
Source of funding
European Commission
Name of client/donor
Kampinos National Park
Overall project value
EUR 643,567
Date
July 2013 – March 2018
Beneficiary countries
Poland
Number of staff
7
The rare wetland habitats and species of the Kampinos Natura 2000 site near Warsaw are threatened by falling groundwater levels, making remedial actions necessary.
This project to protect the wetlands is supported by the LIFE programme (the EU's funding instrument for environment and climate action); and by Poland's National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
The goals of the project are to:
- protect 6,000 hectares of wetlands against drainage;
- promote local agreement on the objectives and methods of water management in the wetlands area; and
- elaborate a model solution for wetlands management in the vicinity of urban areas that reduces conflicts between social development and nature protection.
REC Poland is coordinating a consortium made up of representatives from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, the regional authority, the national park and the Polish Institute of Technology and Life Sciences. It is also responsible for carrying out educational and consultancy activities.
In 2015, REC Poland and the Kampinos National Park were nominated for the prestigious Polish Innovation Award due to the success of the project.
Project activities include:
- constructing 40 dikes and 2 km of channels against water drainage, and a 1 km dam to protect villages in the vicinity of the wetlands;
- purchasing over 120 hectares of flood-prone private land for rehabilitation;
- undertaking scientific studies to provide a basis for hydrological work;
- raising awareness among local stakeholders regarding water management;
- organising stakeholder consultations and negotiations to reduce conflicts between the interests of local communities and nature conservation objectives;
- organising 20 training events; and
- publishing posters and leaflets to raise public awareness.
- Awareness raising
- Communication and dissemination
- Capacity building
- Consultancy