European Ecological Network Research Articles

Can Nature and Business Exist in Harmony? Local Entrepreneurs’ Perceptions of Protected Areas and Economic Development

Bulgaria has one of the richest biodiversity in Europe. To conserve it the state has built a network of national protected areas and included it in the Natura 2000 European ecological network. In attempts to create a vital example for sustainable local development Bulgarian NGOs demonstrate that protected areas are not prohibited for any human activities, but can be prerequisite for such development. This idea became the main mission of one particular project, managed by several NGOs, which aims to show that creating a protected area could be a guarantee of the establishment of a successful model for local people, for business and for the environment. The text will explore whether the project achieves its aims, whether there are clashes between cultural models of developmentalism and environmentalism, what social impact protected areas have on local entrepreneurs, and what their perceptions are of linking nature conservation to economic development. It will present different perspectives, both those of entrepreneurs who are part of the project network, and those of others who are not.

A comprehensive analysis of chemical and biological pollutants (natural and anthropogenic origin) of soil and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) samples.

A range of analytical methods (GC-MS, LC-MS, voltammetry, microbiological and microscopic techniques, PCR) was used to assay a range of potential chemical and biological contaminants in soil and dandelion samples. The results provide the first comprehensive safety analysis of dandelion as a herbal product. Samples were collected from three different sites in Poland where the local population collects dandelion plants for their own consumption: Rudenka (a mountain meadow in the European Ecological Network of Natura 2000 protection area, free of agrotechnical treatments for over 30 years), Warszawa 1 (dense single-family housing with heavy traffic), and Warszawa 2 (recreation area with heavy traffic near a coal-fired heat and power plant). The assays of heavy metals and other chemical pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, mycotoxins) confirm that all collected soil and dandelion samples were chemically pure; however, 95 species of pathogenic bacteria were detected, including "carnivorous" Vibrio vulnificus, zoonotic Pasteurella pneumotropica, Pasteurella canis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus lentus and Francisella tularensis as well as 14 species of pathogenic fungi and one protozoan parasite (Giardia intestinalis). The discovery of septicemia agents V. vulnificus, Fusobacterium mortiferum and Rahnella aquatilis in the soil surrounding dandelion roots and in the flowers, G. intestinalis in dandelion leaves and roots samples, all collected in Warsaw, is highly disturbing. This finding underlines the need for increased caution when collecting dandelion in densely populated areas with a large population of pets. Thorough washing of the harvested plants is necessary before using them for consumption, especially in the case of making salads from fresh dandelion leaves, which is becoming increasingly popular among people leading healthy and an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

New habitats of some species of orchids on the territory of the European ecological network Natura 2000 (Bulgaria)

We present new data on the distribution of five orchid species in the Batova Valley Protected Area BG 0000102, part of the European ecological network Natura 2000. Although these orchid species are not new to the floristic region of Northeastern Bulgaria, we report new habitats in Batova River Valley Protected Area. Three of the species are reported for the first time, for the other two species, this is the second report in the study area. All described orchid species are subject to protection by various national and international documents.

Influence of the Declaration of Protected Natural Areas on the Evolution of Forest Fires in Collective Lands in Galicia (Spain)

Since the adoption of European Union Council Directive 92/43 on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora, some opposition has arisen among owners and managers of land affected by the directive. Some studies have indicated that some of this opposition has found expression in subsequent arson fires in these areas. This article analyses the occurrence of arson fires in the SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) included in the European ecological network, Natura 2000, in Galicia (Spain), more specifically in the montes vecinales en mano común (MVMCs), which are privately owned collective lands. We tested whether the declaration of SACs had a statistical impact on the forest fire regime in the period 1999–2014. The analyses focused on the sub-periods of 1999–2004 and 2005–2014, i.e., before and after the approval of the list of sites of community importance in the study area in December 2004. The results obtained show that, after the declaration of protection, there was a statistically significant increase in the area burnt by fire in these areas, mainly on private estates. We also found that the percentage of arson fires after 2004 was higher in SACs than in other territorial units. We found that the percentage of arson fires was reduced less in SACs than in other territorial units. Furthermore, we found that the area burnt per fire after 2004 in SACs was almost double that in the MVMC-SACs (12.04 ha versus 6.64 ha), so it can be concluded that the conservationist policies of the Natura 2000 network in Galicia have not had a positive effect on the forest fire regime.

