Forest and Water Adaptation Resilience Development
The FORWARD project is a continuation of the cooperation between Mecsekerdő Zrt. and Croatian Forests started in 2017. This Partnership aims to build on previous successful (Oak protection - HUHR/1601/221/0002; RED FAITH - HUHR/1601/221/0004) and take further effective steps to increase the climate resilience of the border region and the preservation of biodiversity. The project, implemented at several locations at the same time, touches on, among others, such rich natural values as the buffer and transition zone of the Mura-Drava-Danube Cross-border Biosphere Reserve in the area of Lakacsa, the protected ancient beech forest reserve in Lisicinan, the area of the Nagymatéi Arboretum established in 1967, and priority Natura 2000 areas on both sides of the border.
The project is induced by the negative effects of climate change, the deterioration of the health status due to pests and fungal diseases, as well as wildlife damage, which is equally present on both sides of the border. Some examples: the Lisičine Arboretum had a collection of 1000 different species when it was created, but today this number has been halved; In Nagymatthew, evergreen species that prefer the alpine climate started to die; But in addition, the condition of lowland oak and ash stands is deteriorating.
One of the tools of the planned interventions over 24 months is the creation of new water surfaces (17.2 ha, more than 4.5 km of ditch system, planned water replenishment of 25 000 m3) and water retention (85 000 m3), as well as restoration of the quality of existing water bodies in order to improve degraded natural habitats. The expected effect of the pilot action is that the living conditions and resilience of native forest stands will improve due to excess water, and groundwater levels along the sewer network will increase due to natural infiltration. The numerical measurement of groundwater level change can be monitored by establishing new monitoring wells (5 pcs) and expanding the existing monitoring system. Using soil probes and other weather monitoring systems, it will be possible to monitor ecological changes, which will expand research data on the health and climate impacts of forests.
Another goal of the Partnership is to protect the remaining collection of the Arboretums managed by them (Lisicina Arboretum, Nagymatéi Arboretum) and to improve their health status by developing joint action plans while simultaneously reducing the extent of wildlife damage. The conservation of biodiversity and the restoration of native species thus take place on more than 30 hectares. In order to achieve the project objectives, the Partnership intends to use modern aerial photography technologies (e.g. LIDAR) to exchange experiences. In addition, the project promotes education and awareness on biodiversity and climate adaptation through cross-border workshops and raises public awareness of climate adaptation.