ID: 55491
Title: Land use changes and geomorphometric analyses in Galaundu and Pokhare Khola watersheds in mid-hill region of Nepal
Author: M K Balla, K D Awasthi, B R Singh, B K Sitaula and B M Pradhan
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Aerial photo interpretation, drainage density, geographic information system, Hypsometric analysis phypsometric curve, hypsometric integral, land degradation, overland flow
Abstract: Land use changes over the period 1978 to 1992 and 1992 to 2004 and geomorphometric characteristics (hypsometric curve, hypsometric integral, drainage density and length of overland flow) were investigated to analyse the susceptibility of Galaundu and Pokhare Khola watersheds, Dhading district, mid-mountain region of Nepal to surface erosion and soil degradation. The study used air photo interpretation of 1978 and 1992 and remote sensing imagery (Landsat TM of 2002) interpretation and hypsometric analyses using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Land use change analyses show a decrease mainly in rainfed upland (Bari) and forest but an increase in irrigated paddy land (Khet) and shrub during the period 1978 and 1992. Increase in Khet and shrub land and continued decrease in Bari, mainly due to conversion to Khet have been observed during 1992 to 2004. Hypsometric curves and integrals were found to be concave in shape and low values (0.48 and 0.50 for Galaunda and Pokhare respectively) indicating that both watersheds are at the deteriorating stage. Drainage densities of 5.1 and 5.14 for Galaunda and Pokhare respectively are low with corresponding values of long lengths of overladn flow (98 and 97 m) which make both watersheds vulnerable to soil erosion and land degradation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55490
Title: Soil properties and quality index in relation to land cover in Arnigad watershed of Garhwal Himalayas, India
Author: S D Sharma, Bishal Sitaula and B R Singh
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Watershed, land use, soil organic matter, nutrient stock, bulk density, soil quality index
Abstract: The study was taken up in Arnigad watershed, in Mussoorie Forest Division of Uttarakhand, in lesser Himalayas of India for determining the Soil Quality Index under Quercus leucotrichophora forest, Degraded forest, Scrub forest and Agricultural land. Arnigad Watershed is a typical and interesting area for carrying out integrated analysis of soil quality change in relation to land use since the area has suffered deforestation in the past and continues to experience human disturbance. Soil quality estimation includes physical, chemical and biological properties of soil that can provide important information for identifying sustainable land management systems. Soil organic carbon was highest in Q. leucotrichophora (Quercus) forest followed by agricultural land. The degraded and scrub forest were found to be relatively poor in soil organic carbon. The nitrogen was distinctly higher in Quercus forest but available phosphorous and potassium were almost same in quantity in Quercus forest and agricultural land. The scrub forest contained minimum amounts of soil organic carbon and nutrients. The Soil Quantity Index varied from 0.18 to 0.85 in different land uses. Scrub forest had minimum Soil Quality Index (0.18) and was rated as seriously degraded whereas the Quercus forest had greatest Soil Quality Index (0.85) and was rated as excellent. However, the agricultural land and degraded forest were rated as at risk due to Soil Quality Index value of 0.45 and 0.46 respectively. Immidiate attention is needed to reclaim the scrub forest alongwith degraded forest and agricultural lands to not only restrict further decline in soil quality but also to enhance the capacity of watershed to provide goods and services.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55489
Title: Soil quality in the Nepalese context - An analytical review
Author: R M Bajracharya, B K Sitaula, S Sharma and A Jeng
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Soil fertility, organic matter, land quality, watershed degradation, soil erosion
Abstract: The concept of soil quality deserves scientific investigation as well as societal recognition due to the mulifaceted role of the dynamic soil resource, which interacts with all other components of terrestrial ecosystems, namely, water, air, flora and fauna, and ultimately influences human well-being. It is defined as " the capacity of a specific kind of soil to function, within natural and managed ecosystem boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation". Work in developed countries have shown that mitigating soil degradation and enhancing productive capacity requires an holistic approach which goes beyond merely dealing with erosion and fertility decline. In Nepal, primary focus of farmers, land managers and policy makers alike has been that of enhancing agricultural production, hence the emphasis on soil fertility monitoring and augmentation, as well as, erosion control. The vast majority of studies encourntered in a comprehensive review of available literature provided only fertility and