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Conservative management of alpine habitats as a Natura 2000 site in Retezat National Park- Life05/NAT/Ro/000165Layman's Report

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A KIND OF

FOREWORDThis is the second Layman's report written by us for the Life Project. The first one was very formal, with a lot of technical expressions.... a boring report. Our luck was that a smart man saw it, and gave us a good advice “write the report in an understandable manner, accessible for anyone, not only for specialists”. Following this advice, we composed an unusual report. Below you can read about:flying dwarf-pines, Retezat's camel, tents and donkeys, sheep and rangers, plants, animals and their “home”, and so on.

BUT FIRST......

SOME WORDS ABOUT RETEZAT NATIONAL PARK (RNP)

RNP is the first Romanian national park, a protected area of national and international importance. Now the park is covering an area of 38,138ha: 48% forests, 52% alpine area (28% dwarf-pine, 14% alpine meadows, the remainder are stones, peaks, slopes covered with scree and stones or aquatic habitats). More than 1200 superior taxa (1/3 from whole Romanian superior flora) are living here, including 22% of the endemic taxa of the country. In RNP there is the genetic centre for Hieracium and Poa genus.It's rich fauna consists of thousands of invertebrate species including a large diversity of butterflies, 11 species of fishes, 11 species of amfibians (more than 50% of Romanian amphibian fauna), 9 species of reptiles, 120 species of nesting birds, and 55 mammalian species, representing 23% of European terrestrial species. Within the park were found 54 habitats categories (IUCN).

Is it a place to protect, isn't it?

This is the reason for what European Commission decided to finance a project for protection of alpine habitats. At the end of 2005, EC and Retezat National Park Administration (RNPA) signed the Life Natura project named “Conservative management of alpine habitats as Natura 2000 site in Retezat National Park”. The project proposal was initially submitted to Commission’s attention in 2004, but the final approval for co-financing was given in December 2005. The last day of the project was December 31, 2008.

WHAT DID WE WISH TO ACHIEVE WITH LIFE PROJECT

This project was necessary to make Retezat Massif a better “home” for plants and animals living here. We try hardly to improve conservative management of diverse alpine habitats of the Retezat Mountains, which represent one of the most valuable areas dedicated to nature protection in Romania, with an enormous relevance for the conservation of European common natural heritage.

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WHY IT WAS NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROJECT- ISSUES

There were some problems which need to be fixed: Little scientific knowledges about alpine habitats = incorrect management. Unique flora and fauna species are vanishing without even understanding exactly their ecological significance;

Too many sheep and cattle in Retezat = destroyed pastures and fewer number of species of plants. Overgrazing and biodiversity loss: traditional pastoral practices were subjected to severe alterations during communist regime. As a consequence, important soil creep and erosion phenomena appeared. In the last 50 years most of alpine habitats were subject to severe anthropic alteration;

Uncivilised tourism = tones of waste left in the park, disturbances of wild animals life. Chamois, bears, birds, but also smaller vertebrates and invertebrates are suffering. Also plants, particularly edelweiss, gentians, snow-bells, rhododendron, to name only a few species, are systematically collected, in spite of the official interdiction of this practice. Important natural resources (berries, mushrooms, etc) holding a key role within food chains are steadily harvested;

Inadequate management practices = wildlife decline. Lack of a broad perception of all issues related to alpine habitats had guided to improper decisions and management solutions that led to a swift wildlife decline. Poisoning measure against predators led to a swift decline of top predators, scavenger species, etc, but led to an important disturbance of trophic chains as well, altering inter-specific relations. e.g. Poisoning of wolves were follow by extinction of vultures;

THE WORKERS AND THE DONORS OF MONEY The project was implemented by RNPA and its two partners: Focal Center for Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation (FCBMC) and Milvus Group Association (MGA). The funds for the project are from: European Commission- Life Nature Programme; NFA- Romsilva; RGC, FCBMC and MGA. The total amount of money spent for this project, including salaries, was of 317,446 euros.

