Restoring Wetlands: A Pathway to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience

A1 Spatial and biological assessment of the area to determine the initial state of wetlands and threats to conservation target species and habitats
 Determining the initial state of wetlands is the first project activity and will guide the development of restoration plans and implementation. The project team will compile existing data and combine it with new data collected during field visits to fill gaps needed for restoration planning.

A2 Defining the needs for specific restoration measures to improve the conservation status of target species and habitats
 The project identify at least 20 locations with restoration potential, and further proritize at least 5 priority locations will be selected for restoration.
 For each site, the team will collect information on land ownership, cooperation possibilities with local livestock keepers, minimum restoration scope, and estimated costs to guide prioritization.

A3 Creation of a restoration plan and monitoring plan for post-restoration adaptive management of sites
 Detailed restoration plans will be developed for each of the 5 prioritized sites. Plans will include restoration methods, timelines, stakeholders to contact, and permits required.

A4 Restoration of priority sites in wetlands
 Restoration will be implemented at priority wetland sites (Natura 2000 grasslands or lake shores) threatened by shrub or reed encroachment. Activities include:
·      Manual restoration (mowing, mulching, foil covering, adjusting water regimes)
·      Volunteer camps and engagement
·      Invasive species removal
·      Collection and spread of seeds for Chouardia litardierei and Allium telmatum

A5 Introduction of targeted grazing to ensure sustainability of restoration activities and monitoring of grazing implementation and effects
 Targeted grazing will maintain habitats post-restoration and support biodiversity. Grazing contracts will be signed with at least 5 local livestock keepers. Criteria will define grazing periods, flock composition, and numbers to ensure sustainable habitat management.

A6 Planting of the green barrier to mitigate bird disturbance by human activities (traffic and visitors) along wetland habitats where restoration activities took place
 Green barriers will be planted along main roads near restored wetlands to reduce bird collisions with vehicles and minimize noise and visual disturbances. This nature-based solution will help safeguard the ecological function of feeding grounds.

A7 Establishment of a Project Collaborative Board to communicate common visions and needs aimed at conservation of biodiversity and adapting to climate change
 The Project Collaborative Board will provide a platform for the local community to learn about the project, share ideas, raise concerns, and collaborate with the project team. Large maps will allow participants to indicate areas of interest for grazing or restoration, increasing social impact and sustainability of restoration activities.

A8 Visit to an example of good practice to see potential solutions for improved wetland habitat management
 A study visit will be organized for the project team and key stakeholders to learn from successful wetland restoration projects in Europe. The visit will showcase results, challenges, and provide feedback on our project.

A9 Creation of a study for the expansion of restoration activities and upscaling project and additional strengthening of blue carbon offsetting
 The project aims to scale up wetland restoration in the future, with climate change adaptation and blue carbon offsetting as key opportunities. The study will identify potential, and explore blue carbon initiatives.

A10 Development of the communication plan and its implementation
 At the project start, a communication plan will be developed, outlining roles, channels, visual identity, target audiences, key messages, and a calendar of activities. The plan will be reviewed annually. Focus will be on local media relations, publishing at least three press releases per year, and covering project activities, collaborative board meetings, and the final conference.

A11 Using ecosystem services assessment to promote sustainable use of natural resources
 An ecosystem services assessment will highlight the benefits wetlands provide to nature and people. Results will inform communication materials, foster positive attitudes toward wetlands, and support development of business plan grants.

A12 Organization of the project final conference and signing of the Memorandum of cooperation with key stakeholders
 A final conference with at least 80 participants will showcase project results, lessons learned, and innovations. The conference will demonstrate the project as a best practice, encourage partnerships, and ensure knowledge transfer.