Natura 2000-sites: Legal requirements for agricultural and forestry land-use

The agricultural and forestry use of land does not only mark large parts of the European Union, but also a significant share of land within the European ecological network Natura 2000. Member States, therefore, try to exempt as far as possible these land uses from the protection regime of Natura 2000-sites. However, at the same time, Member States latest reports on habitats and wild species of Community importance indicate that, in particular, the intensification of agriculture and forestry in recent decades has made it more difficult to improve conservation statuses or even worsened them. Hence, the aim of this article is to examine in detail the extent to which the protection regime of Article 6(2 and 3) Habitats Directive is applicable to land-use in agriculture and forestry. In this context, of particular relevance is the question of when the use of land in agriculture and forestry or individual management measures within and near Natura 2000-sites are projects for which an appropriate assessment is necessary before implementation; and which, in the case that significant adverse effects to a site cannot be ruled out, are permitted only under the reasons for exemption given in Article 6(4) Habitats Directive. The analysis includes the case law of the European Court of Justice, as well as decisions of the German Federal Constitutional Court and the German Federal Administrative Court.

On the application of sustainable building materials in geodesy and civil engineering

The preparation stage is critical to the success of any construction project. This also applies to projects planned to be implemented in Natura 2000 areas, which cover approx. 18% of the total land area of the EU. The permit for the implementation of a project in an area included in the European ecological network should be granted after a thorough analysis of its impact on a Natura 2000 area. Such analysis should concern construction and material solutions, as well as executive and as-built solutions for objects falling within the scope of the project and take into account the concept of sustainable development. The research showed that the precautionary principle should be supplemented with the concept of sustainable development and with the assessment of material solutions in planned buildings. The article presents the results of research on the need to take into account material issues in the environmental conditions of building structures. A survey was conducted with the participation of 47 experts, and the result of the research is the development of an innovative checklist module for the qualification of a project for habitat assessment, taking into account questions about sustainable building materials. The conducted research has shown which aspects related to the use of building materials are the most important. These are material solutions that provide for the use of natural raw materials and construction materials (unprocessed), the use of materials and raw materials from local producers in order to reduce transport and conducting an energy assessment of the materials used.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE CREATION OF ECOLOGICAL NETWORK IN UKRAINE

The relevance of the article is determined by the global direction towards the greening of the environment which finds its manifestations both in scientific research in various fields of knowledge and in the general policy of developed countries. Nowadays, the problems of climate, environmental friendliness and biodiversity are of vital importance. The current approach to land use leads to fragmentation of natural environment, stagnation of natural habitat, degradation of ecological systems, which affects nature-related anthropogenic culture.
 The article considers political measures that are the basis for the methodology of environmental regulation at global level. This research shows how they are reflected in the Ukrainian legal framework and provides specific results.
 The analysis of legislative and literary sources allowed finding out that the creation of the ecological network of Ukraine has a deep level of integration into the European ecological programs and is a part of the ecological network of a higher order. The study found that the organization of the ecological network of Ukraine takes place immediately at the national, regional and local levels. The national level ensures the establishment of state strategies and directions of the ecological network, the establishment of interstate communications on the organization of transboundary ecological objects as well as the positioning of the state ecological network as a part of the "Green Infrastructure" (GI). At this level there is communication with world environmental organizations, setting goals, directives and compliance with environmental programs.
 The regional and local levels determine the activities of regional and district councils in relation to specific environmental measures aimed at the protection and reproduction of natural biological and landscape diversity, its protection, regulation of land use in protected areas. The article highlights the hierarchical model of ecological networks organization (Regional Ecological Network Scheme - Consolidated Scheme of Ecological Network of Ukraine - European Ecological Network Scheme "Green Infrastructure"), which reveals the relationship between the initial global environmental initiative and the scheme of ecological network formation in Ukraine.

