The restoration of threatened habitats is crucial to preventing the extinction of plant and animal species worldwide. The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration to combat the degradation of valuable natural habitats.
The sunlit oak habitat, known for its species richness, has historically thrived due to human activities like grazing, wood collection, and selective tree cutting. However, the cessation of these practices has allowed invasive species to encroach, shading lower forest layers and threatening legally protected plant species, including meadow clover, fragrant bellflower, and white sweet clover.
Kampinos National Park, located near Warsaw, is one of the few national parks globally adjacent to a capital city. Its unique geological history, biological diversity, and human activities have created semi-natural forest environments. In 2000, the park joined the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves, and in 2004, it became part of the European Natura 2000 network, obligating it to protect declining habitats listed in the EU's Habitats Directive.
Active conservation measures for the sunlit oak habitats, funded by IKEA, are planned for autumn 2024. These measures will involve increasing light access to the lower vegetation layers by maintaining appropriate undergrowth density and removing invasive species, thereby improving conditions for rare and legally protected plant species.
The Re:Generation program is operated by UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, a center affiliated with the National Foundation for Environmental Protection and United Nations Environment Programme. Since 1991, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw has supported institutional partners, organizations, and companies in nature conservation and sustainable development efforts.
Through the Re:Generation program, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw has carried out protective measures in seven reserves and ten Natura 2000 areas, covering various ecosystems including meadows, peat bogs, forests, freshwater, urban, and coastal environments.
(jh)
Source: PAP Mediaroom