Action D.1: Monitoring of the impact of project actions on priority habitats
Taking into consideration, that the monitoring period – compared to the time-span of succession – is infinitesimally short, the demonstration of the effects of the conservation actions have several uncertainties. To overcome this methodological problem - when creating our monitoring system - we are putting a special emphasis on the directly measurable environmental elements, and we are also focusing on the measurement of the health conditions of the species of the priority habitats, since these are directly affected by the level of water supply. The monitoring on the changes in the health condition of the populations can only be elaborated by a clear, unambiguous methodology which has an objective basis. An international forest condition monitoring methodology, which is used in ERTI is serving this aim. The definition of the health conditions of the trees provides basic information on the changes in the forest ecosystem. The symptoms that can be found on the crown, trunk and root are characteristic indicators of the quality of the environment. The main aim here is to continuously collect data on the health conditions of the forests. During this survey, quantity and quality data on damages and symptoms can be identified. Based on a frequent, longer term survey, the direction and scale of changes in health conditions can be monitored.
Within the project area, in the Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) habitats we are going to assign 10 sample parcels for monitoring purposes. These parcels will be chosen taking into consideration the age, origin and productions circumstances of the given population, in order to properly represent the Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) habitats of the given area. Besides, we find it important to assign 4 sample parcels for the Quercus robur species, because this species plays an important role in the populations of the local forests, therefore the changes in their status well represents the answers given to environmental changes.
Elements of our monitoring system:
1. Automated agrometeorological station
2. Groundwater monitoring wells (14 pieces)
3. Botanic surveys (two pieces of 20 x 20m parcels)
Planned implementation period: September 2013 – August 2018
Action D.2: Assessment of the socio-economic impact of the project actions on the local economy and population as well as on the ecosystem functions
Water retention and providing working opportunities for low skilled people recently became two important topics of the Hungarian public life and has an importance throughout the whole territory of the EU. Our project combines activities that give solutions to both important issues. Compiling the socio-economic study, policymakers and decision-makers of similar organisations will have the opportunity to receive a detailed and reasoned information package that will support them when initiating similar actions. Read by high position policy and decision-makers, the study may also serve as a superb dissemination tool on the LIFE+ programme towards top-level management personnel of other forestry and nature protection bodies, thus enhancing the propagation of nature protection issues from the aspects of water retention and providing job opportunities.
Planned implementation period: September 2017 – April 2018