Učili jsme se techniky obnovy mokřadů v České republice
30.10.2024
HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ [Ramsarská úmluva o mokřadech]
Organized by the Elbe River Basin Authority, with support from Libuše Vlasáková, National Focal Point (NFP) and member of the Standing Committee for Europe of the Convention on Wetlands, Martina Eiseltová, Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) National Focal Point of the Convention on Wetlands, Center for Theoretical Study of Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences, and Michal Vávra of the Elbe River Basin Authority, the course was part of the Carpathian Wetland Initiative of the Convention on
A legacy of wetland training
The wetland training program has a long history, beginning with the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB) in the UK, later known as Wetlands International. The original courses, launched with support from WWF, took place across various CEE countries, focusing on different aspects of wetland conservation and restoration.
Since 1997, the Czech Republic has taken the lead in organizing these courses, which combine scientific knowledge with practical restoration techniques. The program’s foundation in wetland ecology can be found in the Springer publication Restoration of Lakes, Streams, Floodplains, and Bogs in Europe, edited by Martina Eiseltová.
Hands-on restoration projects
This year’s course centred on the restoration of rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, and alluvial pools. Participants visited restoration sites managed by the Elbe River Basin Authority, including urban stream restoration projects and the revitalization of dead river arms. Discussions focused on water flows, water quality, and biodiversity.
“Post-project monitoring during several years after the restoration is essential to evaluate the results and benefits of the restoration measures implemented,” explained Michal Vávra. “As this is not usually funded by the restoration programme, it was made possible due to our own efforts.”
Conservation of particular wetland types
Fishponds, historically constructed for freshwater fish production during the Middle Ages, were also highlighted. These man-made lakes, when wisely managed, contribute to biodiversity and water retention. They support a rich array of aquatic plants, insects, amphibians, and wetland birds.
Sandpits, created after sand excavation, play a crucial role in supporting migratory and wintering water birds when other shallow water bodies freeze.
The course also included visits to restored wet meadows, fens, and water pools, which are critical for the conservation of endangered plant species, insects, and amphibians. Wetland loss remains alarming in the CEE region, and restoration efforts are essential.
“Wetland restoration has always been a high priority of our training courses in the CEE region,” said Martina Eiseltová. “While early courses dwelt on the expertise coming from western Europe, in recent years our country – the Czech Republic – has gained vast experience in successful wetland restoration projects. We are proud to be able to present the Czech experience and share it with others.”
Field-based learning
The event was attended by 16 participants from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Ukraine. The focus on fieldwork and hands-on learning was a defining feature of the course.
“Most of the time was spent in the field visiting individual restoration projects and learning from the experts that implemented them. This was a real strength of this training course,” emphasized Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Senior Advisor for Europe at the Convention on Wetlands.
Participants also presented their own restoration projects, fostering valuable exchanges of knowledge and ideas.
Organizers plan to repeat the course in September or October 2025. With wetland degradation still a critical issue across the CEE region, these training opportunities help equip experts with the knowledge and tools necessary to restore and protect these essential ecosystems.
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