Comprehensive restoration of Danube floodplain habitats and support for resistance to plant invasive alien species

Introduction

One of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss is the expansion of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). The project presents a comprehensive approach to support the resistance of Danube alluvial habitats (*91E0, 6440, 3270, 91F0) towards IAS.

Project Scope

15 Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) are targeted in Slovakia and Hungary. The following factors contribute to the degradation of habitats and enable the spreading of IAS:

• Altered water regime
• Intensive forestry
• Abandonment of traditional management, especially extensive grazing

Restoration Measures

Through various complementary measures, the project aims to restore:

• 120 ha of wetlands
• 20 ha of floodplain forest habitats

Additionally, nature-friendly grazing will be reintroduced on 720 ha.

IAS Eradication Strategy

Using the synergy of the above-mentioned actions together with mechanical, biological, and chemical methods of IAS eradication, target IAS will be removed from 850 ha.

Expected Outcomes

Ecological conditions of the habitats will be improved, and their resistance to IAS will be increased by natural processes, leading to long-term and sustainable results.

Water Regime Restoration

The water regime will be restored by flooding natural depressions, and gentle forestry methods will be tested and applied. Grazing, as a natural and traditional feature of alluvial habitats (including forests), will be reintroduced to:

1. Increase diversity of alluvial habitats
2. Enhance their resistance to IAS
3. Promote dynamic processes of the river

Innovative Methods

Various innovative methods are applied, including:

• Comprehensive approach to early IAS management
• Detection system using drone and satellite data built upon ESA projects
• Biological control of Ailanthus altissima
• Improvement of tree seedling survival by implementing the usage of local mycorrhizal fungi, detected by DNA analyses
• Monitoring of project impact on fauna by eDNA metabarcoding methods

Awareness and Dissemination

A complex set of awareness-raising and dissemination actions is involved, covering all relevant target audience groups:

• Stakeholders
• Experts
• Teachers
• Students
• Children
• Public

These actions aim to support the sustainability of the project results.

Policy Improvement

Emphasis is given on increasing replicability and improving policies and agro-environmental schemes (CAP).