annualan crops between Prut river and a canal (Annex 2, fig 2.11 & 2.2). - 2 polders presented in Annex 2, fig 2.32 & 2.4.

Site 6: - An agricultural area (8 ha), presentented in Annex 2, fig 3.1 & 3.2.

Sites 2, 3, 4, 7 Sites 2, 3, 4, and 7 are not suitable for wetlaetland restoration because of the new developments in the area (railroadad recentlyr built) and because many of the agricultural lands are close to villagesv or/and do not have proper hydrological conditions.

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View of Lake Beleueleu with fringing willow forest and yelloww waterwat lilies

WoodWoodland with wild vine, and water fern

Fire-bellied toad and tree frog

GreaGreat white heron and white pelicans

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

UKRAIRAINE CASE STUDTUDY Loweower Danube Riveriver Floodpodplain – Lake KagulKag

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

Physical features of the site

The site covers some 2,895 haa in Reni raion, Odessa oblast, at 45.3715 N; 28.44.44939 E. It is largely comprised of the heavily modifiedified northern (left bank) Danube floodplain betwetween Reni and Orlivka, adjacent to Lake Kagul. At thisis popoint, the Danube forms the border between UkraUkraine and Romania. It also flows through one of itss narnarrowest and deepest points, having a very rapidpid flowf . From here, the river begins to broaden out and area is considered to be at the hydrological bebeginninggin of the Danube delta.

Origins

Prior to 1945, the site was a natunatural, marshy floodplain of the River Danube witwithh a levee separating it during low water from the inlandland valley and mouth of the small steppic Riverr KaKagul.g Following the incorporation of the region into the Soviet Union at the end of the Second Worlorldd War, and subsequent construction of the Danube embembankment to mark the border and control flooding,in the floodplain was gradually converted to arablele farfarmland. At the same time, the lower contourss aandn hydrological regime of the river valley changed too its current situation.

Lake Kagul is comma-shaped,, wiwith the tail end formed by the Kagul river valley. ItsI southern shore is flat, with reedbeds, marshess and some fish ponds. The western and eastern sidesides have narrow shores, sometimes with fringing reedbeddbeds, and eroded cliffs. The lake is connected dirirectlyec to the Danube via the Viketa canal. Kagul is relativeatively shallow in relation to its area because it iss actuallyact a liman (flooded river valley). It is the first of a seqsequence of five such limans proceeding westwardards within the natural Danube floodplain leading too the Danube delta.

Main features of Lake Kagul catccatchment

Total length of main river 71 km Total length of tributaries 80 km Catchment area 807 km2 Average annual inflow 1,41,400 m3 volume

Key physical parameters for Lake Kagul

Length (max) 24 km Width (max) 14.14.4 km Area of open water 10,10,100 ha (spring) Mean depth 2.5 m Volume 250 x106 m3

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Geology and geomorphology

The geomorphological conditionitions of the Lower Danube region are defined by ititss position at the junction of the Eastern Europeanpean and Scythian tectonic plates. The bedrock is characterisedch by the presence of Palaeozoic grabenen aand extrusion of Upper Palaeozoic bedrock, locatcatede within the structure known as the Pre-Dobrudgeaa dodownfold and Dobrudgea fold formations.

The broad delta of the Danubebe aand its left-bank tributaries were formed duringing thet Pliocene period (1.6-5.0 m ybp). Within the vallealleys, the red-brown clays, Pontic limestone, andd sometimesso the Upper Miocene deposits were washedshed out. The lowlands were then filled with alluviialal sediments,s forming the ancient Pliocene terraces. Thee UUpper Pliocene alluvial deposits of the Danubee teterracesr are characterised by sands with clay bands and inclusions of gravel. The depth off the deposits is 1 to 30 m. The thickness of the alluvium vavaries from 1 to 25 m. Upper Pliocene lake alluvial deposits are represented by clays, sands, siltstsiltstone, and sometimes loam with an almost similsimilara depth and thickness.

During the Pleistocene, theree wawas extensive lowering of the land and floodingg ooff the pre-coastal zone including the lower parts of the river valleys, forming vast water bodies such as Kagul.K Thus, the modern (Holocene) alluvial depoeposits are covered by eroded ancient (Pliocene)) alalluviall sediments and loess from the lower Pliocenee teterraces. This geological history also led to the developmedev nt of the present broad floodplain andd exextensive reedbeds in the river delta, composedd ooff thick (30-40 m) ancient alluvial deposits, and covcovered by modern alluvial sediments.

Soil type and chemistry range

The predominant soil-formingg mmaterials are loess and loess-loam that have a palepal brown colour and

are highly porous (up to 50-60%60%) carbonised (CaCO3 content of 14-18%), and and slightly alkaline (pH 7.6-8.1). The granular compositioosition is dominated by coarse dust (0.05-0.01 mm)m) thatt comprises 35- 45%, but sometimes 50-55%,, of the material, and there is a complete absencee of medium and fine sand (1.0-0.25 mm). There iss a tetendency towards lightening of the granular comompositionp of the loess southwards: from hard loam (in the watershed plateaux) to medium loam (onn theth Lower Danube terrace plain). Within the Lowerwer Danube terrace plain the soils are mainly of a darkda -brown mycelium- carbonate type with broad sand banks and alluvial deposits with meadows andnd mmarshes developed on waterlogged gley soils.

Hydrology and hydrochemistrystry

The Lower Danube region iss part of the Black Sea artesian basin and is characterisedcteri by rather complex hydro-geological conditions. GroGroundwaters are found in all the stratigraphic susubdivisions:bd from the modern alluvial-loess depositssits oof the Quaternary age, to the Precambrian deposiposits. The main inputs of water to the aquifers come from precipitation and irrigation. Nine main aquifefersrs are found: • Holocene alluvial-loess aquiaquifer, distributed in loam, sandy clay, sand withh someso inclusions of limestone debris found in ggullies. The depth of the aquifer is 0.9-5.0 m withith the typical depth being 0-3.0 m. • Holocene lake-alluvial aquifquifer found in the lower reaches of large gulliess and small rivers. The water-bearing media aree loaloam and sand with gravel lenses and interstrata.ta. TheT thickness of the

