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Description
The main problem is the disappearance and inadequate conservation status of a valuable in Europe, critically endangered species and its habitats Natura 2000: 1758 Siberian Tongue Ligularia sibirica. The current state is conditioned by the transformation of the environment, including the drainage of habitats, the disappearance of traditional management in the area of peatlands, and low awareness of the role of wet habitats.
How will the project address these challenges? (please summarize the main activities and deliverables plannedto address these challenges) (max 500 characters)
The aim of the project is to stop the disappearance and improve the status of a critically endangered species of humid habitats on a European scale: Ligularia sibirica and its habitats in 5 sites considered endangered from 6 Polish sites.
Scheduled works:
Database on the current population status
Active protection treatments (mowing, removal of trees and bushes, regulation of water relations)
Interdisciplinary environmental monitoring
Education
Works results of conservation managment plans.
What does the project plan to achieve? (max 200 characters)
The project aims in increasing the scientific potential and the ability of administration and interested social groups to implement ecosystem services approach in environmental management.
Who is expected to benefit from this project and how will they benefit? (max 200 characters)
Farmers, plot owners, agricultural advisors - management capabilities in peatlands.
Nature protection institutions - management, protection and monitoring of species and habitats.
Inhabitants,tourists
For each donor project partner or other project partner:what added value is the partnership expected to bring to the project? (max 600 characters)
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to halt the decline and improve the conservation status of a priority, critically endangered wetland species in Europe: Ligularia sibirica (Siberian Ligularia, species code 1758) and its habitats at five of the six Polish sites of the species, recognized as threatened: SOOS Suchy Młyn PLH240016, SOOS Dolina Górnej Pilicy PLH260018, SOOS Ostoja Szaniecko-Solecka PLH260034, SOOS Torfowisko Sobowice PLH060024, SOOS Torfowiska Chełmskie PLH060023, and SOOS Polana Biały Potok PLH120026.
The condition of the natural habitats covered by the project exhibited various signs of degradation. This was reflected in the state of populations of valuable species, including Ligularia sibirica (species code 1758), particularly in the narrowing of its gene pool. Historically, the problem was the disappearance of extensive land use, intentional changes in hydrological conditions, and uncontrolled human pressure, including tourism, which significantly contributed to the decline of this boreal species'' population in Poland.
The project addressed challenges such as:
- The decline and alteration of the species composition of Ligularia sibirica habitats (1758) due to secondary succession, changes in hydrological conditions, and the spread of expansive species.
- Lack of stabilization of the gene pool of Ligularia sibirica (1758) in the areas of PLH240016, PLH260018, PLH060023.
- Lack of comprehensive data on the conservation subject.
Until this issue was addressed by the Foundation, the population decline in Poland continued to progress, as evidenced by the results of the State Environmental Monitoring.
Main Implemented Actions / Delivered Products / Provided Services:
- Creation of a Database: a database was established to document the baseline state of populations, historical habitats, and threats to Ligularia sibirica across the five project areas (a total of six Natura 2000 sites). This database was developed with input from experts in GIS, geobotany/botany, hydrology/hydrogeology, geomorphology, soil science, and climatology.
- Development of a Hydrogeological Model: a hydrogeological model of the area was created (including a numerical terrain model and a hydrogeological map) for the five project areas.
- Active Conservation Measures in Ligularia sibirica Habitats: conservation actions were carried out in the five project areas (a total of six Natura 2000 sites):
– removal of expansive plant species in SOOS PLH260034, SOOS PLH060024, SOOS PLH060023, and SOOS PLH120026.
– removal of expansive and invasive plant species in SOOS PLH240016 and PLH260018.
– mowing in SOOS PLH240016, SOOS PLH260018, and PLH260034.
– shrub clearance with biomass removal and thinning over dense areas in SOOS PLH240016, PLH260018, PLH260034, PLH060024, and PLH120026.
– cutting trees with a diameter of up to 30 cm in SOOS PLH240016, PLH260018, and SOOS PLH120026.
– construction of five dams on anthropogenic ditches.
– purchase of equipment for conducting conservation measures.
4. Ex Situ Cultivation and Reintroduction to Natural HabitatsEx situ cultivation and reintroduction of Ligularia sibirica were carried out in two project areas (three Natura 2000 sites): 1) SOOS Suchy Młyn PLH240016 and SOOS Dolina Górnej Pilicy PLH260018, 2)SOOS Torfowiska Chełmskie PLH060023.
Tasks included:
– collecting genetic material.
– cultivation and maintenance of ex situ plantations.
– reintroduction of seedlings into prepared natural habitats.
– care and maintenance of reintroduced plants.
– creation of substitute habitats.
– purchase of equipment for plant care.