WHAT DID THE TEAM DO DURING THE LIFE NATURA PROJECT A lot of on-site direct activities in order to stop some destructive processes were considered along with an extremely powerful campaign for the promotion of conservative concepts, with a special emphasis on alpine habitats long-term preservation.The effort for the conservation of the unique habitats inside the RNP alpine area, incorporated a set of actions as follows: •completion of the information regarding alpine habitats, subsequent to a complete survey;

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•creation of an up-dated database in accordance with the Natura 2000 system; including RNP in the list of Natura 2000 sites; •improving the Management Plan with relevant data in accordance with the SCI and SPA statut; •recovery of valuable alpine habitats; seting up an informative centre for alpine habitats; •seting-up an evaluation/monitoring scheme; •creation of a pattern GIS models of possible evolution of alpine habitats; •a comprehensive awareness campaign with national relevance, including an mobile information unit for the promotion of alpine habitats conservation through Romania.

LET'S TALK ABOUT ACTIONS AND RESULTS

Management Plan was improved in respect with the new emerged data gathered during this project implementation, emphasis on listed alpine habitats management. An extensive inventory of plant and animal species has been conducted during the present project in order to obtain relevant information about the natural biodiversity existing in the park’s alpine area. That information was used to produce a completely new chapter in the second edition of the Management Plan.

Natura 2000 sites in Retezat. In 2007, on the entire surface of the RNP was declared two Natura 2000 sites: GD 1284/2007: ROSPA0084 Munţii Retezat; MO 776/2007: ROSCI0217 RetezatFor each site a full list of species and habitats (in case of SCI) was given, along a proposed list of both short-term and mid-term measures for considered species and habitats. The MP was modified/completed in a participative manner with the stakeholders invited to discuss it.

Dedicated alpine data-base can be accessed on-line at http://biolog.retezat.ro/

During the project, members of Milvus Group Association have visited libraries and museums to gather data for the dedicated alpine database. Now, the database contains 17,642 entries about plants, 1,860 entries about invertebrates and 171 entries about vertebrates. A total of 68 books and articles were checked. Data collected by FCMBC are also here.

Alpine species were countedVolunteers of FCBMC took part in a decisive manner, bringing a valuable contribution to the overall effort to achieve goals. There were more than 250 inventory points for flora, more than 100 inventory points for invertebrates, and about 35 points for vertebrates. FCMBC counted 700 species of Macrolepidoptera, from which 31 new records in Retezat Mountains; 125 species of Coleoptera, 12 species of Orthoptera, 74 species of Birds, 338 species of plants, etc.For all the major habitat types a thorough ecological and statistical analysis was performed in order to determine the transitional status, the forces acting upon the trends and status of habitats, their intrinsic value for biodiversity.

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http://biolog.retezat.ro/


Note: It was a scientific work, hard to understand for someone like me- who doesn't have biological background.

Key habitats were identifiedSee the note from above, and if you are not biologist, skip this paragraph

The efforts were focused on the identification and mapping of two priority habitats 4070 *Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron hirsutum (Mugo-Rhododendretum hirsute) and 6230 *Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and sub-mountain areas, in Continental Europe). But as 6230* was found only in “small patches”, we have concentrated on 4070* habitat, whose evolution implicates other habitats (4060 Alpine and Boreal heath, 6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands, 6170 Alpine and sub-alpine calcareous grasslands, 9410 Acidophilus Picea forests of the mountain to Alpine levels- Vaccinio-Picetea, 9420 Alpine Larix decidua and/or Picea cembra forest) as well. The alpine habitats represent some of the most threatened habitats from Romania. Intensive and extensive exploitation during last century transformed dramatically their natural value and support capacity, and altered their fragile biodiversity. The grazing activities, especially during the last period, are dominated by abusive behaviour, in many cases being observed the effects of both over-grazing and under-grazing.