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

water-bearing layer is 0.8-17.5 m, with a typical thickness of 3-7 m. The waterwat content depends on the lithology of the rockss anand the season. The upper part of the aquifer disdischargesc into the riverbed, whilst in the loweower areas it drains into the lakes. • Upper Quaternary lake-allualluvial aquifer of the Danube valley, formed by loloam,am silt and sand, with frequent lenses of alluvialial cclay. The thickness of the deposits is 5-25 m. The aquifer discharges through riverbed depositssits aand via evaporation. Mid Quaternary loess loamam aquifera characterised by a very low water yieldld dudue to the structural features and mechanical cocompositionm of the deposit. The aquifer discharscharges into adjacent horizons and the gully netwowork.rk Quaternary loess and lake-alluvial aquiferr of tthe secondary level, with water-bearing stratata in sand and loam. The groundwater lies at a depthepth of 1.0-15.0 m, with the most common depthh rangingran from 3-7 m. It discharges into the Danubeube and the lakes. • Upper Pliocene (Kuyalnik)ik) ccoastal aquifer with groundwater held in lenseses anda interstrata of sand- clay and siltstone. The thickhickness of the aquifer is 0.5-10 m and it dischargesges into adjacent aquifers. • Pontic aquifer composedd of fractured and karsted limestone with a thicknesskness of 1-13 m, at a depth of 0.5-10 to 30 m.. It ddischarges into river valleys and gullies. • Meotic aquifer associateded wwith some layers of fine-grain sand and limestonestone, enclosed by thick layers of clay. Its depth rangranges from 1-2 m (on the slopes) to 50 m (on thee watersheds).w The general flow direction iss frofrom north to south and from watersheds to thee ririverv valleys and estuaries where it is discharscharged. • Upper Sarmatian aquiferr cocontained in many sand (1-3 m), siltstone and limestonelime (2 m) interstrata. These are mainlainly artesian.

Within the watershed plateauxux tthe groundwater level is usually up to 20-30 m deep;de closer to the river valleys the depth reduces to 3-5 m. The water confining layer is red-brown claylay anda the groundwater discharges mainly south-east intinto the Pliocene-Quaternary aquifer complex of theth Lower Danube terrace plain, although withinin ththe plateau itself it discharges into the lakes andnd riverri valleys. The chemical composition of groundund water is varied, with mineral content varyingg bbetweene 1-15 g/l. The salt levels are 3-5 g/l, mainly comcomposed of sodium chlorides and sulphates.

The watercourses entering thehe LLower Danube Lakes are of an East European type with their main source of water being meltingg snsnow and rain. The groundwater-fed base-flow appearsap to be extremely small, and is even absent in somsome watercourses. These rivers contain low levelsels ofo water and dry out during the summer. Typicallyy rivriver water levels rise in the spring, and are low overove the period from summer to autumn although there are occasional floods from heavy summerr rairain showers, which can raise the water level by 1.0-2.5 m above the mean water level (MWL). The waterater levels begin to increase from late February to eearly March and then decrease. The water levelel increasesin during the spring flood by 0.5-2.7 m aboveove MWL and lasts for 1-2 days. The mean waterr levellev is established by mid-April.

Climate

The Lower Danube region combimbines the features of both mild-continental andd MediterraneanM climates. Winter is short and milmild, with a variable frost period; summer is longg andan hot. Among other steppe zones in the region, thishis aarea is noted by the highest thermal resources:es: withw an average annual temperature of the air rangingng frfrom 9.8-10.8°C, it has the warmest winter andd theth least continental

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climate. The period of active vegvegetation growth lasts 190 days, whilst the frostst freefr period amounts to 200 days.

The climate is influenced by the Black Sea: sea breezes contribute to the dispeersionrsi of clouds and reduced precipitation. Thus, while the annual precipitation in areas near the DanDanube is generally within the 380-410 mm range,e, eevaporation exceeds 800 mm, which means thehe regionre lies in a drought- prone area. There is great amplitplitude of annual precipitation: from 570-590 mmm (high( -rainfall year) to 190-220 mm (low-rainfall year).ar). On average, only 65-85 days of rainfall occur annually.ann Droughts of different intensity can last upp to 30-40 days and occur once in 3-4 years, thoughugh during the past 20-25 years prolonged drought periodsriods have been observed. Some 65-70% of the totalotal annual precipitation falls in the summer during heavyeavy rain storms that cause extensive soil erosion.n. TheTh cold period is characterised by rains of low inteintensity. These autumn and winter rains play ann iimportantm role for increasing soil humidity.

Snow cover is not formed everyery year. Snow can fall as early as the beginning ooff DecemberD and normally stays until the end of FFebruary or early March. Soil frost occurs from latelat December till the end of February, affecting thee plploughed soil horizon only. During the frequentt snsnow-free periods in winter, the soil absorbs up too 60-70% of the precipitation, which penetrates dowdown to 1-3 m. During the growing season, the upward momovement of water transports carbonates. The lattlatter process has given rise to the development of a “my“mycelium-carbonate” black zone, especially in the southern and south- western parts of the region.

General ecological features

The main habitats (i.e. those occoccupying more than 20 ha) present in the site comcomprise those in the table below.

Code Name Description Approx. Area (ha) C1 Surface standing Lakes, ponds and pools of natural origin containingg freshfre water. 115 waters Manmade freshwater bodies, including artificially crcreatedea lakes, reservoirs and canals, provided that they contantain semi- natural aquatic communities. C3 Littoral zone of inland Reedbeds and other water-fringing vegetation by lakes,lake rivers 800 surface waterbodies and streams; exposed bottoms of dried up rivers and lakes. G1 Broadleaved deciduousus Woodland, forest and plantations dominated by treesrees that lose 50 woodland their leaves in winter. Includes woodland with mixexedd evergreen and deciduous broadleaved trees, provided that thehe deciduousd cover exceeds that of evergreens. I1 Arable land and marketet Croplands planted for annually or regularly harveststeded crops 1,907 gardens other than those that carry trees or shrubs. They iincludenclu fields of cereals, of sunflowers and other oil seed plants, of beets, legumes, fodder, potatoes and other forbs. J2 Low density buildings Buildings in rural and built-up areas where buildings,gs, roadsr and 23 other impermeable surfaces are at a low density, typicallytypi occuping less than 30% of the ground.

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Flora and fauna

The site has a rich aquatic vegetagetation where large areas are occupied by associatciations formed by attached, submerged and floatinating species. The most commonly occurring rootedoted submerged plants are Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamotamogeton perfoliatus, P. pectinatus, Vallisneriaa spiralisspi and Elodea canadensis. The most abundantant rooted species with floating leaves is Nymphaeaaea lutea (a protected species). The floating vegetationtion is mainly composed of Spirodela polyrhiza, LemnaLemn minor, Salvinia natans and Hydrocharis morsussus-ranae. The marsh vegetation communities mostostly comprise tall- growing plants dominated by PhrPhragmites australis (which is harvested for biomaomass), Typha angustifolia and/or Scirpus lacustris. The ripariparian vegetation is represented by willow-poplarplar forests (Salix alba, S. fragilis and Populus alba) locatedated on levees and drier parts of the floodplain. PPlantationslan of Populus nigra are also present. Planteded oor invasive patches of Eleagnus angustifolia arere present.p Ruderal vegetation is found along tracks,cks, dominated by: Onopordon acanthium, Anisanthantha tectorum, A. sterilis, Hordeum leporinum and Senecioecio vernalis.

