Project number: LTC18045
Project title: The understanding of long-term sustainability of ecosystem services of European floodplain forests
Programme: INTER-COST
Project leader: Ing. Jan Douda, Ph.D.
Project schedule: 2018–2021
Abstract:
European floodplain forests are among the most important habitats of river ecosystems that have been significantly degraded by human activity although they provide many important ecosystem functions and services. This project will enable us to actively participate in the international cooperation of CONVERGES Knowledge conversion for enhancing management of European riparian ecosystems and services. The main goal of this project is to increase awareness of the importance of floodplain forests in relation to human activities and pressures (i.e., management practices, climate change). We will provide: (1) A synthesis of knowledge on processes influencing degradation and revitalisation of European floodplain forests; (2) A vegetation survey evaluating long-term changes in plant diversity of most important Central European floodplain forest areas; (3) An assessment of the risk of their further development and a proposal of strategic planning for biodiversity management and (4) The discussion with stakeholders (water management experts, foresters, conservationists and scientists) on implementation of our conclusions in conservation policy and management practices.