New wetlands and ponds as places for biodiversity in the Liberec region 2021 - 2024

Project facts

Project promoter:
Institute for Sustainable Development(CZ)
Project Number:
CZ-ENVIRONMENT-0060
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€375,797
Other Project Partners
Bumblebee - Society of Friends of Nature z.s.(CZ)

Description

The aim of the project is to create 77 new ponds with a total area of app. 15,500 m2 in 5 pre-selected localities, incl. accompanying biodiversity measures. We will also prepare documents for creation of at least 5 similar localities in other parts of the region, in cooperation with municipalities and private land owners. To continue the activities after the end of the project, it is necessary to secure additional funding, negotiate with local governments and other owners and raise public awareness.

Summary of project results

The implementation of this project was crucial because biodiversity protection outside of protected areas often occurs more in theory than through concrete, practical measures. This project focused on addressing one of the main challenges—lack of capacity due to limited financial resources for the preparation of larger revitalization projects. Without sufficient resources and capacities, it is difficult to implement more extensive measures that could have a real impact on improving the state of the landscape and protecting biodiversity.

The goals we set within the project were carefully designed with the need for practical implementation of specific measures in the landscape in mind. These goals included not only immediate activities aimed at improving the condition of nature but also strategic steps that will create better conditions for future similar projects. We successfully achieved all the set goals, which means that we not only improved the state of specific areas but also contributed to creating more sustainable conditions for nature conservation and restoration in the coming years. Through this project, we have thus met current needs while laying the foundation for long-term efforts in biodiversity protection and landscape revitalization. 

We managed to maintain and even improve the conditions of the Liberec Region''s grant fund for water retention in the landscape. As a result, we were able to assist several forward-thinking landowners in revitalizing selected sites and improving conditions for biodiversity. These efforts have led to the creation of new habitats that provide shelter and breeding grounds for at least 22 species of endangered plants and animals. The fact that new sites have been established and additional projects are in progress is crucial, as there is still a significant lack of biodiversity restoration efforts outside protected areas.

As part of the project, we built 77 ponds, prepared 5 new projects, and reached agreements with five landowners to prepare further projects on their sites in the coming years. We also filmed 6 videos of the revitalized sites, which we are promoting on our website and Facebook page. With a traveling exhibition of 12 panels, we visited 5 locations in the Liberec Region and involved dozens of volunteers in concrete activities related to project preparation and implementation.

Additionally, we prepared a new Czech-German project. This project allowed us to engage in meaningful work while providing target groups with several new sites, valuable information, and enriching experiences.

In this project, we focused not only on one-time measures at specific sites but also on activities aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of our efforts. We successfully influenced regional funding sources, raised awareness among the public and regional government representatives about the importance of biodiversity protection, and established collaborations not only with additional landowners in the region but also with other organizations, including cross-border partners within the Czech-Saxon cooperation.

 

 

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.