No specific studies of mammalsals have been undertaken. However, 41 species havehav been recorded in the Lower Danube region of whiwhich 11 are predators; wild cat Felix sylvestris and fox Vulpes vulpes are regularly recorded at the site.e. ThThe nine species of rodents include the invasivee muskratm Ondatra zibenthicus that is one of the momost important wetland species; it is bred for itsts furfu in some places. Five species of bat are known to occuoccur (Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, PlecoPlecotus austriacus, Vespertilio murinus, and Myotisotis ddaubentoni). The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyorocyonoides is another invasive species that originatedted ffrom Moldova. Regarding ungulates, roedeer CapreolusCap capreolus migrated in 1969 from Romaniania to Kislitsky Island, and now occurs at the site. DuringDu the same time wild boar Sus scrofa also coloniseonised the region.

Recent surveys conducted in the area between 2010 and 2014 have recordedd a totalt of 146 species. Out of these, 17 species are in ththe Ukrainian RDB, 19 in the European RDB, andnd 6 in the IUCN Red List as shown below.

Latin name Name,e, UUA Name, EN Red Dataata Species of Red List Book of UA European of IUCN Concern Microcarbo pygmaeus Бакланан ммалий Pygmy Cormorant x x Branta ruficollis Казаркарка червоновола Red-breasted Goose x EN Anas strepera Нерозензень Gadwall x Aythya ferina Попелюхлюх Pochard x Aythya nyroca Черньь бібілоока Ferruginous Duck x x NT Ardeola ralloides Чапляя жожовта Squacco Heron x Ciconia ciconia Лелека ббілий White Stork x Plegadis falcinellus Коровайвайка Glossy Ibis x Platalea leucorodia Косар Spoonbill x x Pelecanus onocrotalus Пеліканкан рожевий White Pelican x Pelecanus crispus Пеліканкан кучерявий Dalmatian Pelican x x VU

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Latin name Name,e, UUA Name, EN Red Dataata Species of Red List Book of UA European of IUCN Concern Haliaeetus albicilla Орлан-довгохвіст White-tailed Eagle x x Circus cyaneus Лунь полпольовий Hen Harrier x Circus macrourus Лунь стестеповий Pallid Harrier x x NT Circus pygargus Лунь лучлучний Montagu's Harrier x Pandion haliaetus Скопа Osprey x Falco vespertinus Кібчик Red-footed Falcon NT Vanellus vanellus Чайка Lapwing x Philomachus pugnax Брижачач Ruff x Larus canus Мартинтин сивий Common Gull x Coracias garrulus Сиворакракша Roller x NT Picus viridis Жовнана ззелена Green Woodpecker x x Lanius minor Сорокопкопуд Lesser Grey Shrike x чорнолоолобий Lanius excubitor Сорокопкопуд сірий Great Grey Shrike x Sturnus roseus Шпакк ророжевий Rose-coloured Starling x Phoenicurus Горихвісхвістка звичайна Redstart x phoenicurus Carduelis cannabina Конопляплянка Linnet x Emberiza hortulana Вівсянканка садова Ortolan Bunting x Emberiza calandra Просянкянка Corn Bunting x Emberiza hortulana Вівсянканка садова Ortolan Bunting x 17 19 6

Eleven amphibian and five reptileptile species have been recorded in the Lower Danuanube area. The most numerous are frogs Rana ridibunibunda, Hyla arborea and Bombina bombina; whilstilst among the reptiles Natrix natrix and Emys orbiculariularis are the most common species. Other abundandant species are Pelobates fuscus, Bufo viridis and Lacerta agilis. The most threatened reptile speciesspe is the Danube crested newt Triturus dobrogicusgicus which is endemic to the Lower Danube region;ion; it is listed in the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened.

The fish fauna of the Lower DanuDanube Lakes area once comprised over 80 species,ies, but the large-scale drainage of the floodplain hasas leled to a reduction of fish species found on bothh sidessid of the Danube. According to the most recentt susurveys, 54 species of 13 families still occur. Thee mostm represented families are Cyprinoidae withh 13 species, Percoidae with 6 species, and Gobiidaedae with 5 species.

The entomofauna of the Lowerer DDanube region is directly connected with the varvariety and distribution of vegetation types. During the 11990s, Kotenko recorded over 2,000 species representingrepr 23 orders; however, some 86% of the specispecies came from only six orders: Hymenoptera (41%),(41% Diptera (21%), Coleoptera (10%), Lepidopterara (6(6%), Hemiptera (5%), and Homoptera (4%). Fortyorty species are listed the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

Some fifty species of macrozooboobenthos have been recorded. These include thehe bivalveb mussels Unio pictorum, Anodonta cygnea,, DreiDreissena polymorpha, larvae of the chironomid ChironomusChir plumosus, the amphipod Corophium curvisprvispinum, and the oligochaete worm Potamotrixx hammoniensisham .

Natural values

The reedbed areas in the northerthern and southern parts of the site are the mostst importantim areas for biodiversity, especially for breedreeding waterbirds. The northern area serves as a sedimentse and nutrient trap and provides habitat forr spaspawning fish. The floodplain area is heavily modifidified, but in recent times has acted as a water storage arearea when the main Danube embankment was breabreached, preventing extensive flooding.

Social and cultural values

The main activity carried outt in tthe floodplain area is arable agriculture for wheaheat, sunflower, rape and root crops. However, the lossss of infrastructure and cost of power have meantt tthatha winter drainage and summer irrigation have ceasedsed sisince the mid-1990s. As a result, fields are increasreasingly being invaded by common reed, which is oftenften burned off to clear cultivated areas.

Although there are fish pondss coconstructed in the southern part of the area, theheyy are in decline and little production takes place at ppresent. Most fishing is conducted in the lake on ana artisanal basis by a few fishermen from Kirgani, or aanglers from Reni. This village was founded byy LipovansLip (Old Orthodox Believers) in the 19th Centuryy anand contains traditional-style dwellings. However,er, itsi population is declining.

Some 50 ha of the northern reedreedbed is harvested by a local company, BioTop.. ThThe reed is used to produce thatch bundles, construstruction mats and biomass pellets (see below). OthOther activities include sheep and cattle grazing, huntinnting (geese, ducks, deer and boar), summertimee bathing,ba collecting herbs and berries, and a low level of ececotourism.

The southern part of the areaa is overlooked by the Roman garrison fort of Aliobiobrix.ri Built on the site of a captured native Geto-Dacian setsettlement, the Roman proconsul Marcus Plautiusius bbuilt the fortress in the 1st century BC. Archaeologicalal eevidence shows that the Roman garrison consistesisted of legionnaires of the Vth Macedonian Legion and sailors of the Meziya squadron.

