PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project was executed in 2 broad areas, namely the mountain chains of Pindos and Rodopi, which constitute the brown bear’s (Ursus arctus) range, comprising a surface of approximately 9.000 Km2 and including 19 pSCIs and 4 National Parks.
Four primary vegetation zones prevail in the bear habitat: the Oak forests, the Black pine forests, the Beech-Fir forests, and the Spruce and Scots pine forests. At least 38% of the Ursus arctus total range is covered by forest habitat types listed in Annex I of Directive 92/43, 8% of which are priority habitat types.
Human activities are the main threat for the brown bear as well as the main cause for the degradation and/or loss of its natural habitat. The Greek population of brown bear represents about 50% of the EU southern population and is considered as the most healthy and viable one in this area. The high degree of habitat suitability, coupled with a certain degree of connectivity between bear populations and habitats of neighbouring countries of the south Balkan Region, increase the survival possibilities of the Greek brown bear populations, compared to those of other southern European Countries.
The project was the continuation of a previous 2-year (1994-1995) project financed under LIFE-Nature I programme.
OBJECTIVES
Project actions were designed to address the full range of identified major threats to the species and its habitat. They comprised two main categories of measures:
Direct actions such as wardening, habitat restoration and improvement, management of certain human activities and infrastructures in critical bear areas, which aim at minimising factors responsible for the negative trends and habitat loss; The implementation of specific compensation measures, which aim at minimising the risk of human interference and its subsequent effects on bear populations. The expected results were:
Maintain the bear population size above minimum viable population level and achieve positive long term population trends by: a) decreasing the known human caused bear deaths to zero per year and b) keeping known mortality levels below 3% of the minimum population estimate. Decrease habitat degradation and loss by delineation of permanent ‘priority monitoring units’ in each population nucleus and improve habitat condition in terms of availability and suitability by securing the appropriate conditions in 30-35% at least of each ‘priority monitoring unit’. Improve the bio-geographical continuity of the species’ range in terms of connectivity between sub-populations and habitats at national and international level.
RESULTS
The project has been included in a conservation strategy that the beneficiary adopted and implemented through the 2 LIFE-Nature projects. After successfully overcoming the problem of dancing bears and the damage compensation during the 1st phase, the second phase of the project focused on preventive measures. These measures included:
The provision of shepherd dogs. A total of 35 dogs were reproduced during the project and the number of shepherds interested in this measure reached 250, making the selection procedure really strict. In addition, a network of local assistants has been established in order to advise shepherds on maters concerning the general welfare of dogs. The installation of electric fences for 65 groups of bee hives. The closure of forest roads. A total of 50 barriers were put in place, covering a total length of controlled road network equal to 607 Km and a total surface of controlled area equal to 90,571 ha. The implementation of the measure resulted also in the change of the regulation upon the responsibility of local forest offices in issuing decisions about forest road closure. The new legislation gives forest offices the right to close forest roads if wildlife has to be conserved. The plantation of wild fruit trees. The extension of the existing compensation system to cover damages that were not included in the National Compensation system. Wardening. In addition, the 2nd phase contributed to the establishment of the Natura 2000 network and focussed on the implementation of the management plans and the drafting of the presidential decrees for the protection of the 19 pSCIs included in the project area. They have been submitted to the national competent authorities. A series of scientific reports were also published that contributed in a significant way to the knowledge of the brown bear conservation. Last but not least, a very successful awareness and educational campaign took place, targeting the wide public and specific interest groups. These campaigns (printed material, information centre) have contributed to the conservation of the species since they succeeded in improving the public image of the brown bear, considered earlier as an enemy, yet now seen as a species that needs protection. A large part of the public awareness campaign was dedicated to the establishment of the so-called Balkan Network. This is an important outcome since the Greek population of the brown bear is not isolated but is linked with the populations of the neighbourhood Balkan countries. The project has been included in a conservation strategy that the beneficiary adopted and implemented through the 2 LIFE-Nature projects. After successfully overcoming the problem of dancing bears and the damage compensation during the 1st phase, the second phase of the project focused on preventive measures. These measures included:
The provision of shepherd dogs. A total of 35 dogs were reproduced during the project and the number of shepherds interested in this measure reached 250, making the selection procedure really strict. In addition, a network of local assistants has been established in order to advise shepherds on maters concerning the general welfare of dogs. The installation of electric fences for 65 groups of bee hives. The closure of forest roads. A total of 50 barriers were put in place, covering a total length of controlled road network equal to 607 Km and a total surface of controlled area equal to 90,571 ha. The implementation of the measure resulted also in the change of the regulation upon the responsibility of local forest offices in issuing decisions about forest road closure. The new legislation gives forest offices the right to close forest roads if wildlife has to be conserved. The plantation of wild fruit trees. The extension of the existing compensation system to cover damages that were not included in the National Compensation system. Wardening. In addition, the 2nd phase contributed to the establishment of the Natura 2000 network and focussed on the implementation of the management plans and the drafting of the presidential decrees for the protection of the 19 pSCIs included in the project area. They have been submitted to the national competent authorities. A series of scientific reports were also published that contributed in a significant way to the knowledge of the brown bear conservation. Last but not least, a very successful awareness and educational campaign took place, targeting the wide public and specific interest groups. These campaigns (printed material, information centre) have contributed to the conservation of the species since they succeeded in improving the public image of the brown bear, considered earlier as an enemy, yet now seen as a species that needs protection. A large part of the public awareness campaign was dedicated to the establishment of the so-called Balkan Network. This is an important outcome since the Greek population of the brown bear is not isolated but is linked with the populations of the neighbourhood Balkan countries.
