Lech Krzysztofiak Project Coordinator LIFE1 1 Kick-off Meeting, 24 September 2012, Warsaw, POLAND Project title: Active protection of endangered species and habitats within Nature 2000 site „Ostoja Wigierska” PROJECT LOCATION: Wigry National Park - Poland BUDGET INFO: Total amount: 3,046,808 € % EU Co-funding: 50% PROJECT’S IMPLEMENTORS: Coordinating Beneficiary: Wigry National Park DURATION: Start: 01/10/12 - End: 11/12/17

Lech Krzysztofiak Project Coordinator BACKGROUND and AIMS: The aim of the project is the protection of selected species and habitats, which are under the increasing influence of various natural and anthropogenic factors. The biggest threats to native wildlife include: urbanization of valuable natural areas, their fragmentation and devastation, expansion of alien species, omission or changes in land-use, pollution and excessive growth of the motorization industry. As a result of these factors, the species diversity and size of valuable plants’ and animals’ species populations is being reduced. The specific objectives of the project are: decreasing amphibian mortality during seasonal migration; improving the living conditions of valuable plant and animal species (eg orchids, butterflies, dragonflies); protection of native flora against invasive species - Impatiens glandulifera; protection of valuable natural habitats. MAIN EU POLICY(IES) TARGETED: The project will contribute to preserving and maintaining the good condition of valuable plants’ and animals’ species populations and valuable natural habitats on the area of Natura 2000 "Ostoja Wigierska". These activities are in accordance with, i.a. the Habitats Directive on the protection of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, the Birds Directive on the protection of wild birds and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which are all parts of the European Union law. LIFE1 1 Kick-off Meeting, 24 September 2012, Warsaw, POLAND

Lech Krzysztofiak Project Coordinator MAIN ACTIVITIES: 1. Reduction of amphibians mortality – building of transects’ system for amphibians in places where their migration routes cross with communication routes; 2. Improving the quality of the chosen animals habitats – mowing and cutting down shrubs from meadows and peatbogs, building of manure plates and reservoirs for liquid manure; 3. Improving the quality of the most precious plants species’ habitats – purchase of private lands, mowing and cutting down shrubs, paths’ building. EXPECTED RESULTS: 1. At least 80% reduction of amphibians from two local populations mortality on roads; 2.The increase of the number of farmsteads equipped in devices reducing water environment pollution with breeding animals excreta by 4; 3. At least 80-90% reduction in population of Impatiens grandiflora - invasive plant species of foreign origin; 4. Cohesion increase of Nature 2000 ‘Ostoja Wigierska’ area by inclusion of 68 ha of lands into Wigry National Park’s administration; 5. Ecological awareness increase among the local society; 6. Improvement or restoration of the habitats on the purchased lands (total area of 68 ha) of good quality; 7. The area of lands intended for cutting down shrubs – 20 ha; 8. The area of lands intended for mowing down – 120 ha; 9. Improvement of safety devices on tourist tracks – 2 tracks LIFE1 1 Kick-off Meeting, 24 September 2012, Warsaw, POLAND