Land tenure/ownership

Out of the 2,895 ha of the site,te, aabout 910 ha has been cadastrated to date (thehe blueb parcels shown in the map below), out of whichh 42420 ha are in state fish farm at Orlivka. The resstt remainsrem in municipal, local or regional authority ownewnership.

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Current land (including water)er) uuse

The Kagul river catchment hasas bbeen severely altered. Extensive modification of theth river drainage system has taken place throughoughout the catchment areas in Moldova through the installation of barrages and other water storagorage schemes for irrigation. The past heavy use of pesticidesp and fertilisers for crop production,n, anand the discharge of untreated effluents by villllagesage situated beside channels have greatly affecteded ththe water quality of various rivers.

From the mid-1950s the Danubeube river floodplain was embanked to improve accessacce to Reni and border security. This led to a reductionion tthe seasonal flooding of the area and the origiginalna annual inundation that naturally flushed out thee wawater held in Lake Kagul ceased. Since the embankankments were built the water exchange between thee DaDanube and the lake has been actively managed.d. A sluice and the Viketa canal was constructed to fill the lake during the Danube spring flood, and the OOrlovkarl canal used to draw water down to rechargee lalakes further east. From mid-December, when the Danube begins to rise again, the lake is partially filledled ffor the winter in order to ensure sufficient depth for fish survival. This

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system is meant to flush the lakelakes and improve the water quality, especially in termste of reducing the mineral content that accumulateulates as a result of evaporation and inflows.

Water Management System at LLake Kagul

The legislation of Ukraine stipulaipulates the following categories of water protectition:on i) protected water areas; ii) protective riparian belts; iii) coastal belts; iv) specially designated areeas;as; and v) sanitary protection zones. These areasas hahave specific legal status and corresponding limmitationsita on economic activity. However, the protectedcted water areas are not demarcated in the field (includin(inc g in the area concerned here) and their usese is rarely enforced in practice.

Protected water areas are estabstablished for all water bodies – along river banks,s, coastsco and estuaries, lakes and reservoirs. The borderrders are determined on the basis of corresponding specials land planning guidelines, and include floodplaiplain land and lower terraces (for small rivers). WWithinith the protected water areas it is permitted too carcarry out regulated economic activity, though itt is prohibitedp to (i) use persistent and strong pesticides;ides; (ii) establish cemeteries, cattle burial grounds,ds, dumpd sites, filtration beds; and (iii) discharge untreateeated sewage. In some cases sand and gravel miningining in the dry part of the floodplain are allowed (if approvproved by the environmental authorities).

Protection zones along waterr bobodies are demarcated within the protected waterater areas. They are established along both sidess of rrivers, around lakes, on islands, along the water edgee (at mean water level) and having the followingng wwidths: • for small rivers and brooks,oks, and lakes under 3 ha – 25 m; • for medium-sized rivers,s, resereservoirs and ponds over 3 ha – 50 m;

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

• for big rivers, reservoirss and lakes – 100 m.

However, where the slope inclinclination is more than 3°, the minimum width off the riparian protection belt is doubled. The protectionon zzones belts are established taking into considererationat the features of population distribution.

Riparian protection zones aree nanature protection territories, which are characteterisedrise by a regime of limited economic activity. It is therefore prohibited: • to plough (except for prepareparation of soil for meadows) and plant gardens; • to store and use pesticidesdes and fertilisers; • to build summer cattle pens; • to build any structures, incluincluding summer houses and camps (except forr wawaterworks and linear structures); • to wash and service machinchinery and vehicles; • to organise dump sites, dundung yards, cattle burial grounds, cemeteries, filltrationtrat beds, and cesspools for liquid and harhard industrial waste.

For the purposes of operationn anand prevention of damage and pollution of mainain anda minor irrigation canals, waterworks, and damss oon rivers, designated areas with special regimeses area established. Plots of land within these areas are transfransferred to water management bodies and otherher iinstitutions for special use (planting of protection foresorests, coast reinforcement, anti-erosion waterworkorks, ferries, buildings).

Factors (past, present or potenttential) adversely affecting the area’s ecologicall charactercha

The principal threat to the arearea aat present is the construction of a by-pass roadad arounda Reni for traffic using the border to Moldova and on to Romania. The route crosses the northernernmost part of the Kirgani reedbed (which has theretherefore been excluded from area). The road coulduld be a potential source of pollution, and have impactsts oon the hydrological regime.

Other threats include illegal dumdumping of waste near to the wetlands, use of agrigri-chemicals, and setting fire to reeds.

Conservation measures in placelace

Although the site is recognisedsed bby BirdLife International as an Important Bird AreaAre (UA080), and there are several other non-bird proterotected species present, no protected areas haveve yetye been designated. However, by Decree of the Presiresident of Ukraine of March 10, 1994 No. 79/94,4, protectedpr areas should be established at Lake Kagul — upper (1,650 ha) and lower (2,800 ha) parts.

The EU has adopted a numberer oof vital biodiversity conservation measures suchch asa the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birdsirds DDirective (79/409/EC). In addition, the Water FrameworkFra Directive (2000/60/EC) now provides a ununifying approach for environmental managementent of river basins which is particularly relevant for thee LoLower Danube region. Although these instrumentsents do not apply to

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

Ukraine yet, this situation willill chchange as the process of Ukrainian integration withwit the EU progresses following signature of the EU-UkUkraine Association Agreement in 2014.

Ukraine, as one of the Danubebe RRiver basin countries, signed the Convention onn CooperationCo for the Protection and Sustainable Usese oof the River Danube (the Danube River Protectionction Convention) on 29 June 1994, in Sofia and recentlyntly ratified the Convention, which is aimed at achhievingiev sustainable and equitable water management.t. TThe CPs have agreed to cooperate on fundamentaental water management issues by taking: “all appropriateriate legal, administrative and technical measuress to at least maintain and improve the current environmenmental and water quality conditions of the Danubebe RRiver and of the waters in its catchment area and to prevent and reduce as far as possible adversverse impacts and changes occurring or likely to be caused”sed”. The Convention is based on commonly acknownowledged guidelines for environmental protection, andnd in particular on integrated river basin managemement.

On World Environment Day, 5 JuJune 2000, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, and Ukrakraine signed The Declaration on Co-operation for tthe Establishment of the Lower Danube Greenn CoCorridor. The objective of this declaration is to assistst in tthe conservation and restoration of the landsscapecap and biological diversity of the Lower Danube.e. TThe Green Corridor should be composed of a minminimum of 773,000 ha of existing protected areas; 160,160,000 ha of proposed additional protected areasas aand some 230,000 ha areas to be restored to regainin ththeir former ecological services as natural floodd plainpl areas. As regards the latter, some of the 230,00000 hha will be covered within existing or proposedd pprotectedr areas.

