WETHYDRO Centre of Excellence in Wetland Hydrology Contract number: EVK1-CT Duration: Coordinator: prof. Stefan Ignar Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Environmental Reclamation Warsaw Agricultural University 159 Nowoursynowska str Warsaw, Poland Tel

Project’s objective The overall objective of the proposal is the growth of scientific potential of the Centre through increased international cooperation and confirmation and expanding the role of DHEER as the regional centre of excellence in wetland hydrology. Project’s activities Increasing networking between centres; Increased scope (regional coverage, subject, activities) of the centre; Contribution to capacity building through attracting young researchers Support for economic and social needs of the NAS Increased linkage with economic and social environmental of the NAS Enhanced participation of centres in other areas of the sixth framework programme Objectives

WP1 WP5 WP3 WP4 WP6 WP8 WP2 WP7 WP9 Economic and social environment European Research Area NIS & NAS & NAS research area WarsawAgriculturalUniversity Project Workplan

The Workpackage 1 : Hydrological characteristics of wetlands focused on quantitative description of hydrological processes in wetlands. The Centre main research domain was collecting the hydro morphological data, data processing and hydrological modelling. WP1 activity led to exchange information and capacity building of the Centre’s staff for use of modern technology The Workpackage 2 “Ecological response to hydrological conditions” (WP2) focused on reference sites and management of wetlands. The Workpackage 3 “Thematic conference” (WP3) aimed on organizing the “W3M International Conference for Wetlands: monitoring, modelling, management”. The conference brought together the specialists on wetland hydrology and hydraulics, ecologist and people dealing with wetlands management or water managers in order to answer key question: What are the most important features of the wetlands for their conservation and management? Workpackages

The Workpackage 4 “Short Intensive Course on Wetland Water Management” (WP4) leaded to organize two short intensive courses on wetland water management (SIC1 and SIC2). The courses were aiming on the description of the natural and man-made processes leading to the creation of the certain type of wetland ecosystems The Workpackage 5 “Networking and twinning” (WP5) led to the projects objective on capacity building of the Centre through the networking activity and capacity building through twinning with the two European centres: Wageningen Knowledge Centre and University of Antwerp. The aims of networking were exchanging the information about activities in wetland hydroecology and wetlands management as well as forming a network of research group interested in European reference wetlands. Workpackages

The Workpackage 6 “Modernisation and upgrading of PhD and postgraduate courses” (WP6) strengthen the position of the Centre’s in teaching activities at the Warsaw Agricultural University at postgraduate level. The existing at Warsaw Agricultural University MSc and PhD studies in the fields of Environmental Engineering and Environmental Protection were modernized and upgraded. The Workpackage 7 “Increasing participation in FP6” (WP7) was oriented on approaching by the centre the European Research Area developed in the course of FP6. Centre was aiming on giving at the disposal for the European scientists’ reference sites, measurement network, databases and models useful in research subjects of an impact of Climate Changes on ecosystem and/or sustainable development of areas dependent on water management. Workpackages

The Workpackage 8 “Dissemination” (WP8) was aiming on dissemination of the results of the project as well as knowledge transfer from the Centre’s to the economical and social surrounding. The target groups were: Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Workpackage 9 “Management” (WP9) concentrated on overall management ofthe project. In order to ensure effective management Centre coordinating unit consisted of coordinator, secretary and work package leaders. Workpackages

A. Six workshops were organized: 1.“Measurements techniques and data assessment in wetland hydrology” 2.“Model application for wetland hydrology and hydraulics” 3.“Coupling ecological methods with GIS, hydrological and water quality models” 4.Anthropogenic influence on wetlands biodiversity and sustainable management of wetlands 5.“Wetlands as a water user and service provider - feasible ways for wetlands protection in the water frame directive” 6.“Forum for young researchers within environmental sciences” B. Two conferences were organized: 1.“W3M International Conference for Wetlands: monitoring, modelling, management” 2.“Mokra Robota – protection and restoration of Polish wetlands” Results of the Project

C.Two „Short intensive courses on wetland water management” were organized D.Three international measurement campaigns were organized E.4 PhD thesis in preparation: “Terra/ASTER satellite imagery in determining soil moisture in upper soil layer for WetSpa model in Upper Biebrza catchment up to Rogożynek closing profile”, "Utilization possibilities of remote sensing techniques and GIS in monitoring and assessment of wetlands", “Forecast of Przemkowsko – Przecławskie wetlands hydrological alimentation"," Determination of influence of habitat conditions on chosen wetland ecosystems in the Biebrza Valley” F.International scientists exchange G.International conferences participation Results of the Project

The overall objective of the WETHYDRO Project “Growth of scientific potential of the Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Environmental Restoration (DHEER)” was achieved during three years of Project implementation. Following main benefits aroused from the Project: Development of national and international network of cooperating institutions, Effective capacity building of DHEER including staff development, Modernization of postgraduate study programs (MSC and PhD levels), Direct application of Project scientific results by local government and self- government administration, Direct cooperation with Ministry of Environment supporting implementation of Water framework Directive, Participation in several consortia for EU research project applications, Creation of Project website for management purposes which proved to be very effective for communication between partners and for project result dissemination. Conclusions

Recommendation for future actions: Maintenance of developed cooperation with European partners via international and bilateral cooperation, Formalization of cooperation by joint activities (conferences, workshops and courses). Taking into account achieved results and benefits, the WETHYDRO Project may be fully considered as a “very success story”. Recommendations