STUDY TOUR. TRANSBOUNDARY RAMSAR SITES (28 April - 5 May 2007)

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Ferdinand Snow
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1 STUDY TOUR TRANSBOUNDARY RAMSAR SITES (28 April - 5 May 2007) Among the main tasks of the Trilateral Ramsar Platform (TRP) of the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia, is to establish the trilateral Ramsar Site Floodplain of the Morava- Dyje-Danube Confluence and to prepare and implement its management plan. During the last two meetings of the TRP (May 2005 and November 2006) common objectives and principles of the management plans for this trilateral region were discussed. The Czech side proposed to organize a study tour for responsible persons to consult experience with preparation and implementation of such management plans with more experienced parties. At the 6 th Evian Encounter (15-17 November 2006, Evian, France) devoted to the priorities and actions of the Carpathian Wetlands Initiative (CWI), it was decided to invite the National Focal Points of the CWI to the study tour as well. The study tour shall on the one hand enable exchange of experience on preparation and implementation of management plans between representatives of Ministries, regions, conservation specialists, persons in charge of public relations, protected area administration staff and experts in spatial planning of the regions concerned and on the other hand encourage the international dialog between higher administrative units (governmental departments, public authorities) responsible for Ramsar sites. The goal of the study tour was to deal with the following topics: Obtain experience and knowledge related to preparation and implementation of common management principles and plans for transboundary Ramsar sites (RS). To learn about ways of application of common principles of management plans. How shared transboundary wetlands can act as a focus for keeping of traditional and development of new regional identities. Joint cross border management/planning activities. Joint cross border activities within the Communication, Education & Public Awareness programme (CEPA). Examples of common activities in the field of RS management. Examples of coordinated reaction to actual threats to transboundary wetlands. To visit some of important transboundary RS in European region. Establish new contacts and develop a fruitful international cooperation regarding conservation, management and sustainable/wise use of wetlands. In total, 18 representatives (see list of participants) of Ministries, State Nature Conservation, Administrations of protected areas, National Ramsar Committees, State Forestry, River basin management institutions and NGOs from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria as well as representatives of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and IUCN Programme Office in Beograd participated at the study tour and visited the following transboundary Ramsar sites: Neusiedlersee, Seewinkel (Austria), Fertő Hanság NP (Hungary),Kopacki Rit, Lonjsko Polje, Delta Neretve (Croatia) and Bardaca and Hutovo Blato (Bosnia and Herzegovina) from 28 April to 5 May 2007.

2 The study tour was coordinated by Ms. Libuše Vlasáková, Ramsar Administrative Authority and Secretary of the Czech Ramsar Committee from the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic. We travelled by small bus and the atmosphere there was very pleasant and friendly. Thanks to a microphone we had an opportunity to discuss the topics of the study tour during our journey too. In each Ramsar Site, we were warmly welcomed by the site manager in some cases also by the local authorities; detailed information maps were always promptly provided accompanied together with field trips within the Ramsar sites. Furthermore, through the RS managers help, it was possible to arrange our accommodation in local houses and farms in order to promote sustainable ecotourism (with also the chance to happily taste the local delicious dishes products! :-) Many different aspects of the Ramsar site management were considered and discussed together with the experts during each visit, starting from local problems, like reed bed or invasive species management to more complicated transboundary and political issues. Each Ramsar site in addition to having an immense variety of beautiful habitats and biodiversity richness showed its very own peculiarities, needs, and strengths. Ramsar sites like Neusiedler see ( and lake Fertő ( - officially declared as a transboundary National Park - are probably the most experienced ones in transboundary cooperation at high and local level. They also established common management programs as well as an Austrian-Hungarian NP Commission which co-ordinates the most important actions in the area of land management, research and public relations for both parts. It has to be said that in many cases the Ramsar site status is just the first step of an empowering process which often lead to the declaration of the site as Nature or National park status. Delta Neretva ( is the testimony of a Ramsar site that has the necessity to become at least Nature park in order to strengthen the local environmental policies and to assure sufficient protection from the many threats daily faced by this unique delta area. A great example of implementation of river basin management and wise use of wetlands concepts was provided by Lonjsko Polje RS ( where the flood control system is based on the use of natural retention areas and indigenous people are actively engaged into a planning process to protect the natural and cultural local heritage. Kopački Rit RS ( as well as Lonjsko Polje also offered very good examples of sustainable practices to eradicate the invasive alien species: Amorpha fruticosa (False Indigo) by promoting local breeds of the Slavonian Grey Cattle. Common difficulties shared amongst all the Ramsar sites were related to over exploitation of the natural resources, especially hunting and fisheries, but also to extensive agriculture associated to the use of pesticides and lack of financial support for wetland restoration. This year, another evident problem is also the increasing drought due to the climate changes which could become in the near future the most serious threat for wetlands preservation and its integrity.