Two priority habitats were closely studied

Sheep are guilty for a torrent In Dragsanu area there is a biiig eroded torrent covered by snow till July. It was caused by the flocks of sheep which went to the water. Years after years, their hoofs eroded the soil and made a 350 meters lengh torrent.

Dwarf-pines flew in a helicopterDragsanu torrent is an unnatural thing in nature and had to be recovered. How? By planting dwarf-pines on it's slopes.

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The torrent is in the natural environment of the dwarf pine so this was not a complete intrusion in the natural processes, but a little help for the nature in order to reach its previous status. The seedlings were obtained of genetic material (seeds) from Retezat area, and were growth in Sinaia plant-nursery, each one in a bio-degradable plastic bag, having a soil ball around the roots, and weighting about 4 kg. Do you believe that is easy to carry 1600 dwarf-pines, weighting 6400 kg in a place without roads? It's almost impossible to do this job without technical help. It was necessary to use a helicopter that did several flights between Gura Apei dam reservoir (where the plants were brought by truck) and Dragsanu ridge.

Sinaia plant nursery- Rangers put the seedlings in the truck

Donkeys helped very much in transporting tents and camping equipment

The dwarf-pines were transported by a helicopter to the alpine area

Durable baskets made by gypsies were used to carry the plants on the torrent slopes

In order to increase the effectiveness of the action we have built on the torrent’s slopes as many as 56 step-like structures for fixing the soil, and for offering a better “hosting” places for planted seedlings.

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Volunteers from MediaOrg and RNPA staff planted 1600 dwarf-pines on Dragsanu torrent

Wooden terraces will help the seedlings to live in the first years

We are watching you!

Remember? Overgrazing.... Waste abandoned in the park... Wild animals disturbed...It's rangers' job to fix these problems. In fact, rangers are watching the alpine area all the years round. They are helped by mountain police. The RNPA staff focuses mainly on the spring–autumn season, when activities with a possible damaging impact on the park natural values develop: tourism, grazing, fishing.

Grazing patrol in summer Animal traces on snow were also observed and registered by GPS

In order to decrease the anthropic impacts on alpine habitats, during the spring-autumn season, the park rangers deployed with regularity patrols in alpine area; in the winter season patrols were also done, in order to avoid illegal hunting actions, and possible damages resulting from wild fires started by tourists.

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The activity of alpine rangers aimed law enforcement, tourist practices control and traditional activities regulation. For the reduction of over-grazing effects several patrols were focused on monitoring of grazing activities (animals’ count, existence of grazing agreements, location of shepherds’ shelters, etc).

“Alien” plants in overgrazed meadows Some pastures in Retezat were almost destroyed by overgrazing in the comunist period. “Alien” plants as Rumex sp add associations, replaced the valuable indigenous flora. It is important to stop the spread of “bad” plants. Two mowing stages were made in 2007 and 2008. First mowing stage was done when the plants are in flower (May and June, depending on altitude). A second mowing stage was done in August and September, just before the moment when the plants prepare themselves for the coming winter. Park's biologist is monitoring mowed sites. This action will be continued till alien plants will be replaced by alpine meadows flora.

Habitats recovery by mowing twice on year Mowed site are carefully monitored

A total of about 43 ha were mown in 10 sites, four times. Mowing has been done mainly in traditional way (with scythes), but two light mowers were used as well. The remains of 6 old unused shepherd shelters were removed from the considered area, and the sites were cleaned. Good news: after the first mowing stage (May to June, depending on the altitude), because the plants where cut while being “in flower” there were no seeds, thus no new plants;

TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS WRONG IN A NATIONAL PARK (PUBLIC AWARENESS AND DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS)

A big awareness campaign was developed in Romania in order to improve people's knowledges about protected areas. As a result of this compaign, we consider that more than 2,434,000 persons have benefited by public awareness activities till the end of 2008. This number includes as well the awareness persons by RNP web-site. Press releases, articles, interviews, news on TV and other mass- media products increased significantly the number of aware people.

