Environmental research

Project goal: Prevention of peat fires, restoration of degraded ecosystems and biological diversity through restoration of hydrological regime of Yelnia raised bog (Ramsar site, State nature reserve, IBA). Main objectives: 1. Elaborate scientific justification of the need for restoration of hydrological regime by assessing the current state of hydrology, ecosystems, flora and fauna, evaluation of ecosystem services of Yelnia raised bog. 2. Basing on the results of scientific justification, develop and engineering project of restoration of hydrological regime of degraded parts of the bog. 3. Implement awareness raising activities aimed at establishment of a positive attitude of local society towards hydrological restoration of the bog. 4. Implement engineering plan using local construction enterprises. 5. Develop and introduce a system of monitoring (hydrological, state of ecosystem and biodiversity) to assess project results with involvement of local ecological organizations Key project outcomes: Natural hydrological regime of the central part of the mire restored (confirmed by monitoring results). Improved state of ecosystems and resources: cranberries, biodiversity, ecosystems, recreation, environmental. Decreased the risk of peat fires in the central part of the bog to natural level. Increase awareness of local people about the significance of the bog in its natural state and the need to follow the rules of sustainable use of its resources.

Belarus