3 In Bardača ( and Hutovo Blato ( ), both in Bosnia & Herzegovina - despite the strong commitment of the site managers and their teams in preserving these amazing reservoirs of biodiversity and beauty it is felt that they really need a much stronger financial aid and support from their government and from the international community. Such an instrument like the Ramsar Small Grant Fund has already demonstrated to be very fruitful in promoting both rural development and also to establish transboundary cooperation between neighboring countries, but much more has to be done. This experience has been a powerful tool for raising a great awareness and knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of the Ramsar sites visited. It helped sharing experiences, methods, reflecting on possible solutions, developing new productive ideas for the implementation of better strategies for wetland conservation. It has been a two-side exchange from which the study tour participants and the local sites managers and experts have deeply mutually benefited. Of course, the short time available (and the rain in the last days!) in many cases did not allow to have either long discussions or a visit to all the beauties of those wetlands, but one thing is sure: the passion and commitment for nature conservation shared together with the local site managers, the friendship built amongst the people that have shared the adventure of this study tour make of this experience a concrete example of what transboundary cooperation means, beyond any border, beyond any political issue. Our new experience allows us to make following conclusions and recommendations: Close cooperation between administrations of RS/protected areas and local communities is crucial for conservation, wise use and sustainable development of the RS/protected areas. The 1 detailed and broad knowledge of all natural aspects and processes in RS area(s) is necessary for the planning of the goals and strategies of the management. These well-set aims are the most necessary foot-stones creating the usable management plan and subsequent existence of the area. These abilities showed all of our guides. Cultural and architectural heritage plays a very important role in development of tourism and especially of eco-tourism. Local curiosities and traditional style of life in areas increase their attractiveness and should be used as much as possible to attract tourists. Traditional style of life including living in traditional houses offers an excellent opportunity for development of eco-tourism in protected areas, makes areas more attractive for tourists and helps local people as well. It was evident on both sides (A-H) of Neusiedlersee, Seewinkel & Hanság and Lake Fertö and in NP Lonsko Polje and particularly hidden in Hutovo blato and Delta Neretve. 2In special cases the same human activities can even increase the landscape biodiversity. For example, reed cutting (Seewinkel&Hanság, Lonjsko polje NP), grassland mowing, and pasturing in an appropriate intensity can increase the feeding possibilities and living conditions for many bird and animal species. Timing, local condition and range are very important for managing of these activities. Strict conservation measures are not the only way to save the natural values of some areas.

4 Support and interest of governments and local municipalities are important needs which can help to ensure development, wise use and conservation of RS/protected areas. The role of NGOs in the process of development, research and CEPA activities in RS is irreplaceable. Delta Neretve is a very nice and rich area where people try to find the right way for living in harmony with nature. Due to rich biodiversity, especially of bird species, and the specific natural character of the area, participants of the Study Tour strongly recommend to declare RS Delta Neretve as a protected area according to Croatian legislation related to nature and landscape protection (preferably in the category V of IUCN classification). We assume that the area can be also designated as a biosphere reserve according to the UNESCO MaB Programme. Participants of the Study Tour offer their help in the field of scientific and expert research and advice for suitable management and wise use of both Ramsar sites in Bosnia & Herzegovina Hutovo blato and Bardaca. The participants will use their experience, knowledge and new contacts for implementation of their tasks and plans for development of the Trilateral Ramsar Platform, the Carpathian Wetlands Initiative, and their daily work in the field of wetlands conservation and wise use. Acknowledgements: The participants express their thanks to each of the guides during the Study Tour for their willingness, knowledge and huge interest in the study tour and questions. They wish all of them a lot of success in their work for their Ramsar sites conservation and wise use and happiness in their personal life. Finally they would like to express their biggest thanks to the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention, especially to Secretary General Peter Bridgewater and to Senior Adviser for Europe Tobias Salathé, for their help in searching the financial support and their interest in the study tour. Characteristics of visited RS: Neusiedlersee, Seewinkel&Hanság (Austria) & Lake Fertö (Hungary). The Neusiedler See (the German name for Lake Neusiedl; known in Hungarian as Fertö) is the second largest steppe lake in Central Europe, straddling the Austrian-Hungarian border. The lake covers 315 km², of which 240 km² is on the Austrian side and 75 km² on the Hungarian side. The lake s drainage basin has an area of about 1120 km². On average, the lake s surface is m above the Adriatic Sea, and the lake is no more than 1.8 m deep. The area is a Biosphere Reserve and National Park shared by Austria and Hungary, a typical steppe lake with alkaline waters, extensive reed beds and marshes, one of the largest wetlands in Central Europe. Most of the lake is surrounded by reeds which serve as a habitat for wildlife (making the lake an important resting place for migratory birds) and which are harvested in winter as soon as the ice is solid enough. This serves a double purpose, an

ecological (removal of the bulk of organic matter that would otherwise decay in the lake) and an economic (the reed is sold for various purposes, mostly related to construction and housing).

