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Description
The project is needed in view of the increasing water shortage in Wielkopolska region. The completion of the project will improve the condition of water resources, in particular in protected areas. The project includes technical, restorative and rehabilitation activities addressed at wetlands, small-scale forest reservoirs and swamps. It will slow down the negative water drainage process. Additionally, it will increase social awareness and change social attitudes, facilitating more reasonable management of water resources.
The project assumes undertaking technical activities consisting in the construction of water impoundment facilities (72 weirs, 34 gates and repair of the existing water facilities) at forest reservoirs, wetlands and ditches. The purchase of computers, audio-visual equipment, VR application and teaching aids to be used in workshops and trainings on water resources management.
The project aims to restore wetlands and forest reservoirs, create retention canals and delay water drainage in selected protected areas. It will improve the condition of natural habitats, increase the resistance to risks related to climate change and reduce adverse effects of droughts.
Beneficiaries of project implementation: State Forests administration - through the improvement of the condition of natural habitats. Local governments - through the improvement of water resources in the region. Local community - through increased awareness of and sensitization to threats related to water shortage.
Sixteen forest divisions that participate in the project as the administrators of the territory will provide access to the areas to carry out the activities under the project. The said forest divisions will contribute to the project by sharing their expertise and experience and will ensure the preservation of the project deliverables. They will educate the community and raise awareness of risks related to water shortage and climate change.
Summary of project results
“Comprehensive restoration of wetlands and reproduction of natural wet natural habitats in protected areas in the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznań by increasing water retention and slowing water outflow” has been a project implemented to prevent the effects of climate change.
Climate changes are currently causing more frequent periods of drought, snowless winters, and long-term lack of precipitation and episodes of short, heavy rainfalls. In addition, anthropogenic pressure has caused a decrease in groundwater levels and drainage of wetlands.
This results in the drying out of valuable peat bogs, the disappearance of wetlands, and the weakening and impoverishment of forest and non-forest habitats. In the current climate situation in the region of Greater Poland, it is difficult for them to regenerate on their own.
The project was implemented to protect wetlands (e.g., peat bogs, marshes) and wet habitats through the use of water facilities. They slow down water outflow and inhibit occurring negative changes there. Additionally, the project included an educational and promotional campaign. Its task was to inform about the role of wetlands, wet habitats, and the water impact in nature. It also promoted the implemented project as well as wetlands and wet habitats as unique places. It showed them as places full of secrets, beauty, and biodiversity.
The project regarded the creation or restoration of 151 water engineering facilities. We have built 132 new and repaired 19 old facilities. Among that number there have been: 76 weirs, 43 water gates, and 24 culverts. 16 Forest Districts were participating in this project. One of the main benefits of this project is the increase in the water retention by forests and therefore refilling the underground water resources. It is going to improve the functioning of the whole ecosystem. The area of improved habitat is estimated to be 482 ha located in 21 nature conservation areas—which corresponds with the area of 678 football pitches.
Based on the communication strategy of the "Forest a full sponge" (PL: Las pełną gąbką) campaign, animations and posters by students of the University of Arts in Poznań were created. They were presented on regional train routes and at selected public transport stops in Poznań. In March 2024 we opened the "Dream about water" (PL: Sen o wodzie) photography exhibition. It presented photos from project sites, before and after the water engineering facilities were implemented. Additionally, we organized scientific workshops for school teachers as well as three scientific conferences. During the project we created many publications: a brochure with information about the project, a post-project catalogue, articles in the local press, broadcasts, films, and posts in social media.
The project implementation made possible to:
- Increase the water retention - wetlands are most effective habitats in that aspect;
- Improve water quality - aquatic and forest plants filter nutrients flowing with rainwater from fields;
- Stabilise water level - this inhibits rotting and mineralization of hydrogenic soils;
- Stabilise water-related habitats - Water in the environment helps keep high biodiversity in those places;
- Cooling effect during summer season - the evaporation of water reduces the ambient temperature;
- Protect natural habitats – decreasing risk of extinction in Europe, such as peat bogs, swamps and riparian forests;
- Improvement of situation of amphibians- the longer water stays in the forest, the greater the chance for the next generation of amphibians to develop; if the water disappears before the end of summer, they have no chance of turning from tadpole into an adult frog;
- Water in the forest also supports other species - it creates places of existence and food base for rare species such as the European pond turtle, grass snake or black stork;
- Education of the society – improving the knowledge about importance of wetlands and their impact on our everyday life among the society through educational campaign;
- Organization of three scientific conferences - promotion of knowledge about wetlands and wet habitats with participation of scientists;
- Promotion of knowledge among the public about the role of water in the environment, wetlands and marshes, biodiversity of these places through the opening of the "Dream about water" photo exhibition, publications, articles, brochure, post-project catalogue, films, posts in social media etc.
Summary of bilateral results
The Forestry Extension Institute located in Norway is a non-governmental organization founded in 1958. The cooperation between the Polish foresters from the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznań and Norwegian Skogkurs brought significant benefits in the field of wetland restoration and water management in forests. Norway has extensive experience in sustainable forest management, particularly in maintaining healthy ecosystems that support biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. Skogkurs, being a renowned training and research institution in forestry, offers valuable expertise in enhancing water management practices.Polish foresters benefited from this partnership by learning advanced techniques for water retention, such as hydrological modeling, soil and water management, and vegetation management. We also gained insights into best practices for balancing forest productivity with environmental sustainability, ensuring that forest ecosystems thrive while conserving water resources.Joint participation in conference and field visits we could exchange knowledge about monitoring water quality, preventing erosion, and improving flood control through forest management. Norwegian expertise in climate change adaptation strategies, particularly related to forest hydrology, was invaluable in addressing the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.On the Skogkurs side, they were able to learn about the impact of climate change on forests, which is currently taking place in more southern regions of Europe, but which may in the future also begin to affect Norwegian forests.In summary, this collaboration enhanced the capacity of Polish foresters to restore and manage wetlands effectively, contributing to both ecological restoration and improved water management in forest ecosystems.