LIFE EMYS – Active protection of rare amphibian and reptile species in the Natura 2000 sites in Europe

LIFE17 NAT/PL/000011

Decreases in the populations of many vertebrate species are widely observed both locally and globally. This also applies to the both species targeted by the project – the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), both Annex II species of the Habitats Directive. These species depending both on terrestrial as well as aquatic habitats are particularly sensitive to the negative effects of human activities, mainly related to the habitat deterioration and fragmentation. Also, progressive climate change resulting in more frequent and intense storms and rise of the sea level means that populations of Fire-bellied toad inhabiting low-lying habitats on islands are at risk of extinction in Denmark.

THE AIM OF THE PROJECT

To improve the conservation status of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) in 5 Natura 2000 sites in Poland and Denmark.

THE OBJECTIVES

1. To increase the area and improve the quality of habitats for both species, the European pond turtle and the Fire-bellied toad,

2. To increase number and prevent genetic deterioration, isolation and extinction of the European pond turtle and the Fire bellied toad populations.

3. Raising the knowledge and ecological awareness especially of local communities concerning the species targeted by the project.

The project will be implemented in 5 Natura 2000 areas: 4 areas in Poland: Mazurska Ostoja Żółwia Baranowo PLH 280055, Ostoja Piska PLH 280048, Puszcza Romincka PLH 280005, Ujście Ilanki PLH 090015 and 1 in Denmark: Sydfynske Øhav DK 008X201.

THE PROJECT IS CO-FINANCED BY:

European Commission under the LIFE Financial Instrument

National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFEP&WM)

Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Olsztyn (RFEP&WM)

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD

July 2, 2018 – December 31, 2023 (66 months)

AREA COVERED BY THE PROJECT

Natura 2000 site “Mazurska Ostoja Żółwia Baranowo” PLH280055

Natura 2000 site „Ostoja Piska” PLH280048

Natura 2000 site „Puszcza Romincka” PLH280005

Natura 2000 site „Ujście Ilanki” PLH090015

Natura 2000 site „Sydfynske Øhav” DK008X201

THE PROJECT BUDGET

Total budget: 2.765.954 €

Co-financing from the European Commission: € 1.659.572

Co-financing from NFEP&WM : 825,255 €

Co-financing from RFEP&WM in Olsztyn: 18.928 €