Boundary of Kagul IBA Proposed protected areas at Kagul

Alternative Scenarios based on Paludiculture

Production of reed biomass for rrenewable energy

In the study area floodplain, comcommon reeds Phragmites australis grow prolificallyically because of specific continental climate conditionsns aas well as abundant nutrient input from continuonuousu sediment deposition from the Danube.. HoHowever, overgrown reed beds in the Lower Danubanube region have become widespread as a resultsult oof floodplain modification since the 1950s. Thheyey area now burned by local people in an attempt to recrecover some pasture, but these efforts invariablybly failf to the detriment of wildlife and the environment.t. A company based in Reni (BioTop Ltd) has startedted a pilot project to

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

harvest and pelletise the reedsds aas a biomass energy source, to meet a constantlyntly increasing demand for a reliable supply of biomassass ffuels.

Most biomass sources being expexploited around the world today require an agricuriculturall approach to cultivation, with significant capitapital expenditure and operational costs, totallingng severalse hundred dollars per hectare per annum. Naturalural reedbeds, on the other hand, can be harvestedsted ono a rotational basis to provide raw biomass sustainablyably without the need for any cultivation or additiitionalon inputs. The only parallel between agriculturallylly ccultivated crops for biomass and using reed is in thet need to harvest the crop. In most years the cold wintwinters freeze ground and surface waters allowingng usu to use specialised mobile harvesting machineryy thathat can operate on the ice and also in water depepthsth of up to 60 cm, while avoiding soil compaction.on.

The main obstacle for processing reed is its relatively high proportion of silicaa content.con The raw material is therefore fairly stiff, bbrittle and abrasive, and making pellets entailsils higherh operating temperatures and more robustust mmachinery than for woodchips. Over several yearyears of trials, BioTop has developed a system that cann effeffectively chop and pellet reed efficiently in a singlesing production line while coping with the challenginnging operating conditions.

The basic parameters of the test pellets produced are: Diameter 6 mm Density ca. 650 kg / m3 Net calorific content ca. 15 GJ / ton Ash content ca. 8% (of which ca. 80% silicon dioxide)

These parameters (and the chemhemical characteristics) are well within the limitss for industrial use in biomass boilers. In January 2013013, having certified the production and compositiosition of the reed biomass pellets, BioTop started to supplypply local customers in lots of 100 kg to 20 tons.

Following on the encouragingg reresults of the pilot phase, BioTop has recently iinvestednve in upgrading its production line, and will soonn exexpand its area of harvest. Ultimately, it hopess to leasel unused arable land in the study area floodplainlain in order to produce reed as a crop. This wouldld alsoa lead to restoration of some of the lost floodplainn fufunctions such as water retention, nutrient recyclinycling and carbon storage. BioTop also provides employmenment for 3 – 6 people.

Development of ecotourism

The Lower Danube region hass a high tourism potential. The combination of thehe uniqueu and picturesque wetlands, woodlandlands and floodplains; the great diversity of birdss andan plants; as well as historic sites and preserved ethnethnic traditions provide a solid basis for the further development of the tourism sector. Moreover, thehe lolocation of the region near two borders providesdes opportunitieso for international tourist routes that centre on a cross-border network of protecteded areas.a

An Odessa-based company, Salix Ltd, has already begun to organise tours arououndnd Lake Kagul featuring the railway journey from Renini to Etulia (in Moldova), a nature trail around Kirganrgani reedbed, and cycle routes. It owns a traditionally-bubuilt cottage in Reni (listed on booking.com) wherehere visitors can stay.

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

View over western partrt of Lake Kagul Open water with NupharNup lutea

Southern part of Danubeube floodplain Visitors at Aliobrixobrix Fort

Dense, tall reedss at KKirgani Harvesting reedd in winter

Pellet pressess Reed pelletsllets

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

GEORGORGIA CASE STUDTUDY

Centralral Kolkheti Wetlaetlands

Poti

Wet forests

Kolkheti mires Paliastoma Lake

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Paludiculture in theth Eastern Partnership

Physical features of the site

The territory covers a low-lyinging ccoastal area of some 29,300 ha. It is located on bothb sides of the Rioni river mouth in the central partrt oof the Black Sea eastern coast at 42o12’N, 41o42’E, within the administrative regions of Samegmegrelo and Guria.

Geology and geomorphology

The territory is situated in a tecttectonic depression: it comprises a Quaternary coastoastal alluvial plain, constructed by marine, riverineine and lacustrine clays and sands, small rivers, peateat wetlands and lakes, hydromorphic and alluvial hydroydromorphic soils. It was affected by tectonic sinkingking over a long geological period, which was compensatedsated by accumulation of sediment brought by riversers fromf the slopes of the Caucasus and of Adjara-Imereti.reti. The territory, together with the entire Kolkheti lowlands,l is a net sedimentation area to this day,ay, wwhere sediments of costal, estuarine, riverinee andan lacustrine origin accumulate. The process of sinkisinking is ongoing.

Origins

The coastal plain is a swampyy ararea and well suited for the development of vastst peatp bogs. The surface of the mires is located almostst at sea level and consequently the peat layers foormrm a single layer. The peat deposits in these bogs exteextend to a depth of 12 m. In almost all coastal miiresres the middle and lower peat layers lie below sea level.el. UUsing radiocarbon and lithological methods, itt wawas established that peat accumulation in the coastaastal mires began about 6,000 years ago and is contontinuingin up to the present.

Soil type and chemistry range

The national park area, alongg wiwith the entire Kolkheti lowlands, represents ann areaar of intensive sedimentation, where marine,e, flfluvial and organic sediments are being accumulaulated.t According to borehole data, the bottom off the park, from the surface to the depth of 10-144 m,m consists of sediments of alluvial (sands, silt, clay), mire (peat, swamp clays) and marine (sands, silt) oorigin.rig

Hydrology and hydrochemistrystry

Because of their absorption charcharacteristics, the Central Kolkheti wetlands haveve significants water storage and water regulationn funfunctions. They help to maintain reliable suppliesies ofo clean water to rivers. They mitigate flooding, reducece eerosion, protect the town of Poti and other settttlements,le roads, and agricultural fields against floods.ods. They also play an important role in the regulalationtio of the local climate, maintaining a humid climate in tthe region and mitigating the effects easterly winds.win Because of the large volumes of fossil carbonn ststored in the peat bogs, removed from the atmosposphere by plants and accumulated over thousandss of years, they play a major role in the regulationn of the global climate.

Due to abundant precipitation,on, tthe park and its adjacent areas are crossed byy perennialpe flowing rivers fed from diverse sources (snow,ow, rain, ground waters). Some of them flow acrossoss the site (Supsa, Rioni, Khobistskali, Tsivi, Tekhuri, andnd EEnguri); others originate in the local peat bogss (Maltakva,(M Dedabera,

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Tsia, Tsiva, Churia, and others).rs). AAs a result of the amelioration works in the past some of the mire riverbeds were artificially straighraightened. They are generally characterised by seasoeasonal discharges, and absence of low-water levels.s. FloFloods can occur at any time of a year, while catastrophictastr flooding occurs periodically, especially on thee RioRioni River.

