Abstract
The Natura 2000 network is an ambitious European project aimed at nature conservation. Nevertheless, the identification and delimitation of habitats is a complex task and simultaneously essential for correct ecosystem management. In this study we compared the current habitat delimitation and designation and the results produced by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geochemical proxies for the categorization of four coastal lakes in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula). The findings reveal important errors in the delimitation/designation. The first error is the designation of all four lakes as Coastal lagoons (habitat 1150), when geochemical data indicate that two of these lakes were always freshwater lakes and should consequently be classified as Natural eutrophic lakes (habitat 3150). Another error is of conceptual origin, because the lakes comprise a unique functional system composing of different environmental units (e.g., open water or aquatic vegetation). Subdivision into different habitats is therefore meaningless for units of negligible surface area. In addition, the designation of some habitats is very dubious according to the available data. Finally, notable changes in relation to the temporal changes of wetlands were observed. Thus, the area occupied by aquatic macrophytes increased greatly at the expense of open waters, and the increase was also reflected in the alluvial forest. This last finding indicates the importance of updating the state of Natura 2000 network in Galicia to improve habitat management.
Highlights
Wetland ecosystems are essential for biodiversity conservation as they are actively involved in improving water quality and nutrient cycling, and function as atmospheric CO2 sinks [1,2,3,4].In addition, these areas are very fragile and vulnerable to disturbance caused by human activity [5,6].Large areas of European wetlands have been lost since the start of the 20th century and the remainingAppl
The Habitats Directive obliges EU member states to designate special areas of conservation for habitats and species considered to be of community interest, in a network known as Natura 2000
This is very positive from an environmental point of view, it has led to difficulties in the execution of development plans in rural areas, in the implementation of projects where the location affects a Nature 2000 network space
Summary
Wetland ecosystems are essential for biodiversity conservation as they are actively involved in improving water quality and nutrient cycling, and function as atmospheric CO2 sinks [1,2,3,4].In addition, these areas are very fragile and vulnerable to disturbance caused by human activity [5,6].Large areas of European wetlands have been lost since the start of the 20th century and the remainingAppl. Wetland ecosystems are essential for biodiversity conservation as they are actively involved in improving water quality and nutrient cycling, and function as atmospheric CO2 sinks [1,2,3,4]. These areas are very fragile and vulnerable to disturbance caused by human activity [5,6]. Sci. 2020, 10, 9068 wetland habitats have been greatly altered [7,8] In response to this situation, various different initiatives and international conventions were proposed in the middle of the 20th century with the aim of promoting the study and protection of these areas
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