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A new web-site for Retezat National ParkFrom the beginning of this LIFE project the old Retezat National Park web-site hosted a section dedicated to the project. In 2008, a new web-site for Retezat National Park was launched www.retezat.ro. This new site is more coloured, and has a lot of information and pictures. In the site someone can find an extensive section dedicated to LIFE Project: http://www.retezat.ro/index.php/english/life-alpinecons-project.html

More informations for peopleLots of informative materials (see below) were created and distributed to: tourists, schools, tour operators, visitors of visitor centres, to participants in public assemblies, workshops participants, etc. Many public assemblies helped us “to spread the words” about RNP. Mass-media, stakeholders and persons involved in habitats management and conservation were the main beneficiaries of public assemblies.

Leaflets, promotional materials, DVDs, identification guide were distributed

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http://www.retezat.ro/index.php/english/life-alpinecons-project.html

http://www.retezat.ro/


Mini informative points and panels help tourists

Come to see the new Information Center Pietrele

The most important entrance point to Retezat’s alpine zone is Pietrele, where an Information Centre is needed to help tourists with information. Thanks to this project, an existent building donated by Deva Forest Administration was renewed and transformed in Information Centre for alpine habitats. Now the Centre has all necessary endowment (furniture, informative panels, etc.) and can be visited by the public. A small laboratory for basic analyses and surveys has been created within the Centre, as well as a First Aid Point (Salvamont Rescue Team) and a basic shelter area for the park staff, to be shared in emergency cases with tourists in distress. A small shelter for distressing animals from the alpine area is located near the Information Centre.

Pietrele Information CenterVisitors can find informations about alpine zone, park regulations, park's attractions...

For the first time we have solar electricity in the center. Till now the electricity was produced by a fuel generator.

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Educational Trail “Chamois and their neighbours” Six panels make us curious about less known things or wild animals life: wolf,

chamois, bear, aquila

The tourists who visit RNP have the opportunity to gain new knowledges about plants and animals walking along the new educational walking path. It is named “Chamois and their neighbours” and has been created on the route: Pietrele- Stanisoara Valley - Lolaia Ridge - Information Centre Pietrele. Everyone can find something exciting along the trail- children with their parents or grandfathers/ grandmothers, students and young tourists.

Retezat's camelIn 2007-2008, RNP staff scoured the country with a green caravan. The caravan riched all Romanian historical regions: Transylvania, Banat, Bihor, Maramures-Oas, Oltenia, Muntenia, Moldavia (except central part) and North part of Dobrogea, in 12 circuits. It's promotion slogan was “If you are not going to mountains, the mountains are coming to you! “. A minibus nicknamed “Caravan's Camel” was acquired and prepared for this task.

Caravan's “camel”

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According to this action, several presentations about both the RNP and the LIFE-Nature project have been made in schools, clubs, culture houses, sport halls, conference rooms, amphitheatres ...

The main Caravan's target groups were young people and their teachers

Meetings were organized in classrooms, sport halls, clubs, culture houses

We consider that the positive impact of the Caravan is very high. Many people decided to visit Retezat NP after these meetings. As an example, we noticed the tourist number in the park was almost double in summer 2007 and 2008 comparing with two years before the LIFE project. The cases of breaking the Park regulation rules by tourists decreased significantly.

They made it!The project implementation team: Zoran Acimov (park director), Cosmin Manci (biologist), Daniela Breban (financial specialist), Alin Alimpesc- community outreach officer, Lucian Canacheu- IT&GIS specialist, Florina Crisan- acquisition specialist & public awareness officer, Daniel Tataru, Alin Ivascu, Bogdan Danciu, Valentin Barb- alpine rangers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, YOU CAN CONTACTRetezat National Park Administration, Romania, Nucsoara, Salasu de Sus, jud. Hunedoara, cp 337423, tel/fax +40 254 779968, [email protected]; www.retezat.ro

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mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Conservative management of alpine habitats as a Natura ...ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/... · Conservative management of alpine habitats as a Natura 2000 site in