occasionally basic physical soil property data. Hence there is a need for systematic and extensive monitoring of key physiochemical and biological parameters that would serve as reliable soil quality indices for Nepal and the Himalayan region. Secondary data from available literature were analysed to propose a soil quality rating index for soils of Nepal. A composite soil quality rating system using a weighted ranking procedure for soil textural class, soil organic matter, pH and major nutrients may be a feasible semi-quantitative approach for assessing the quality of soil in relation to productivity and susceptibility to erosion. The rating index, however, requires additional testing and validation systematically across the wide range of agroecological zones of the region.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55488
Title: Application of the LISEM soil erosion model to a forested catchment in the Indian Himalayas
Author: Hessel, M K Gupta, P Singh Datta and E Gelderman
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Soil degradation, forest degradation, Uttaranchal, Land use scenarios
Abstract: Soil and forest degradation in the Himalayan region is a serious threat to agricultural sustainability. Soil erosion modelling can be one of the tools that can assist to gain a better understanding of soil degradation processes. In this study, the physically based LISEM model was applied to a forested catchment in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas to simualate discharge and soil loss. Input data needed for the model were collected in the catchment. The model was calibrated using saturated conductivity and Manning ' s as calibration parameters. After calibration, the model was applied to simulate the effects of land use change. The results showed that, after calibration of the model, some events could be simulated reasonably well, but other events could not be properly simulated. The reasons for this are likely to be uncertainty regarding the input data, and the fact that LISEM does not include all processes that are occurring in the catchment. In particular, throughflow is not simulated by LISEM at all, and interception is likely to be underestimated. Calibration also showed a clear relationship between rainfall intensity and calibration settings for saturated conductivity. Such a relationship increases the confidence we can have in predicted runoff for events for which only rainfall data were available. Scenario simulations indicated that both degradatio of existing forests, and urbanisation are likely to increase runoff volumes and erosion amounts, but urbanisation was simulated to have much larger effect than forest degradation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55487
Title: Rainfall, soil moisture content and runoff in a small catchment in the Indian Himalayas
Author: R Hessel, M K Gupta, P Singh Datta, E Van Den Elsen and S D Sharma
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Tipping bucket rain gauge, FDR, capacitive sensor, arnigad catchment, Uttarakhand, India
Abstract: The Himalayan region is an ecologically fragile region, in which degradation of the environment is a serious threat. Degradation and hydrology are linked, since rainfall and runoff influence erosion, and soil moisture content influence ecosystems and plant growth. Thus, it is important to get insight into the hydrological system in order to combat degradation. Rainfall and soil moisture content were measured in the 12 km2 Arnigad catchment, Uttarakhand State, India. Measurements of rainfall were done with tipping bucket rain gauges, at five locations in the catchment, and soil moisture was measured at different depths in dense oak forest and degraded forest inside the catchment using automatic sensors. Runoff from the catchment was measured at the catchment outlet using a capacitive water level sensor. The measurement period included three monsoon seasons (2003-2005). For these seasons, monsoon rainfall of 2186, 2033 and 1386 mm was recorded respectively. It was found that there were no clear relationship between rainfall amount and position in the catchment, but the rain gauge at the highest elevation was found to deviate from the others and recorded less rainfall. Soil moisture content showed clear reactions to rainfall up to at least 25 cm soil depth. Soil moisture content was found to be fairly constant during the monsoon season, suggesting that the soil became saturated with water in early showers of the monsoon. During the monsoon season, soil water content increased by no more than 5% as a result of rainfall events, resulting in discharge during rains. Runoff data suggested that during the monsoon season, rains with more than about 12 mm of rainfall, or peak intensities of more than 30 mm h-1, produced runoff from the catchment. Since direct runoff represented, on average, only 3% of rainfall, the data suggest that a large part of rainfall quickly infiltrates to greater depth, where it becomes throughflow or baseflow.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55486
Title: Plot level runoff, soil and nutrient loss in upland rainfed terraces (Bari) and aspect-wise soil quality of different land uses in Pokhare Khola watershed, Nepal
