Description
The project aims at starting appropriate management for selected valuable sites with wetland or heathland habitats and providing long-term sustainability either through stimulating and supporting active approach of local inhabitants with relation to the place as a recreational space and landscape they live at (Roztoky heathlands) or through using these sites economically, with CAP farming tools (Lužnice river basin). It combines practical conservation measures (grazing, elimination of shrubs) with awareness raising. The outputs will not comprise only of the restored area, but also of a number of events for local communities – voluntary field work, seminars, lectures, field trips with art workshops, exhibitions, game elements for children, picnic zone etc. The target groups are local inhabitants, nature conservation authorities, NGOs. The experience of both partners and their links to the local communities of both sites will ensure the impact of will be maximized and of a long duration.
Summary of project results
The project aimed at establishing a suitable management of the project sites Natural Reserve Roztocký háj – Tiché údolí, the Řivnáč hill and SCI Niva horní Lužnice. The interventions consisted mainly in elimination of self-seeded shrub and initiation of grazing and mowing management. All project sites have been overgrown with shrub before the project, without management, with disappearing fragments of valuable natural habitat types and habitats of species – in case of the sites in Roztoky those are the heaths, in case of SCI Niva horní Lužnice a river basin. The goal of the project was not only ensure appropriate management, but also involve local communities in a way that these site are protected and taken care of. This goal was reached, both as the whole and in all partial aspects. Within the project shrub was removed at total area of 6,97 ha and grazing or mowing realized at the total area of 29,3 ha. There were plenty of events for local communities organized – 4 quests at the landscape, summer children camp, 2 voluntary help events, lecture on grazing, exhibitions of visual arts, construction of walkway with different types of natural materials and of a picnic zone, 4 field seminars for those interested in management at the project sites, 1 leaflet, 1 colourful picture map, 4 informational panels, 4 articles in local media and 1 article in expert media and 2 press releases. There is 1 student university thesis about the project, at Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre. The impact of the project was stronger than originally expected, in total hundreds of people were involved. At Roztoky, there was an intensive involvement of local citizens, their demand exceeded supply (capacity of some events). At the Lužnice river basin there was more than sufficient interest of local farmers in taking part at the managements. Thanks to this at all sites after the end of the project there will be a continuation of not only the management activities, but also of activities aimed at local inhabitants. There is also a successful cooperation with nature conservation authorities and local authorities.
Summary of bilateral results