5 ecological (removal of the bulk of organic matter that would otherwise decay in the lake) and an economic (the reed is sold for various purposes, mostly related to construction and housing). During the summer months, there are occasional reed fires, as dry reed is easily inflammable, and fires spread quickly because of the almost constant wind. Water quality is determined by temperature, wind, and by the amount of salt and mud emanating with the ground water from the sediments. Other biotopes are created by typical steppe ecosystems, smaller lakes and water pools with the different alkaline water charateristics, marshes, wet meadows, vineyards etc. The water system is quite interesting, as the water comes just from the rainfall precipitation. In the history it was the significant flooding area of the large size, whereas nowadays only certain parts are recurrently flooded and drained. Numerous bird species, including egrets, avocets and plover breed, and high numbers of geese and ducks, stop in this area during their migrations. The keeping of the traditional management (grazing and cutting) is necessary for the plant and bird diversity. The threat for this area is the finishing of the farming and the invasive species (e.g. Eleagnus angustifolia). The Hungarian part of the lake is called Lake Fertö and is managed by a different way based on the different historical landowner structure. Alois Lang (above) and Attila (below) are persons with deep and practical experience in the field of nature protection and management of protected areas.

Kopački rit (Croatia) Zoological Reserve and Nature Park in eastern Croatia located within the floodplain of the two rivers Drava and Danube at the border with Serbia.

6 Kopački rit (Croatia) Zoological Reserve and Nature Park in eastern Croatia located within the floodplain of the two rivers Drava and Danube at the border with Serbia. It comprises many backwaters and ponds along the Danube. It is one of the most important, largest and most attractive preserved intact wetlands in Europe. A part of Kopacki Rit has been designated as a zoological reserve. The subjects of the protection are the flooding (mostly at the spring) and alluvial ecosystems. The site is of considerable importance for breeding of various Ardeidae, as well as cormorants, storks and sea eagles; wintering and staging birds are also frequent at the side. Around 260 various bird species nest here (wild geese and ducks, Great White Egret, White Stork, Black Stork, White-tailed Eagle, crows, coots, gulls, terns, kingfishers, Green Woodpecker, etc.), and there are many other species using this area as a temporary shelter on migration from the northern, cooler regions to the southern, warmer areas and vice versa. There are 40-odd fish species (pike, ide, tench, bream, carp, catfish, pike-perch, perch, etc.). Several various mammal species inhabit the land (red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wild cat, pine marten, stone marten, weasel, sable, otter, etc.). Principal human activities include tourism, hunting and fish farming. The area is affected by increasing siltation and nutrient-enrichment and by invasive shrub species of Amorfa fruticosa. During the military conflicts in the region, serious damages resulting from deforestation for firewood were reported.

Tibor Mikuška from Kopacki rit Administration gave us a lot of interesting and useful information about the RS Lonjsko polje (Croatia) The site comprises a very broad rural area in the central part

7 Tibor Mikuška from Kopacki rit Administration gave us a lot of interesting and useful information about the RS Lonjsko polje (Croatia) The site comprises a very broad rural area in the central part of continental Croatia stretching along the central flow of the Sava River, located between the county centre of Sisak, and the municipal centre of Nova Gradiška. Lonjsko Polje. Nature Park is situated on the left bank of the Sava. It has been proclaimed an area of exceptional natural value and is the largest protected wetland in Europe (506 km 2 ). Some areas of the Nature Park (ornithological reserves Rakita and Draziblato) are under an even stricter regime of nature conservation. Marshy meadows, ash, willow and poplar forests in the Reserve are an important nesting place of ducks, while the flood oak forests, meadows and pastures of Lonjsko Polje are the natural habitat of a number of rare European bird species (white-tailed eagle and short-toed eagle, white egret, grey heron, black stork, etc.). This flooded area, where high waters hold for up to six months, is one of the largest European hatching grounds of pike. Amply represented are also other animals typical for this area (spotted Turopolje swine, wild boars, the protected horse breed - Croatian Posavac, deer, roes, otters, beavers, wild cats). Very interesting is also the architecture of a great large number of well preserved Posavina-style wooden houses, which are a true monument of architectural heritage. The most important protection for this area is to keep the traditional management presented by local people who keep animals (cattle, horses, pigs, geeses) and farm. The threat of the area is an invasive shrub species Amorfa fruticosa spreading on left pastures.

Traditional wooden houses are reconstructed and used for tourists accommodation in Lonjsko Polje area and are considered as a real architectural heritage.

