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Project direct objective

Project direct objective:

The main objective of the project is to improve the protection of wetland habitats in the Middle Basin of Biebrza Valley.

Specific objectives to be achieved through the implementation of the project are:

  1. Halting the degradation of wetland habitats in the area of the water system: Rudzki Canal - Ełk River – Jegrznia River - Woźnawiejski Canal and in the area of impact of Kapicki Canal.
  2. Improvement of natural environment and the habitats of species, especially birdlife.
  3. Reconciling the demands of nature conservation with the development of tourist activities.
  4. Development of appropriate human attitudes towards nature. 

The project area is located in the Middle Basin of Biebrza Valley. Biebrza Valley is included in the Natura 2000 network as part of Special Protection Area (PLB 200006 Biebrza Refuge) and Special Area of Conservation (PLH 200008 Biebrza Valley). The total area covered by the project is 13,452 ha. The size of the project area reflects the need to reduce the negative impact of changes in water conditions, thus maintaining a processes of natural wetland areas or the restoration of degraded habitats.

Over the past 150 years, local hydrographic relationships have significantly changed. The hydrographic network has been largely transformed as a result of nineteenth century  canal digging and extensive drainage works in the twentieth century. Two large canals (Woźnawiejski and Rudzki)  and some smaller (eg. Łęg and Kapicki) were created.

For wetland ecosystems (that occurred in the area as a result of either the permanent flooding by groundwater, or effect of the annual, spring flooding), digging artificial canals meant a dramatic change in water supply conditions. This led to discontinuation of peat-forming processes and to degradation of peatlands, as a result of rotting and altered plant communities.

These adverse effects worsen, particularly in the vicinity of canals. The need to improve water conditions in this locality is found to be necessary in many research works of the area.