Degraded mires and peatlands restoration of North-West region of Romania (PEAT RO4)
Institute of Biology - Bucharest ·Romania
About this project
<p>The general objective is to improve the ecological state of ecosystems, reduce the negative effects of human activities and reduce vulnerability to the impact of climate change.The main objective of the project refers to the restoration of 3 wetlands/peatlands grouped in a major geographical area of Romania, the North-West region (Cluj County). The specific objectives proposed are: 1. Restoring the structure and functions of 3 degraded peatland/wetland ecosystems; 2. Reducing the effects of climate change on 3 degraded peatland/wetland ecosystems; 3. Increasing the level of knowledge of local communities, interested parties, and public in general, regarding the importance of peatlands/wetlands; 4. Supporting local communities in reducing the effect and adapting to a changing climate. For each considered site, specific mechanical interventions are foreseen to stop drainage, limit water losses through evapo-transpiration, connect fragmented sites, limit human activities within the site, waste collection, etc. Another ecological activity targets the loss of biodiversity - the ex situ conservation of some endangered peatland phytotaxa and the control of invasive species. Activities to improve ecosystem services, such as people's livelihoods and tourism attraction, are promoted through communication and educational events and the involvement of local communities. The success of the restoration is monitored by: assessments of groundwater levels, CO2 emissions, vegetation recovery and dynamics (indicator species), etc, and by the lens of local communities, being evaluated through contact and dialogue with local people, industry and local authorities. The expected results of the project are: (i) the restoration of a total area of 8 ha; (ii) reduction of biodiversity losses and carbon emissions; (iii) reducing anthropogenic pressure on peatland/wetland ecosystems; (iv) an educated public that will prevent threats and be able to adapt, </p>
Bilateral cooperation results
Collaboration the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research – NINA started with the call from the fund for bilateral relations. It was an active exchange of knowledge, materials and ideas, constructive suggestions (effective planning), which led to added value in the implementation of the project activities. Activities to promote restored wetlands for ecotourism/livelihood improvement were also carried out in collaboration with NINA partner. Promotional materials developed together were very successful among students and teachers. "Eco-Training" of local entrepreneurs for economic development was the most innovative activity proposed by NINA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWKW8r4YGFw&ab_channel=Naturforskning). NINA experts participated in the project's conferences and seminar, having highly appreciated presentations, and constantly disseminated PeatRO4 information on the NINA website, the personal and institutional social media pages. During the work visits the NINA specialists highlighted the main similarities and differences between the Norwegian and Romanian peatland ecosystems.
Project partners
- The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Donor project partner· Norway