A number of lakes are found witwithin the territory. The largest, Paliastomi Lake,, is of lagoon origin, with an area of 18,200 ha and a maximaximum depth of 3.2 m.

The ground water horizons arere cconstantly recharged. They have high levels (0.50.5 – 1.5 m above the surface) and contribute to feedineding wetlands, lakes and rivers. In wetland areas,as, riversr banks are reinforced by flood protectionn wworks.

Water chemistry is hydrocarbonbonic (contains Cl, Na, Mg, Ca). The territory receeivesive surface and ground waters from nearby mountainsins aand hills.

Water level in wetlands -0.2 – 0.0.7m; in lakes -0.5 – 3.0 m; in rivers -1 – 1.2 m.

Climate

Climate is humid subtropical.l. WiWinter is without snow, the summer moderatelyly hhot. The total annual precipitation averages 1,500 - 1,1,700 mm per year. The average long-term tempeperature is +14C; minimum temperatures are betwbetween -13 to -17C, the maximum is +41C. The territoryterr is characterized by intense precipitation, highh relrelative humidity and strong monsoon regime windwinds. Frosts are rare within the area, however someme yyears have in excess of 20 days of frost.

General ecological features

Out of the total 29,300 ha off the area: Surface standing waters: 2,20000 hha Woodland: 16,100 ha Peatland: 11,000 ha

The following habitats are foundund within the Kolkheti National Park (Figure 1).

Coastal sandy dunes. The originaiginal appearance of this habitat is preserved almoostst entirely in the coastal zone between the mouths off KhKhobistskali and Churia. The landscape made off vevegetativeg associations of littoral psamophytes (Euphorbhorbia paralias, Eryngyium ratium), bulbous plants, perennial xerophytes (Anthemis euxina, Silene euxina,ina, Stachys maritima) and xerophytes shrubs (Paliuraliurus spina-christi, Hippophae rhamnoides) hass devdeveloped on the well-heated, brackish surface of theth sandy slightly elevated dune ridge that stretchetched on the meadow sandy–turf soils along thee coast.co Here one can also find rare Mediterranean speciescies (Glaucium flavum, Pancratium maritimum) and a number of adventives plants (Paspalum digidigitaria, Erigeron canadensis).

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Figure 1: Habitat map of Kolkhelkheti lowlands

Carex-Juncus mires. Separatee papatches of this type of habitat are found in everryy coastalc mire. It occupies especially vast areass in the Anaklia, Churia and Nabada mires. This typtypee of landscape is characterized by ideally flat relieief with peat surface, swampy small meanderinging rivers,r where Carex (Carex acutiformis, C. vesicaria) aand Juncus (Juncus effusus, J. inflexus) predominminate. The structure of the Carex-Juncus mires is almostost natural in the south part of the Anaklia mire,e, on much of the Churia mire’s surface and in some distriistricts of the central part of the Nabada mire. Thhee vegetativev cover in the remaining areas of the abovee mimires has, to different degrees, lost its original appearance,app while in the places of peat extraction it hasas bbeen almost completely destroyed.

Grassy-Sphagnum mires. Thisis typtype of habitat is developed in the central part of thet Imnati mire and on small patch in the northeast part of the Churia mire. Grassy-Sphagnum miress are distinguished by dome-shaped peat surface thathat iis noticeably elevated over the nearby mires.s. SphagnumSph creates a micro-relief of different shapeded aand sized small islands on the surface of peatt ddomes.o In the vegetative cover the main edificatory speciespecies are Sphagnum imbricatum, S. papilosum, S. acutifolium,ac S. palustre, co-dominated by Carex lasiocarpcarpa, Menyanthes trifoliata and Rhynchospora alba.

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Phragmites-Typha mires. Suchch hhabitats are mainly developed along the mire rivriverbankse and lakes, and also in the peripheries of someme mmires. In this landscape Phragmites australis,, TyphaTyph latifolia and T. angustifolia predominate; in somsome places Bolboschoenus maritimus and Iris pseudacoruspseud are found. Swampy Alder forests. This typeype of habitat is mainly developed in the peripherierieses of the coastal mires and along the riverbeds on thehe fflat heavily wet relief with peat, swamp silt soils. Alnus barbata predominates in this landscape,pe, which creates low growth class forests (the heiheightg of plants and trees does not exceed 10 m).

Shrubby-grassy mires. This habitabitat is mainly developed in the strip where the ppeatea bogs and swampy alder-tree forests meet. Thiss typtype of landscape is formed by integrity of Carexx acutiformis,acu C. vesicaria, Juncus effuses, J. inflexus, other swampy grass formations and alder trees and shrubs.sh In most cases shrubby-grassy mires are of secosecondary (anthropogenic) origin.

Humid Alder forests. This typepe oof habitat is mainly developed in the north-east,st, easte and partly south- east parts of the KNP. Alnus barbbarbata predominates in the vegetative cover off this landscape, but Quercus imeretina, Q. hartwissiaissiana, Pterocarya pterocarpa, Carpinus caucasica,ica, FrangulaF alnus and other species also play an imporportant role.

Secondary shrubby-meadows. ThThis type of habitat has been developed as a resuesultl of felling; isolated fragments are found everywherehere throughout the KNP areas covered with forestsests. The landscape mainly consists of Alnus barbatabata, rarely by Quercus imeretina, Carpinus caucasicaasica or Pterocarya pterocarpa shrubs of secondaryary origin supplemented by grass associations.

Secondary meadows. Small or lalarge fragments of this type of landscape are fooundun in every part of the KNP. They have succeeded inn areareas formerly covered with forests or in draineded mires.m Paspalum digitaria and P. dilatatum predoedominate in the vegetative cover of meadows. In theth swamp meadows Juncus effesus, J. acutus, Trifoliumfolium repens, Carex acutiformis are common. In the wet secondary meadows Paspalum digitaria,a, P. dilatatum, Agrostis alba, Poygonum hydropiperiper,, P. minus, Sorghum halepense and other speciess are found.

Anthropogenic-aquatic landscapscape. This type of habitat within the KNP has mainlyainly developed as a result of drainage works. Since 1930s0s ttens of drainage canals have been cut throughh ththe wetlands, certain meandering mire rivers have beebeen straightened. As a result of peat extraction,n, differentdi shaped pools have developed. Presently, thehe bbasins of the Pichori River and Paliastomi Lake,e, as well as the surface of the Nabada mire are netted with shallow canals.