8 Traditional wooden houses are reconstructed and used for tourists accommodation in Lonjsko Polje area and are considered as a real architectural heritage. Bardača (Bosnia and Herzegovina) This newly designated RS is a series of 11 lakes situated between the rivers Vrbas and Sava, northeast of Banja Luka near the town of Srbac. The complex includes fishponds, flood meadows and forests, cultivated land and inhabited areas. 280 plant species are registered in this wetland region. The area is than an important place for nesting, feeding and resting site of the migratory waterfowls. This is the habitat where the following species nest: Plegadis falcinellus (glossy ibis), Platalea leucordia (spoonbill), Larus ridibunds (black-headed gull), Chlidonias hybrida (whiskered tern) and Sterna hirundo (common tern). Fish fauna of the Bardaca area includes 26 species, of which breeding fish ponds are predominantly settled by 3 species: carp, grey tolstolobic and amur, and to a lesser extent sheatfish, perch and pike. At the present, the wetland region Bardaca is endangered by decreasing of biodiversity, including globally endangered species of waterfowls (for example, glossy ibis, spoonbill, black-headed gull, etc.), because of the land users limited experience in sustainable management and use of natural resources.

Whole group with major of the town Victor Bjelič (in the middle) and a guide Mihajlo Markovic Hutovo blato (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Nature Park and Bird reserve.

9 Whole group with major of the town Victor Bjelič (in the middle) and a guide Mihajlo Markovic Hutovo blato (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Nature Park and Bird reserve. Located near the estuary of the Neretva river, so together both places make an important communicating systems of water and surrounding biotopes. The site, comprising swamps, lakes, wet meadows, and riverine forest, provides favourable conditions for many wetland species, particularly of birds and fish, several of which are endangered. Human activities in the area include fishing and hunting; pressure from drainage, agricultural intensification, urbanization, and growing tourism are seen to pose potential threats. The landscape is represented by the marshland, created by the underground aquifer system of the Krupa River. It is fed from the limestone massif of Ostrvo that divides the Deransko and Svitavsko lakes. The list of biotopes creates water lakes, reed beds, water channels, swamps, wet meadows, and alluvial forest. The whole area provides the favourable conditions for many wetland species, particularly of birds and fish. Because of its uniqueness, this reserve was placed on the list of Important Bird Area by the International Council for Bird Protection, especially for these reasons: this reserve is the largest of its kind in this part of Europe, in terms of both size and diversity. It is a home to over 240 types of migratory birds and dozens that make their permanent home in these sub-mediterranean wetlands surrounding Deransko Lake. In the migration season, tens of thousands of birds fill this lake and its surroundings. Human activities include mostly fishing and hunting, other danger for the locality presents a pressure for draining of some parts and getting new agricultural land or places for urbanization. But the biggest threat for such a unique place could be the underestimating of such valuable area and also the growing and nonconceptional tourism and hunting or other

human interests. Delta Neretve (Croatia) Natural water canal led us to the centre of RS Hutovo blato Mediterranean Specially Protected Area, Ornithological Reserve, Zoological Reserve.

10 human interests. Delta Neretve (Croatia) Natural water canal led us to the centre of RS Hutovo blato Mediterranean Specially Protected Area, Ornithological Reserve, Zoological Reserve. The delta of the Neretva River, associated with salt marshes, saline lagoons, sand banks and wet meadows. The site is of considerable importance for wintering and staging birds, and for several species of breeding birds. Large parts of the area have been subject to drainage and agricultural development, increasing road construction, urbanization and hunting. There is an ambitious plan to put this large area into the category of the national or natural park currently. The delta of the Neretva river is developed by the nature biotopes (rivers, lakes, salt and fresh water marshes, saline lagoons, shore, sand banks, reed beds and wet meadows, water ecosystems), but also by the large areas changed and influenced by human activities (citrus plantations, building of channels and roads, farming land, drainage, hunting, human settlement, and land changed for tourist facilities). The area was partly drained and desalted after the 2 nd World War and this farm land is one of the most common perspectives in Croatia today. The site itself is, despite this human impact, an important place for wintering and staging or breeding birds. The wet and saline vegetation communities are at many places still very rich and unique. The place is mostly valuable because of the large size (192 km 2 ) of the marshlands, but threatened by the continuing draining, desalting and changing into farm land including hunting activities.

11 Strong rain accompanied us in RS Delta Neretve

IV International Symposium Agrosym /AGSY M NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF UPPER DANUBE

IV International Symposium Agrosym /AGSY M NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF UPPER DANUBE 10.7251/AGSY1303899M NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF UPPER DANUBE Nada MIJAJLOVIC*, Vesna POPOVIC, Jonel SUBIC Institute of Agricultural Economics, Belgrade, Serbia *(Corresponding author: nada_m@iep.bg.ac.rs)