5. Interdisciplinary nature and technical monitoring: monitoring in the five project areas (a total of six Natura 2000 sites) included:
– nature monitoring conducted over three vegetation seasons by experts in GIS, geobotany/botany, hydrology/hydrogeology/geomorphology, soil science, climatology, zoology/entomology.
– genetic studies of populations created through ex situ cultivation in SOOS Suchy Młyn PLH240016 and SOOS Dolina Górnej Pilicy PLH260018.
– equipment purchases, including GPS devices, piezometers, humidity and temperature loggers, camera traps with accessories and data transmission, and ladders.
6. Promotional and Educational Campaign:
– online activities: development of a project website, including an information page available in English, tailored to the needs of visually impaired users. Project materials were also promoted on the Foundation''s social media profiles and its main website.
– video production: creation of promotional videos on YouTube in five versions, customized for individual regions where the project was implemented, and a consolidated version covering the entire conservation program for all six Natura 2000 areas.
– event organization: opening session in Silesian Voivodeship and closing session in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, attended by representatives of institutions responsible for nature conservation, species protection, Natura 2000 areas, local governments, regional institutions, and scientific bodies from Poland, as well as Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania.
– workshops for local farmers and advisors: meetings were held in the Silesian, Lesser Poland, and Lublin Voivodeships (along with individual consultations with farmers in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship). The workshops focused on consulting farmers about extensive management practices in hydric habitats.
Results of the project:
– stabilization of the Ligularia sibirica (species code 1758) population in the project areas.
– restoration of optimal habitat conditions for Ligularia sibirica on a total area of 5 hectares within the project areas.
– compilation of data on threats and conservation methods for Ligularia sibirica and its habitats in five sites classified as endangered out of the six Polish sites for this species.
– increased awareness of wetland conservation.
– enhanced cooperation among entities involved in wetland and Ligularia sibirica conservation.
The project led to an improvement in the state of the environment, specifically wetland ecosystems, across five project areas (six Natura 2000 sites) in Poland. During the project, an interdisciplinary approach was applied to protect Ligularia sibirica habitats over a total of 5 hectares, distributed as follows:
- SOOS Suchy Młyn PLH240016 and SOOS Dolina Górnej Pilicy PLH260018: 0.75 ha.
- SOOS Ostoja Szaniecko-Solecka PLH260034: 2.25 ha.
- SOOS Torfowisko Sobowice PLH060024: 1 ha.
- SOOS Torfowiska Chełmskie PLH060023: 0.75 ha.
- SOOS Polana Biały Potok: 0.25 ha.
Habitat restoration efforts for Ligularia sibirica were conducted in the following habitat types:
7230: Górskie i nizinne torfowiska zasadowe (z turzycami i mchami).
7140: Torfowiska przejściowe i trzęsawiska.
6410: Łąki trzęślicowe na glebach wapiennych, torfowych lub gliniasto-mulistych.
6510: Nizinne i górskie łąki kośne użytkowane ekstensywnie.
91E0: Lasy łęgowe z wierzbą, topolą, olchą i jesionem.
The project contributed to the improved conservation status of one protected species: Ligularia sibirica (species code 1758). Comprehensive active conservation measures were implemented, supported by research and monitoring to understand biotic and abiotic processes in hydric habitats essential for the protection of Ligularia sibirica.
The detailed project plan was developed based on conservation documents (including PZO and ZO), GIOŚ monitoring results, EU Directives (92/43/EEC and 79/409/EEC), and consultations with RDOŚ. It also incorporated international experiences and prior studies.
The project successfully implemented planned actions and achieved tangible ecological and material results. The creation of a GIS database and acquired cross-border knowledge will facilitate effective management of hydric ecosystems, including Ligularia sibirica habitats, in the future.
Long-Term Impact:
Halting adverse processes caused by historical disruptions in ecosystems is an optimal regeneration method, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems that define the natural identity of this part of Europe. These efforts support the survival of vulnerable plant species.
One key takeaway from the project is the necessity of continuing species reintroduction and habitat optimization, particularly regarding water management. Understanding hydrogenic habitat processes—largely responsible for the population decline in recent years—was critical to the project''s success.
Promotional and Educational Campaign Results:
The campaign led to:
– increased awareness of the rare and endangered species Ligularia sibirica and its habitats.
– broader knowledge of economic and organizational methods for supporting active habitat conservation.
– improved understanding of the conservation and monitoring methodologies for Ligularia sibirica among nature conservationists, scientists, representatives of Natura 2000 site management institutions and species protection agencies in Poland, as well as in other EU and non-EU countries.
– greater awareness of the project, Norwegian Funds, and EEA Grants, including their goals, impacts, and the role of donor states.
The campaign reached a total of 34,467 recipients.