Flora and fauna

The vegetation of Kolkheti lowlawlands include rare relics of a tropical and subtroopicalpic landscape that stretched across the Eurasiann cocontinent approximately 10 million years ago. A mmore recent plant community, adapted to the far nnorth, arrived here after the glacial periods lessss thanth 10,000 years ago.

Some mosses and plants thatt grogrow in the Kolkheti mires are the same types thatthat live far away in northern mires. These includee ththe Sphagnum mosses; the insect-eating Sundewew Drosera rotundifolia and the Royal Fern Osmundaa regregalis. The last two species are listed in Georgia’sia’s RRed Data Book.

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Among endemic species is Traparapa colchica, spread along canals, lakes and otherer reservoirs,re bays of rivers and stagnant water places.aces. Hibiscus ponticus is a rare endemic, found in peatype wetlands.

Among the wildlife of this site,te, bbirds are the most visible. Over 194 different bird species are found within the territory of the Centrantral Kolkheti and adjacent areas, including 62 resesident,id 76 migratory, and 56 wintering species. They belonelong to Gruiformes, Ciconiiformes, Charadriiformesmes,, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, AnseAnseriformes, Pelecaniformes and other orders.

The Ramsar site and adjacentt arareas provide resting and wintering grounds to: PelecanusPel onocrotalus, Pelecanus crispus, Ciconia ciconiaconia, C. nigra, Anser erythropus, Tadorna ferrugininea,ea Marmaronetta angustirostris, Oxyura leucocephcephala (IUCN), Haliaeetus albicilla, Buteo rufinuss rufirufinus, Aquila heliaca (IUCN), Aquila clanga, Falco chercherrug (IUCN), Falco vespertinus, Falco naumanni (IUCN), Aegolius funereus, Tyto alba, Grus grus. AAll of them are included in a Red List of Georgiaia asa vulnerable and endangered species. From otherther birds species it should be mentioned: Anser fabalis,faba Anser albifrons, Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya fuligfuligula, Crex crex, Botaurus stellaris, Ixobrychus minutus,minu Egretta alba, Egretta garzetta, Ardea cinerea,rea, Anthropoides virgo, Gallinago media, Phasianusnus colchicus.

Several species of reptiles haveave bbeen identified and documented within the Ramamsar site and its adjacent areas, such as Emyss orborbicularis, Angius fragilis, Natrix natrix, N. tesselataelata, and Elaphe longissima. From amphibians, TriTriturus vulgaris, T. karelinii, Bufo viridis, Hyla arboreaarbo , and Rana ridibunda are found.

The fish fauna of Lake Paliastomstomi includes 24 species, among which are: Alosaa caspiacas palaeostomi – an endemic species – and a numberber of important commercial fish, including the mamarine mullets Mugil cephalus, M. auratus and M.. saliesaliens.

Natural values

The wetlands of central Kolkheti are very important for biodiversity. Coastal swswampsa are rich with endemic and relict wildlife specispecies. Churia, Nabada, Imnati and other ecosystemstemss have water regulatory and water cleaningg fufunctions; the relict Kolkheti swamp forests locacatedte next to peat bogs; Paliastomi, Imnati and other lakelakes are habitat for breeding, wintering and migrigratoryat birds. Kolkheti mires play a role in protectingg lolocal communities from flooding. During periodsds oof heavy rain, these mires act like a sponge, absorbinrbing large quantities of water. After the rains thehe miresm release water slowly, keeping the surroundinging area from becoming too dry.

Social and cultural values

The site contains valuable naturaatural features for recreation and ecotourism develvelopment.o Visitors can explore a variety of natural areareas found nowhere else in Georgia: wetland forestrests, quiet waterways, peatland mires. They can enjoyjoy bboating, kayaking, birdwatching, photographyy anand educational programmes (routes are arrangeanged in Imnati and Nabada peat bogs).

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The special humid landscapess of the territory contain palaeographic, biogeogragraphic,p landscape, hydro- climatic and other characteristicistics which have a large potential for attracting scientistsscien and researchers. Based on archaeological and histhistorical-ethnographic evidence, the territory hasas beenb occupied by humans since the Neolithic Era.ra. In the third millennium BP, there was a highlyly developedde civilization in Kolkheti. Results of archaeologiclogical excavations in Kolkheti lowlands prove thatat theth river banks of the protected territory were populatpulated during the Bronze Age and later periods. FuFurthermore,r old settlements near the village of CChaldidi located along both banks of the river RioniRio were studied, among them Zurga and Simagre.gre. Several monuments of late bronze and ancientient age were found between the beds of Rioni andnd PPichori.

Land tenure/ownership

As shown in Figure 2, land withinithin the protected area is state-owned. Land in the surrounding area is partially state-owned property,rty, ppartially private property.

Figure 2: Boundary of the Kolkholkheti National Park (green dotted line)

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Current land (including water)er) uuse

Within the traditional use zonene oof the National Park, grazing and cutting firewooodod are allowed. Restricted fishing is allowed in LaLake Paliastomi. The peripheral zone of the Nationational Park (especially swampy and humid forests, secosecondary forest-shrubs and meadows, also the edgesedg of the peat bogs) is used for cattle (cow and waterter bbuffalo) grazing by the local population. Aside fromfro grazing, the surroundings of the Nationall ParPark are used for crops (principally maize) and wwoodcutting.oo

Factors (past, present or potenttential) adversely affecting the area’s ecologicall charactercha

Human activities are the mostst adadverse factors affecting the site’s ecological character,char among which illegal woodcutting and pollutiontion of Paliastomi Lake are the most severe. Moreovreover, the increasing salinity of the lake threatenss indindigenous fish species (see below).

Woodcutting, mire drainage,, peapeat extraction, uncontrolled hunting and fishingng hadh negative impacts on the Kolkheti wetlands beforefore the establishment of Kolkheti National Park.. AAss a result of intensive woodcutting, certain forest areaareas were greatly degraded, especially along thee Churia,Ch Tsiva, Tsia and Pichori rivers, where almost pristpristine forest stands were still found in recent timeimes. Currently, much of these stands are representedd by degraded forests, secondary forest-shrubs andnd secondarys meadows.

In the past, the northern partrt of Anaklia mire, the southernmost parts of the Imnatimn and Nabada, much of the Maltakva, and the northerrthern part of the Grigoleti mires were exploited aass peatp -pits. Peat extraction for organic fertilizersers began in Kolkheti in 1930. Peat extraction fromom thet coastal mires of Kolkheti Lowlands was stoppeded iin 1990.

Anthropogenic influences on LakLake Paliastomi have led to significant impacts on itsit ecological structure since the 1920s. Following thehe coconstruction of the Maltakva channel joining the lakel to the Black Sea for flood protection, the lakee has changed from freshwater to a brackish/freshwashwater ecosystem. The salinity of the lake fluctuates,s, pepeaking following onshore storms from the Blackck Sea.S Further impacts have resulted from the extractioction of peat in nearby areas; mire rivers carry haarmfulrm biogenic elements, resulting from peat decompositiosition, into the lake. These factors are perceivedd to have had a strong negative effect on biodiversity.sity. PPeriodically (either early in spring, before the vegetationveg starts, or late in autumn) the mires’ vegetationation is set on fire.

