EOCA: Rescue the “Narcissi Valley”

Rescue the “Narcissi Valley”

European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA)

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve

2021-2023

The Ramsar Site “Narcissi Valley” (256 ha) contains the largest Central European lowland population of rare pheasant’s eye narcissus (Narcissus poeticus L.), 19 other plant and 24 animal species of the Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009) and international lists. The “Narcissi Valley” is not only a critically important biodiversity hotspot for Ukraine and a known refugium for the Carpathian region. The wet meadow habitats are critically endangered in the larger landscape of the whole Black Sea Basin.

The changes in the hydrological regime (towards more dry conditions) and a lack of traditional grass mowing/grazing stimulate the bush/tree growth, regular fires and decrease the narcissus population (by 70% during the last 10 years) and quality of wetlands habitats (by 40%). It looks imminent that without improved conservation measures the Site might lose the unique natural values and Ramsar status.

• Restoration of flooding regime, construction of 5 natural dams on river, development water flooding system for habitats.
• The mowing of the place and bush elimination is technically no problem. We will involve volunteers in this work. In this way, we will not only have physical assistance to do the work but also be able to tell these participants about the causes and consequences of climate change, the impact of constant fires on biodiversity. It is planned of mowing grass and elimination of bushes for the selected area.
• It is planned to reintroduce the narcissus population for lost plots for the selected areas of 10 ha.
• Reintroduction of grazing will improve the quality of habitats. The local community involvement in grazing for the selected areas is planned.