Resident Perceptions of Distribution, Recognition and Representation Justice Domains of Environmental Policy-Making: The Case of European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Poland

Resident Perceptions of Distribution, Recognition and Representation Justice Domains of Environmental Policy-Making: The Case of European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Poland

Resident Perceptions of Distribution, Recognition and Representation Justice Domains of Environmental Policy-Making: The Case of European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Poland

Resident Perceptions of Distribution, Recognition and Representation Justice Domains of Environmental Policy-Making: The Case of European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Poland

Resident Perceptions of Distribution, Recognition and Representation Justice Domains of Environmental Policy-Making: The Case of European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Poland

Largescale nature conservation programs such as European ecological network Natura 2000 tend to fuel local conservation conflicts due to perceived unbalance between costs and benefits, lack of recognition and representation of residents in the decision-making process concerning policy implementation and management. This study considers Fraser's critical model of political justice to understand how residents construct N2000 justice and discuss the potential implications for the political framing of N2000 conflicts. The novelty of this approach lies in that it embraces various components within the three justice domains: distribution, recognition, representation, to shed light on N2000 conflicts and highligh justice as a way to legitimize N2000 policy.

A Study of the Emerald Network objects in Ukrainian Forest-Steppe of Dnieper Ecological Corridor

A Study of the Emerald Network objects in Ukrainian Forest-Steppe of Dnieper Ecological Corridor

Populations state of selected communities of Juniperus communis(Common Juniper)in Vitosha Mt., Bulgaria

Juniperus communis L. formations on heaths or calcareous grassland are included in the Bulgarian Biological Diversity Act (code 5130) and some of them are covered by the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria. Aim: The purpose of this work is to investigate the status of selected communities with the participation of J. communis in the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) "Vitosha" with an emphasis on the species richness of plants and fungi and the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors. Material and methods: The survey was conducted between May and September 2019. Habitat 5130 covers an area of 19.27 ha in the territory of SAC "Vitosha". For the purpose of this study is crawled throughout the mountain where it is registered. The route and stationary methods were used for selected objects. Reporting plots were installed in 5 places, each with an area of 100 sq.m. For the assessment of the state of J. communis’ communities and the influencing factors the appropriate Methodology used for the establishment of the national Natura 2000 network in Bulgaria was applied (Zingstra et al. 2009). Results: A remarkable species richness of plants and fungi was found in the selected communities of Common Juniper at SAC "Vitosha". A new lignicolous species for the Bulgarian mycota, Peniophora junipericola J. Erikss on single host J. communis, was found. The explored plant communities were in good condition and have not been established factors threatening their existence. Conclusion: The habitat occurs at various altitudes and includes species with various ecological characteristics. A tendency for restoration and increasing of the areas covered by the Common juniper has been observed recently as a result of abandonment of arable land.

Conservation of the populations of Centaurea immanuelis-loewii (Asteraceae) in NATURA 2000 in Bulgaria

Centaurea immanuelis-loewii Degen is a perennial herbaceous plant species of the Asteraceae family, a Balkan endemic protected by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Act. The species is found in few places in northern Greece and southwestern Bulgaria and has been identified as important for conservation by the European Community. For this reason, a significant part of its populations is included in the European ecological network NATURA 2000. In Bulgaria the species is found in 3 floristic regions – Znepolski region (Konyavska Mt., Golo Bardo Mt.), Struma Valley (Boboshevski Gorge, Ruen Mt., Sandanski, Kresna, Oshtava villages) and Pirin (Vlahi village), at 100–900 m. This study aims to determine the current status of the populations of the species in Bulgaria covered by NATURA 2000. The main threats to the species have also been identified. Centaurea immanuelis-loewii inhabits stony and scree sites and enters into the composition of the open xerothermic grass communities. It has been established in five Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Bulgaria. The population of SCI ‘Ostritsa’ is the largest in number. It covers an area of about 35 ha and numbers several thousand individuals. In the SCI ‘Konyavska Planina’ the occupied area is also relatively large - about 33 ha, but only about 300 individuals are found there. In the other three sites the populations are very small: 0.0066 ha in the SCI ‘Skrino’, 3.37 ha in the SCI ‘Kresna-Ilindentsi’ and 2.09 ha in the SCI ‘Middle Pirin-Alibotush’, with numbers ranging between 100–600 individuals. The main threats are: the decrease of the occupied area due to the construction of a highway (Golo Bаrdo Mt.), the extraction of inert materials (Konyavska Mt.), erosion, the low reproductive and migratory potential of the species, the specific habitat to which it is attached. For the conservation of the species and its habitats the following measures are proposed: targeted scientific research for the accumulation of data on the species' reproductive capacity and its effective support, in situ and ex situ conservation and restoration of the populations, restoration and maintenance measures for the habitat of the species, and achievement of greater effectiveness of legal measures.