Author: K D Awasthi, K R Tiwari, M K Balla, B K Sitaula, B R Singh, K Pandit
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: erosivity, land degradation, reduce tillage, runoff plot study, soil loss, soil quality index, nutrient loss through runoff
Abstract: The paper aims at comparing the soil, runoff and nutrients losses in runoff water among three treatments in rainfed upland terraces (Bari) and aspect-wise soil quality of different land uses in Pokhare Khola watershed, Dhading district, Nepal. The runoff plot study is being carried out at Raigaun (500 m) in a completely randomized design with four replicates of each treatment viz. T1 (Farmer ' s Practice with Maize-Millet), T2 (Reduced tillage with Maize -Bean - Cover crop), and T3 (Commercial vegetable with high organic manure with Maize - Chilly). Measured runoff and soil loss (2004 to 2005 data) varied from 1040 to 1641 l and 0.64 to 3.78 Mg ha-1 and mean runoff and soil loss from 1114 to 1366 (1) and 1.04 to 2.25 Mg ha-1 respectively. Dissolved nitrogen and phosphorous losses through runoff varied from 2.54 to 5.34 and 0.06 to 0.13 kg ha-1, respectively. T2 had higher loss of both N and P compared to other treatments. The monthly rainfall erosivity computed based on rainfall intensity duration data of 2003 and 2004 at Rai Gaun varied from 49 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 to 2626 MJ mm ha-1h-1, whereas annual erosivity were found 6250 and 2350 MJ mm ha-1h-1 y-1 for 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Computed aspect-wise soil quality index (SQI) based on soil properties (0-15 cm depth) for Bari, irrigated lowland (Khet) and forest varied from 0.23 to 0.72. SQI was highest in Bari of northern aspect whereas lowest in forest of southern aspect. Landuse-wise SQI varied from 0.49 to 0.59, the highest being in Bari whereas lowest in forest. Soil quality of forest was poor compared to other land uses in the area.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55485
Title: Soil degradation and environment quality in South Asia
Author: R Lal
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2007
Publisher: International Institute of Ecology, Vol 33, No 2-3, September 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Soil degradation, sustainable agriculture, soil quality, soil management, food security, climate change
Abstract: South Asia, comprising seven countries, is a world within the world. This region is home to about 1.5 billion people or about one-fourth the world ' s population that lives on less than 5% of the earth ' s land area. The region has a total land area of 514 million hectares (Mha) of which 39.5% is arable, 9.6% is permanent pasture, and 15.2% is forest and woodland. The western region of South Asia is arid, and a large proportion of cropland is irrigated by canal and tube wells. Yet, rainfed agricultural is practiced widely on some 123 Mha or 56% of the cropland area in South Asia. Because of the high population density, the per capita cropland area and renewable fresh water resources are decreasing rapidly. Anthropogenic soil degradation is a serious problem throughout the region. Land area affected by different degradation processes is estimated at 55 Mha by water erosion, 24 Mha by wind erosion, 80 Mha by desertification, 17 Mha by salinization, 12 Mha by waterlogging, 11Mha by nutrient depletion and large area by ground water depletion caused by excessive withdrawal for irrigation. The problem of soil erosion by water, especially severe in the lower and middle Himalayas and other regions with undulating terrains, is exacerbated by widespread deforestation, cultivation of steep slopes, and the perpetual use of extractive farming practices. The stagnation or even decline in productivity of the rice-wheat system, practiced on 12.5 Mha in the region, is attributed to soil degradation and nutrient imbalance. The use fo traditional biofuels, crop residues and cattle dung used for cooking and heating, adversely impacts air quality and is a serious health hazard. Eutrophication of surface water and contamination of ground water are caused by indiscriminate use of agricultural chemicals, and discharge of industrial and urban effluents into rivers. The environmental problems are also caused by unprecedented and rapid economic development, especially in India. While improving education in rural areas is an important long-term strategy, the importance of conversion to a prudent land use and adoption of recommended practices of soil and crop management cannot be over emphasized. Developing clean household cooking fuel is important to improving air quality and reversing soil degradation through use of crop residues and cattle dung as soil amendments.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55484
Title: Irrigation or wetland protection in a Ramsar site
Author: Mojmir Vlasin
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Dam, irrigation, migratory waterfowl, nature conservation, South Moravia, Vestonicky Luh
