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Description
The project aims to restore Slovak peatlands located in different part of Slovakia (Western, Eastern, Northern) by implementation of hydrological restoration measures and applying climate-responsible peatland management. Study of wetland functions as carbon sink will be conducted in cooperation with Norwegian Partner (NINA) including methodological training for Slovak experts. Best-practice methodological guidelines for sustainable management of forested peatlands on local and national level will be prepared. Working with and involving relevant local stakeholders and local communities will ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. Public awarenes campaign to raise awareness on role of peatlands within climate change. New innovative educational methodology and tools will be elaborated and incorporated into the curriculum of local schools at project sites.
Main project target groups are: general public, students from local schools and local stakeholders (landowners and land users, foresters and administrators of forest).
Summary of project results
The Project aimed to address following challenges in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation:
- enhance of ability of degraded peatlands to adapt to climate change,
- restore and preserve of peatlands unique biodiversity including rare plant species, such as orchids (Dactylorhiza majalis),
- scientific and information outputs gathering and assessing data on environmental status of targeted peatlands,
- raise awareness on peatlands among young population, land-managers and local stakeholders.
Following Project activities were implemented within the Project:
- elaboration of restoration plans,
- establishment of hydrological and habitat monitoring in restored sites including installation of automatic monitoring net gathering data on daily basis,
- communication with local stakeholders on restoration measures including informal and official meetings,
- implementation of water retention and management measures such as construction of wood dams, building depressions and biomass removal applied on peatlands,
- elaboration of methodological guidelines for sustainable management of peatland and wetland forests,
- elaboration of study on carbon sequestration potential of restored sites,
- public awareness activities,
- educational outdoor programs for primary and secondary schools focused on significance of wetland restoration and protection.
Overall, 11 peatlands were restored on the area of 2,941 500 m2.
The Project improved environmental status of 11 Slovak peatlands. More than 70,000 local people benefit from ecosystems improvement measures. State and non-state forest managers were provided with the guideline how manage the land sustainably to preserve good environmental status of peatlands.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral Partner, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), participated a number of field trips on peatland sites and provided its expertise in monitoring of their environmental status before and after restoration with emphasis on carbon stocks and biodiversity. NINA expertise has shown that small Slovak peatlands do not contribute significantly to national greenhouse gas emissions. However, they are lost together with unique biodiversity within a century, if not restored and sustainably managed. Norwegian Partner contributed to development of skills in monitoring and protection of degraded peatland ecosystems. Achieved results were published in the form of scientific study which is available free of charge to other experts for further use. Bilateral cooperation was strengthened by co-organised trainings and information activities presenting the Project results to local communities and stakeholders. Bilateral collaboration had wider effects beyond the Project. Achieved results on restoration of Slovak peatlands materialized in English open technical publication published by NINA.