Description
The project is about auditing the quality of environmental protection in the area of Borecka Forest as to its compliance with plans, forecasts, the existing law on environmental protection and legal responsibilities of administrative bodies in the field of protection of valuable natural sites and species. We will try to detect inconsistencies between the provisions of documents regulating environmental management and protection and the real situation. The project aims at improving the quality of protection of valuable natural sites and species in the area of Borecka Forest through detecting irregularities and proposing remedies to administrative bodies responsible for Borecka Forest management and protection.
Summary of project results
"The Borecka wild forest forms an invaluable area with unique low degraded animal and plant habitats. However, problems arise with maintenance of natural species in view of the scope of conducted so far forest management activities. The problems concern thinning - especially in wetlands and alder forests - clearing, removing deadwood important for predatory birds and woodpeckers and wood decaying on the ground. Species such as white-backed woodpecker and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker are on the verge of extinction, and their survival depends on urgent changes in the forest management activities. The aim of the project was to improve the quality of protection of the wild forest, as well as to promote the existing positive examples of environmental protection and forest management. As a result of the project, decision-makers were sensitised to the problems of protection management of rare species of animals and lichens, and rare and endangered natural habitats, as well as to the existing cases of inconsistency between forest management practices and binding standards. Also positive aspects of forest management practices and environmental protection were presented. Under the project, the existing regulations and documents on forest management were analysed. The Internet page of the Foundation was created and 10 articles, 2 radio broadcasts and 5 expert opinions were prepared. 22 recommendations were developed to enhance environmental protection in the Borecka wild forest. The project activities were focused on selected species: lesser spotted eagle, black stork, osprey, white-backed and Eurasian three-toed woodpeckers, Lobaria pulmonaria, and habitats 91D0-5. The project was addressed to the Regional Office for Environmental Protection in Olsztyn, the Forest Inspectorate Borki, the Forest Inspectorate Czerwony Dwór, and indirectly to the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Białystok and Directorate-General of State Forests in Warsaw. The project also benefited inhabitants and visitors of the area of the Borecka wild forest. The project partner, the Association for Regional Development Borecka Wild Forest, helped to gather information on localisation of protected species and habitats, and contributed their knowledge and experience to the project."
Summary of bilateral results