Abstract: In the early 1990s the Czech Republic government registered a broad area of Vestonicky Luh wetland as a Ramsar site due to the huge numbers of migrating waterfowl which use the site. The site included man-made dams, for which revitalisation measures were required, such as drop in the water table to expose islets in the dam. Rapid natural succession and rehabilitation occurred on the islets with great benefits to the fauna and flora of the region. However, despite this ecological success, a subsequent water management authority decided to raise the water level again and submerge the islets to enable further irrigation for a planned intensification of agriculture in the region. This has caused significant environmental damage to the wetland, yet only 2% of the annual irrigation capacity available from the re-flooding has actually been used over the past five years.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55483
Title: Equitable sharing of wetlands and water resources in the Santa Maria River basin and shoreline
Author: Rene Chang Marin
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Biodiversity, co-management, Panama, Ramsar strategy, Santa Maria river basin
Abstract: The wetlands, dry forests, savanna and forested hills of the Santa Maria Basin and Parita Bay shores in Panama are rich in biodiversity and cultural value. Reserves such as the Macanas Wetland Reserve have been established to protect migrant populations of waterfowl which winter in the region. However regular land use changes, such as the promotion of large-scale agricultural production, threatened the natural value of the region and put increasing pressure on the rural poor. Access and use of river water is not effectively monitored leading to quality and quantity problems which are further compounded by agricultural expansion, such as a 7,000 hectare fruit and dairy development for export.
The Ramsar Strategy goals have now been launched within local and national authorities to initiate ecological development of the Santa Maria River Basin. This will involve integrating wetland wise use priniciples into management plans, restoring natural habitats, developing ecotourism ventures, gaining cooperation of the private sector and providing incentive mechanisms for environmental services. The Santa Maria-Rio Grande Coalition is currently being built as a model of co-management which integrates all stakeholders.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55482
Title: The need for NGOs and Ramsar parties to Join forces in opposing shrimp farm expansion into sensitive wetlands
Author: Alfredo Quarto
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Aquaculture, economic impacts, mangroves, shrimp farming
Abstract: A Ramsar resolution was passed in 1999 discouraging further development of unsustainable aquaculture and promoting the conservation and wise use of intertidal wetlands. To this day no significant improvements have been made and , in fact, mangrove forests around the world are becoming increasingly threatened by the rapid expansion of shrimp aquaculture, which is now spreading itno Ramsar sites. Intensive shrimp aquaculture does not only destroy the mangrove ecosystem, but results in economic impacts, such as the devastating destruction of towns and villages by cyclones where the mangrove protective barrier is no longer present. Government support and commitment is needed to improve local enforcement capabilities, to promote alternative livelihoods to shrimp farming and to establish incentive mechanisms to encourage ' better practices ' .
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55481
Title: Implementation of a management plan for the Lake Engure Nature Park
Author: Inga Racinska
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Cattle ranching, community participation, Latvia, Ramsar site, reeds
Abstract: Lake Engure represents one of the most important nature protection sites in Latvia. It has been protected as a bird reserve since 1957, as a nature park since 1998 and was included on the Ramsar site list in 1995. The main threats to the biological diversity of the Park are the overgrowth of reeds on the lake, uncontrolled growth on meadows and a lack of public involvement and awareness, creating an obstacle ot successful implementation of a management plan. To obtain the cooperation of local communities, several livelihood opportunities were created, such as a system of breeding meat cattle, as the region has a high unemployment level. The cattle are loaned to local people who profit from the offspring and at the same time, the cattle provide a wetland restoration service in the overgrown meadows.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55480
Title: Sustainable management of migratory birds in the district of Olonets (the Republic of Karelia) through the development of sustainable agriculture and ecotourism
Author: Nina Ladonina and Jorg dinkelaker
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agriculture, ecotourism, Geese, migratory birds, rehabilitation, breeding sites
Abstract: The Olonets District in the Republic of Karelia has served as an important site for migratory birds for centuries and is the largest stopover zone for geese in Europe.
Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union the agricultural sector has been in decline due to a loss of markets for agricultural products, a lack of subventions and a loss of household buying power. Social problems have also increased and many small farms now have very weak economics. The lack of resources, machinery and income has lead to an abandonment of farm land decreasing the suitability of the region for migrant bird species. Since 1997, project activities bringing together nature conservation, science and agriculture have achieved very positive results. The yield of perennial grasses increased by 24.3%, and silage production increased by 42% in just one year and the total mild production of the farm increased by 25% between 2000 and 2001. Other activities in the region have also helped the sustainable development goal, such as initiative to promote traditional handicrafts.
The next steps will involve making sure another 500 ha of abandoned land is put back into production, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in southern karelia, developing adequate national legislation and raising the issue in international fora.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55479
Title: Viewing wetlands as water users in integrated river basin management plans
Author: Tomasz Okruszko and Marta Kijanska
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Hydrology, integrated river basin management, wetland functions, wetland types
Abstract: Wetlands form a transition zone between typical terrestrial and water ecosystems and harbour a rich biodiversity. Natural wetlands are considered particularly important in the landscape for their beneficial functions such as stabilising ground and surface water discharge within the catchment and reducing harmful substances via their micro-organism biofilters. Typically water management bodies view wetlands as part of the water resource to be exploited in the river basin, rather than as water users. Thus management plans tend to balance surface and ground water resources with the water needs of the particular water users without taking into account wetland functional requirements. The different types of wetland (ombrogenic, soligenic, topogenic and fluviogenic) require different water regimes so the detailed characteristics and parameters of the specific wetlands must be factored into water management strategies. The development of reliable wetland ecosystem simulation models will help management bodies to include wetland parameters into decision - making processes and will provide information on the response of wetlands to water deficits. While this approach will not solve all the complex ecological, social and economical problems, it will create a common language for engineers, ecolgists and farmers working in wetlands, so that the basic hydrolgoical phenomena and their consequences for wetland ecosystems can be described and understood.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55478
Title: Good agricultural practice: Dry season agriculture in Northern Cameroon
Author: Birguy Lamizana
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Babouri, Mouskouari, Indigenous approaches, NTFP, Wetland products
Abstract: The intensification of agriculture in developing countries relies upon an increase in the limited water supply. While growing demands for water can be met in part by increasing the efficiency of irrigation schemes, by damming rivers, or by mining groundwater, all have financial or ecological implications. In northern Cameroon farmers produce two seasons of sorghum crop using only one rainy season and no irrigation by planting seasonally adapted varieties. Babouri is a wet season variety, picked at the end of the rainy season and Mouskouari is deep-rooted variety, planted in dry season when water is contained deep below the soil surface. This technique is appropriate for many African countries where the climatic conditions and soils are similar.
Agriculture is necessary for food security in Africa, however Africa must carefully select suitable sites for irrigation construction, choose appropriate technologies and optimise the use of both new and indigenous, often low-cost approaches to mobilising water to improve crop production. Recovering and promoting traditional agricultural techniques such as dry season sorghum production can help to increase yeild, conserve wetland biodiversity and utilise less water. It is also important to document and disseminate all techniques which help to minimise water use and to bare in mind that crop production is not the only way to reach food security. Cattle grazing, fisheries and the sale of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) and wetlands products can contribute towards welfare and hence food security.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55477
Title: Current and future environmental measures for Ramsar sites in Estonia
Author: Piret Palm
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agri-environmental Programme, National Parks, Nature Reserve Protected Area
Abstract: Environmental measures have recently been developed for nearly 216 thousand hectares of Ramsar sites in Estonia. These sites, which are rich in valuable semi-natural habitats, are threatened by land abandonment, the loss of traditional practices and the application of adverse agricultural activities. To encourage or restrict the activities within Ramsar sites, two environmenta measures have been applied in the form of agri-environmental support and semi-natural habitat management support. Both measures were first applied in 2000 and it is clear that they have already worked effectively. The paper provides an overview of the prerequisites for applying support, the type of activities that can be supported and the average level of support provided in Estonia. This management strategy is transferable to other regions in Europe, particularly Eastern Europe.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None