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Description
The process of disappearance of floodplain habitats of meadows is related to climate change. These are among the richest in terms of diversity of species and the density of bird, fish and amphibian fauna. Their disappearance heralds the end of the existence of not only a beautiful landscape in its aesthetics, but also a palette of very rare species. Many backwaters no longer exist, and in others water even during max. states are there for a short time. In 2020 (July) the water deficit went from -120 to -170 mm.
We intend to keep the swamps in the from region drying up. Therefore, we intend to build valves on drainage ditches to be able to delay the outflow of floodwater from its area until the end of spring and slightly lower the elevation of the area and build small embankments to facilitate the formation of floodplains in the basins. The habitats prepared in this way will be an attractive natural breeding place for many birds, which we will additionally equip with breeding platforms and protect against invasive predators.
The project aims to create an extremely valuable habitat of large-area floodplain meadow and riparian forest on an area of 20 ha. as well as ensuring good breeding conditions and safety for lapwings, red-billed, lonely waders, black terns
- institutions responsible for nature management in this area are RDOŚ, Polish Waters, students of schools in the municipalities of Rzepin, Dębno, farmers and landowners.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several significant environmental challenges in the region''s floodplain habitats. The primary issue was the disappearance of these habitats due to climate change, which is particularly concerning as these areas represent some of the most biodiverse ecosystems for birds, fish, and amphibians. The Lubuskie and West Pomeranian regions have been experiencing severe drought conditions, with water deficits reaching between -120 and -170 mm as recorded in July 2020. This drought persisted even during a rainy summer when other parts of the country experienced improved hydrological conditions. A critical problem in these wetland areas is the rapid drainage of water, where even during periods of maximum water levels, the retention time is insufficient to support the ecosystem''s needs. This has led to a significant decline in valuable natural landscapes and the rare species that depend on these wetland environments for survival. The degradation of these ecosystems has particularly affected breeding conditions for various bird species, including lapwings, redshanks, green sandpipers, and black terns. Furthermore, the remaining wetland habitats face additional pressure from invasive predators that threaten the protected species attempting to breed in these areas. This combination of hydrological changes, habitat loss, and predator pressure has created a complex environmental challenge that threatens the long-term viability of these important ecosystems.
The project undertook several major activities focused on wetland restoration and protection. The team successfully restored two wetland areas: one near Lubiechnia in the Ilanka Valley, where they created a water storage area of nearly 10 hectares with varying depths to promote habitat diversity. This area was surrounded by an embankment to control water runoff and included a special escarpment designed for kingfishers and sand martins to nest. The second restoration site was a former fish pond system near Dargomyśl along the Myśla River, where they repaired and reinforced embankments to restore water retention capacity and removed approximately 2.6 hectares of reed overgrowth to promote more diverse vegetation growth.
A significant component of the project was the installation of specialized fencing around "Islands of Life" - breeding platforms for various bird species. The team implemented three types of fencing (permanent 160m high barriers, portable fencing, and floating barriers) totaling over 2,300 meters to protect breeding colonies of terns and black-headed gulls from predators, particularly the American mink.
The project also included an educational component, conducting workshops about wetlands in primary schools in Cychry and Górzyca. These sessions taught students about wetland functions and biodiversity, using practical examples like beaver teeth and penduline tit nests to engage the young audience in wetland conservation.
The project culminated in a conference titled "Active Protection of Species and Habitats Associated with Wetlands - Threats and Challenges" held in Namyślin on April 19, 2024. The conference brought together various experts who shared their experiences and research on wetland conservation, invasive species management, and the protection of breeding water birds. The event included presentations on successful breeding platforms for river terns and black-headed gulls, large-scale wetland restoration in the Oder Valley, and the positive impact of natural flooding on biodiversity.
The project achieved significant results across multiple dimensions. In terms of ecological outcomes, the initiative successfully restored and improved environmental conditions across three land parcels totaling 24.2453 hectares. The restored wetlands, including the 10-hectare water retention area in the Ilanka Valley and the revitalized fish ponds near Dargomyśl, have already shown positive results with birds beginning to breed in these areas. The protective infrastructure, particularly the 2,300 meters of specialized fencing around the "Islands of Life," has effectively safeguarded breeding colonies from predators.
The educational component of the project reached a substantial audience, with 656 children participating in direct educational activities at primary schools in Cychry and Górzyca. The project''s broader outreach efforts, including social media campaigns and website content, successfully engaged 40,900 people, significantly expanding public awareness about wetland conservation and its importance.
The initiative created diverse habitats supporting various species, from water birds like terns and black-headed gulls to specialized species such as kingfishers and sand martins, which benefited from the custom-built nesting escarpments. The restored wetlands now serve multiple ecological functions, providing breeding grounds for birds and supporting broader biodiversity through varied water depths and vegetation types. The transformation of former fish ponds into natural wetland habitats has particularly benefited the local ecosystem, creating new opportunities for wildlife while maintaining important water retention capabilities in the region.