Southern Baltic coastal biodiversity – dune habitat restoration and development of good management practices

Introduction

The conservation status of coastal dune habitats of the southern Baltic coast, as well as throughout Continental and Boreal biogeographical regions, is generally poor (U2) and further deteriorating. It is expected that due to increasing anthropopressure, climate change, and governmental focus on sea defense objectives, this condition will continue to deteriorate.

Concerns

Considering the above factors, and also observing the spread of alien plant species which change the structure of white and grey dune plant communities, there is serious concern that the resources of those habitats will be severely limited in the future.

Project Objective

The LIFE for Dunes PL project’s main objective is to prevent the loss of biodiversity typical of coastal areas, mainly within selected sections of the coast that are protected under the Natura 2000 programme in Poland, Germany, and Lithuania.

Targeted Habitats

The project is aimed at improving the conservation status of two priority habitats:

1. 2130* Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation
2. 2140* Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum

However, since actions on selected habitats, without taking into account the removal of threats to adjacent and spatially dependent habitats, would not produce long-term effects, the project also includes restoration activities within non-priority habitats:

• 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
• 2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria
• 2190 Humid dune slacks

Implementation Strategy

The main goal will be achieved through:

• The use of restoration treatments
• Dissemination of project results among people responsible for managing the sea shore zone
• Raising public awareness of the specificity, threats, and methods of protecting coastal dune habitats through educational and informational activities which will cover at least 100 thousand inhabitants and tourists.

Future Plans

In addition, we want to prepare tools for further protection of dune habitats on the 242 km long Baltic coast, and ultimately the entire southern Baltic coast.