In the area surrounding the NatiNational Park, construction and operation of nearbyrby Kulevi Oil Terminal represents one of the main neganegative factors. Mitigation measures are identifieiedd ini an Environmental Impact Assessment and by thehe teterms of the Environmental Permit.

Conservation measures in placelace

For the protection/preservationtion of the unique ecosystems of Central Kolkhetii RRamsara site, Kolkheti National Park was created in 1991999, by the Law of Georgia on Establishment andnd MManagement of Kolkheti Protected Areas.

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The Government of Georgia recereceived a credit from the International Developmementn Association (IDA) and a grant from the Global EnviEnvironmental Facility (GEF) for establishment off the Kolkheti Protected areas under the Georgia Integratgrated Coastal Management Project (GICMP). Withiithin the frame of this project, a series of measuress wewere conducted: • Kolkheti protected areass mamanagement plans were developed and approvedved and demarcation of boundaries of Kolkheti NatiNational Park was finalised. • Biodiversity monitoring proprogramme for Kolkheti National Park was developeloped. • Kolkheti National Park resouesources use (grazing, logging, fishing, hunting) wwasas studied. • The Administration of Kolkholkheti National Park was properly equipped. • An interpretation programmamme for Kolkheti National park was developed in cooperationc with the US Fish and Wildlife Servicevice. • Kolkheti National Park infranfrastructure was put in place. • Winter waterbird countsts wewere carried out in compliance with Wetlandss IntInternationale format (2003, 2005). • Kolkhetian pheasant (Phasiahasianus colchicus) assessment study was undertaketaken. • Imnati mire was studied in ddetail by scientists from the Greifswald Univerersitysit Institute of Botany (hydrology, vegetation, anthanthropogenic impact (grazing, fire), peat stratiggraphy).rap

In addition, the Governmentt of GGeorgia has received a grant from Japan Socialial DevelopmentD Fund for implementation of a project on IImproving Livelihood Security in Kolkheti Lowlaland.n 30 small projects were implemented in villagess adadjacent to the National Park to minimise the pressurepress on natural resources. Moreover, based on tthe measures defined in the management plan,an, tthe National Park is widely advertised on TV, withh ththe purpose of popularisation.

In 2012, the Kolkheti Protectedted AAreas Development Fund was created. It worksrks in three directions: (i) implementation of monitoringng pprograms; (ii) designing infrastructure; and (iii) constructionco and reconstruction works. These are all necessary activities for tourism developmeent.nt Various projects have been carried out with thehe ffinancial support of the fund, including: • Waterbird monitoring (IliaIlia SState University) • Implementation of a monitoonitoring plan for Kolkheti National Park (Associattionion “Flora and Fauna”) • Monitoring of Black Sea mamammals (Ilia State University) • Hydrological regime monitonitoring programmme (Ilia State University) • Updating Kolkheti Nationalnal Park Management Plan • Preparing Black Sea mammmmals conservation plan • Lake Paliastomi fish and hydhydrobiological research (Association “Flora andd FFauna”)a

Future conservation activitiess incinclude: Identification of priority sitess for wetland restoration. As Kolkheti National Park Adminministration cooperates with different public bodiediess as well as with non- governmental organisations,s, it is planned to work on some environmental projrojectsec that will benefit peatlands, their effective monitonitoring and conservation. The forthcoming Jointt OpOperational Program Black Sea Basin 2014-2020 givesives the opportunity to work on projects with diffefferentre partners that will improve joint environmentall momonitoring and promote common awareness-raisinaising and joint activities against river and marine litter.er.

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Alternative Scenarios Based on Paludiculture

Macrophyte harvesting

Macrophytes such as rushes,s, reereeds and sedges grow around the margins of Lakeake Paliastomi. In the past, local people cut and driedied tthem and wove the material into products includcluding hats, baskets, brooms and mats. It was a traditraditional and widespread activity for the region.. Today,Tod this tradition has almost disappeared but couldld be reintroduced for the growing tourist market.t. MacrophytesM can be harvested in the traditional use zzone of the National Park.

Grazing

Local people keeping cows andnd bbuffalos can graze them in the traditional use zzoneon of the National Park.

Eco-tourism

The region has a high potentialtial ffor eco-tourism development. The combinationon oof the unique wetlands, woodlands and waterwaterways; the great diversity of birds and plants; as wellw as historic sites, preserved ethnic traditions andnd ttraditional cuisine, provide a solid basis for thehe furtherfu development of the eco-tourism sector.

The National Park Administrationation offers boating on Lake Paliastomi and Riverr PPichori.ic Several observation towers have beenen bbuilt in the territory for birdwatching. In Poti, as wellw as in Churia district (on the north part of the National Park), visitor centres provide informationati about the area and offer guest rooms. There is some potential for additional guesthouse businessss wwhere organic food is provided, that will be source of rrevenue for the local population.

Sphagnum peat moss farming

The warm and humid climatee of the Kolkheti Lowlands encourages a high naturatural productivity of peat moss (Sphagnum). It can groww ththroughout the year since there are neither longng periodsp of temperatures below 0°C nor lonlong dry seasons. These conditions favour Sphagnumgnum farming on degraded peatlands as well as on recently abandoned alluvial soils.

The potential for Sphagnum farmfarming in the Kolkheti Lowlands have been conductducted by Greifswald University1, involving trials onn ththe establishment and productivity of two speciescies:: Sphagnum papillosum and S. palustre. Thehe sstudy proved a high potential for local cultivattionion of both Sphagnum species due to the availabilityy of agricultural sites and suitable climatic conditiontions. However, methods ensuring the establishment of SpSphagnum cultures and managing the water levelsvels (to avoid desiccation or flooding of the peat mosses)ses) hhave to be developed.

1 See http://paludiculture.uni-greifswald.dwald.de/en/projekte/sphagnumfarming/projekte.php_georgien.php.php

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Churia Peatlands

Wetlantlands of Central Kolkheti with dense reedbed

Sphagnumum (peat moss) and fisherman on Lake Paliastomi

Boatingng ttour on River Pichori and birdwatching tower

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Through its Re-granting Scheme, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) supports projects of EaP CSF members with a regional dimension that will contribute to achieving the mission and objectives of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. The donors of the re -granting scheme are the European Union, National Endowment for Democracy and Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overall amount for the 2016 call for proposals is 307.500 EUR. Grants are available for CSOs from the Eastern Partnership and EU countries. Key areas of support are democracy and human rights, economic integration , environment and energy, contacts between people, social and labour policies.

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