Restoration of the Network of Wetlands and Grasslands Important for Natura 2000 and Other Protected Species and Habitat Types in the Karst Biosphere Reserve and the Reka River Basin and the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka Nature Park (ReNature)

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Improved management of ecosystems under climate change pressure

Improved capacity for ecosystems management

Restoration of the Network of Wetlands and Grasslands Important for Natura 2000 and Other Protected Species and Habitat Types in the Karst Biosphere Reserve and the Reka River Basin and the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka Nature Park

ReNature

Škocjan Caves Public Service Agency

Partner 1: Municipality of Pivka
Partner 2: University of Primorska
Partner 3: University of Ljubljana, Veterinary faculty
Partner 4: Foundation Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NOR)

01/05/2022

30/04/2024

Increase in the area of restored wetland and grassland ecosystems whose functioning has declined due to climate change; better integration of ecosystem services into management models in the project area (development of a new participatory management model based on inventory of ecosystem services and adaptation to climate change, strengthening of services’ competence for wetland and grassland ecosystem management); increase in the number of informed target groups who understand the importance of preserving and restoring wetland and grassland ecosystems and the impact of climate change.

The project supports the restoration of wetland and grassland ecosystems that are important for Natura 2000 species and habitat types in the Karst and Reka River Basin Biosphere Reserve (MAB KPR) and the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka Nature Park (KP PPJ). MAB KPR encompasses a unique network of ecosystems characterised by a great geological diversity, biodiversity and rich heritage. The areas between the Natura 2000 sites and other nature conservation areas are extremely important in terms of ensuring the connectivity, integrity and overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network. Biodiversity and nature protection play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Healthy and resilient ecosystems are able to better mitigate climate change. Wetlands are the world’s most efficient carbon sinking habitats per unit area. Active storage, binding of CO2 in soil and biomass, reduction of emissions are also characteristic for meadows. Climate change has become the biggest threat to natural heritage sites in the last 10 years and ecosystems in MAB KPR and KP PPJ are not an exception. Less precipitation, higher temperatures and evaporation lead to greater drought and fire risks in meadows and wetlands. Extreme weather events, such as storms, cause erosion, soil and vegetation damage. Climate change exacerbates other pressures, such as invasive species, overgrowth and deterioration due to non-management. Dry karst grasslands are among the most diverse habitat types in Slovenia. Meadow orchards are key habitat structures for birds and bats. Wetlands, such as karst ponds and other small water reservoirs, have provided water supplies in the past, but have a nature conservation role nowadays. These aquatic biotopes in the project area form a network of habitats of water-bound Natura 2000 species that would not be found in an otherwise dry karst landscape. The disappearance of these ecosystems results in the decline of populations of the Natura 2000 species and habitat types (e.g. crested newt, yellow-bellied toad, marsh fritillary, bats etc.). The overall objective is therefore to improve the management of wetlands and grassland ecosystems in MAB KPR and KP PPJ which are under climate change pressure.