Eastern Podilia as a structural unit of Pan European Environmental network

Based on scientific, methodological and practical principles and approaches, the scheme of the Eastern Podilia ecological network, which forms a part of the pan European ecological network, has been developed. Different types of its structural elements, such as key, connecting, buffer and rehabilitating territories were distinguished, their geographic confinement, area and status were determined. Typical plant groups, which are the basis for formation of biogeocenotic cover of the key territories (biocentres), were defined. The results of the research show that the ecological network of the region is formed by 24 key, 16 connecting and 60 rehabilitating territories. Currently, the number and area of buffer zones that are established around key and connecting territories is being clarified. The total area of structural elements of the ecological network of Eastern Podilia (key, connecting and rehabilitating territories) is 884087.53 hectares, which makes 33.37% of the total area of the region. It should be noted that world experience determines the biological balance of territories only if at least 60% of natural ecosystems are present. Therefore, the ecological network of the region still needs substantial improvement and scientifically grounded implementation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.74.3.21521

Флористичний аналіз епігейної ліхенобіоти фітоценозів асоціації Cladonio-Pinetum Jurashek в умовах Західного полісся

Лишайникові бори є об'єктами охорони європейських екомереж, тому актуальним і невідкладним завданням на сьогодні є їх докладне вивчення і на теренах України. Сухі соснові бори займають незначну площу у лісовому фонді Західного Полісся і є рідкісними фітоценозами, у наземному вкритті яких домінують лишайники. За результатами аналізу польових матеріалів та гербарних зразків проведено флористичний аналіз ліхенобіоти фітоценозів асоціації Cladonio-Pinetum Jurashek на території Західного Полісся. Здійснено систематичний аналіз ідентифікованих видів лишайників та встановлено, що усі вони належать до двох родин – Cladoniaceae Zenker та Parmeliaceae Zenker і двох родів – Cladonia Hill. ex P. Browne та Cetraria Ach. Визначені види лишайників належать до мультирегіонального геоелемента бореального типу ареалу. Використано методи екологічної оцінки видів лишайників та розподілу їх за вимогливістю до чинників середовища (тип субстрату, вологість, трофність ґрунту, освітлення, антропогенний вплив). Встановлено, що епігейні лишайники сухого соснового бору за рівнем кислотності ґрунту є субацидофілами, нейтрофілами; за вимогливістю до родючості ґрунту усі види є оліготрофами; за реакцією на зволоженість субстрату є ксерофітами; за реакцією на світловий режим є геліофітами; за реакцією на антропогенний вплив більшість видів є олігогемеробами та мезогемеробами. Результати флористичного аналізу можуть бути підґрунтям для проведення моніторингових досліджень епігейної ліхенобіоти фітоценозів асоціації Cladonio-Pinetum Jurashek в умовах Західного Полісся.

БАСЕЙН РІЧКИ ЧОРНА ТИСА –ПЕРСПЕКТИВНА ТЕРИТОРІЯДЛЯ РОЗШИРЕННЯ МЕЖКАРПАТСЬКОГО БІОСФЕРНОГО ЗАПОВІДНИКА

Іn this article, we substantiate the practicability of incorporating the upper part of the Chorna Tysa river basin in to the Svydovets preservation massif (CBR). This expansion will not only increase the value of this object of protection of the natural and cultural heritage, but also will allow the introduction of semi-stationary scientific research within the practice area with the students of Taras Shevchenko National University's for the further study and monitoring of natural processes and anthropogenic influences. This territory is characterized by increased vulnerability to human impacts, therefore it is proposed to provide it with a differentiated conservation regime including planning of economic activities and implementation of constant monitoring of the state of landscapes and dangerous natural processes . We offer functional zoning based on the landscape structure of the territory with allocation of conservation, buffer and economic zones. It is proposed to include the relict subalpine glacial landscapes with mountain glacial lakes, subalpine meadows and forests that are unique to the Ukrainian Carpathians, to the protected area. The recreational potential of the territory can be realized by creating a modern European tourist and recreational infrastructure in the economic zone of Chorna Tysa village, Yasinya settlement and Rakhiv city. The restricted tourism with corresponding arrangement of a tourist and ecological routes is possible to develop in buffer and protected areas. The development of tourism infrastructure will increase the attractiveness of the area for tourists and increase the competitiveness of local communities. The unique and rare scenic landscapes of the Chorna Tysa Basin should form the basis for the creation of a The Pan European Ecological Network, since the sourses of the Tysa are a natural and cultural symbol for the countries of basin of the middle Danube. Natural conditions and resources of this region in Ukraine require special attention. In our opinion, the future ecological corridor along the whole valley of the Tysa River, which would combine the protected areas of the CBR is very relevant for all countries of the Tysa Basin. However, currently, construction of the tourist-recreation complex "Svydovets" is planned on this territory, which, judging by the detailed plan of the territory for the implementation of this project, can completely destroy the natural ecosystems of the region.

