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Description
The project restores degraded wetland ecosystem belonging to the Ramsar area of the Gajar alluvium of the Morava River in the cadastral area of Malé Leváre, Southern-Western Slovakia.
Project will transform former wetland (about 210,000 m2) used extensively as agricultural land into species-rich, periodically flooded alluvial meadows with the occurrence of protected plant species. The local microclimate will become wetter and colder, the area will be better able to withstand extreme droughts and heat. Compared to the current intensively used agricultural land, species-rich alluvial meadows and wetland vegetation will have a significantly higher carbon sequestration capacity, which is key to slowing down climate change. NINA – Norwegian partner will cooperate with and contribute to the expertise of local specialists on monitoring of ecosystems services.
Project target group is general public and environment. Project will support public awareness raising on the importance of restored local wetlands in the context of climate change by construction of a 3 km long nature trail facilitated also for people with autistic spectre disorders and physical disabilities.
Summary of project results
The Project aimed to address following challenges in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation:
- enhance of ability of one wetland, significant bird migration area, to adapt to climate change,
- restore and preserve biodiversity of wetland ecosystem with focus on water birds and native plant species,
- scientific and information outputs gathering and assessing data on environmental status of targeted wetland,
- raise awareness on local wetland by showing other land-owners and local inhabitants the importance of biodiversity and benefits of wetland on the well-being of the local community.
Following Project activities were implemented within the Project:
- clearing of non-native and invasive species and planting of 650 native tree and shrub species,
- conversion of an intensively used but waterlogged agricultural field into an alluvial meadow with native plant species to increase biodiversity and provide food to animals,
- removal of part of the sediments from the dead arm of the Morava River to contribute to stabilization of the local wetland ecosystems,
- monitoring of wetland habitats and ecosystem services,
- building of nature trail friendly for children with autism spectrum disorders with 10 education boards promoting significance of local wetland and its biodiversity.
Overall, 1 wetland was restored on the area of 229,869 m2.
The Project improved environmental status of one wetland. More than 5,500 local people benefits from ecosystems improvement measures.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral Partner, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), participated a number of field trips on wetland site and provided its expertise in monitoring of wetlands and wetland habitats, including monitoring of ecosystem services and CO2. Norwegian Partner contributed to development of skills in monitoring and protection of degraded wetland ecosystems. Achieved results were published as scientific studies and are available free of charge to other experts for further use. Bilateral cooperation was strengthened by co-organised training and information activities presenting the Project results to local communities and stakeholders. Bilateral collaboration had wider effects beyond the Project. The Norwegian Partner successfully promoted the "story-map" of the Project as a finalist in the prestigious international competition ArcGIS in 2023.