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Description
The project deals with landscaping and vegetation modifications that will lead to the reduction of soil erosion and improve the retention capacity of the landscape – to the retention of rainwater in the area. Another benefit is the restoration and creation of new natural plant and animal communities. Thanks to the significantly warm climate and lack of precipitation, the upper fertile layers of topsoil are carried away and rainwater flows out of the area in torrents. The proposed modifications will provide an environment for common and, over time, more important species of plants and animals. These activities are supported by zoning plan regulations. The implementation is based on the Assessment of the Erosion Situation, the Hydrogeological Assessment, the Rainwater Assessment and especially on the document Vohančice Landscape Plan - Landscape Transformation to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change. A terrain mound will be created from soil, which will be piled up to a height of 1.5 m above the original terrain, sloping in a gradual gradient to the original terrain and continuously compacted. Part of the soil will be used from landscaping excavated depressions, which will increase the potential for rainwater seepage. Vegetation adjustments will be carried out, which are biological anti-erosion and hydrological measures. 0.6 hectares of grass will be sown, 25 trees and 8 shrubs will be planted. The project builds on the already implemented erosion control ramparts parts I and III. Target group - citizens of the municipality. The village suffers from a serious lack of water, the groundwater level has recently dropped dramatically due to climate change, and during torrential rains, on the contrary, rainwater floods parts of the village and drains unused from the territory
Summary of project results
The municipality of Vohančice has been engaged in activities aimed at reducing the negative impacts of climate change on the village and its residents for the past five years. In recent years, we have increasingly encountered prolonged periods of drought alternating with heavy rainfall, which has carried away the top fertile layers of soil from the surrounding fields. Moreover, the rainwater did not stay in the area but quickly drained away. This situation is not sustainable in the long term. Therefore, over the past five years, our municipality has been involved in implementing a number of projects aimed at adapting to the negative effects brought about by climate change. For example, the municipality has participated in a nationwide tree-planting program, and last year, with the participation of the President of the Czech Republic, we ceremoniously planted the thousandth tree in our groves and avenues.
As part of a project funded by the Norway Grants program, we focused on addressing soil erosion and improving the landscape''s water retention capacity, which directly impacts the condition of groundwater. To achieve these goals, we implemented a series of terrain and vegetation modifications. We constructed an earthen embankment, which serves as a barrier to reduce water runoff and prevent soil erosion. Additionally, we seeded 0.6 hectares with grass, thereby stabilizing the soil and preventing further degradation.
To further enhance the ecological resilience of the landscape, we also planted 25 new trees and 8 shrubs. These trees and shrubs play a key role in water retention, reducing erosion, and improving the microclimate in the area. They are part of a broader strategy aimed at creating a more sustainable environment, where the natural landscape is better equipped to manage water resources, contributing to the long-term health of the local ecosystem and the quality of life for residents.
In addition to these physical interventions, the project was enriched with educational activities aimed at raising awareness among local residents about the importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices. This comprehensive approach ensures that our efforts not only address current environmental challenges but also foster a culture of sustainability within our community. In this way, we are moving towards the long-term protection of natural resources and increasing our village’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The modifications made will lead to a reduction in the speed of water runoff from the surrounding fields and meadows, capturing most of the water within the area. An indirect consequence is also the creation of new plant and animal communities. Thanks to the project, we have succeeded in improving the microclimatic conditions of the area, reducing water and wind erosion, enhancing water retention in the landscape, facilitating landscape permeability, and providing new nesting and shelter opportunities for wildlife.
Vohančice (population 200) can also serve as an example of good practice for smaller municipalities that are still hesitant about whether they have the capacity to implement similar projects.