Flora and vegetation of forest natural habitats in Natura 2000 protected area Kamchia (BG0000116)

The flora and vegetation in the protected area Kamchia were studied, as part of the European ecological network Natura 2000 within the implementation of the project Mapping and determination of the environmental status of natural habitats and species – phase I. Contract Nr. 04-014/05.04.2011. The paper presents data on the flora and vegetation in five types of forest natural habitats with codes 91E0, 91F0, 91G0, 91M0 and 92A0. Totally 222 high plant species were recorded in the studied habitats and seven of them were with conservation status. All obtained data confirmed the high conservation value of the flora and vegetation of the protected area and need for strict measures for its protection.

The European ecological network “Natura 2000” and the appropriate assessment for projects and plans under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive

The European ecological network “Natura 2000” and the appropriate assessment for projects and plans under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive

The European ecological network “Natura 2000” and its derogation procedure to ensure compatibility with competing public interests

Natura 2000 network covers over 18 percent of the land area in the European Union. All proposals for development affecting these sites must be previously assessed for their implications for the site’s conservation objectives. In cases where it cannot be ascertained that there is no adverse effect on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site, the proposal for development can now only be approved within the scope of a derogation assessment pursuant to Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC1 (HD). This article explores the requirements for an approval for derogation. In addition to the decisions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ)2 and the European Commission guidelines on this issue, this article focuses, in particular, on the comprehensive German Federal Administrative Court (BVerwG)3 decisions on this matter, which has had to assess a substantially greater number of cases to date, and provides a critical discussion on this in relation to the conservation aims of the Habitats Directive.

NOVI PODACI I DISTRIBUCIJA SAPROKSILNIH VRSTA TVRDOKRILACA (COLEOPTERA) OD ZNAČAJA ZA USPOSTAVU EKOLOŠKE MREŽE NATURA 2000, NA TERITORIJI NACIONALNOG PARKA SUTJESKA I ŠIREM PODRUČJU PLANINE ZELENGORE

Direktiva o staništima Evropske unije predstavlja jedan od temelja evropskog zakonodavstva u oblastizaštite prirode i zaštite biodiverziteta. Ona definiše uspostavljanje mreže posebnih područja za očuvanjebiodiverziteta, koja su poznata kao Natura 2000 područja, u cilju osiguranja dugoročnog opstanka najvrednijihi najugroženijih vrsta i staništa Evrope. Direktiva u Dodatku II navodi 38 vrsta tvrdokrilaca čijeočuvanje zahtijeva određivanje posebnih područja za zaštitu.U ovom radu prezentovani su podaci o taksonima tvrdokrilaca (Coleoptera) iz Dodatka II Direktive ostaništima Evropske unije, a koji su do sada registrovani na području Nacionalnog parka „Sutjeska“ iširem području planine Zelengore.Terenskim istraživanjem sprovedenim u 2015. i 2016. godini identifikovana su četiri taksona tvrdokrilacanavedena u Dodatku II Direktive o staništima Evropske unije: Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763),Lucanus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758), Morimus asper funereus Mulsant, 1862 i Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus,1758), dok su vrste Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 i Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli, 1763) poznate uistraživanom području samo na osnovu literaturnih podataka, odnosno zbirki Zemaljskog muzeja Bosnei Hercegovine. Ukupno je registrovano 30 nalaza navedenih taksona tvrdokrilaca sa 20 lokaliteta, odčega je 19 nalaza prikupljeno tokom terenskih istraživanja u 2015. i 2016. godini.