Project objectives
The comprehensive aim of the 20-month project is to stop the deterioration of the habitats made by indigenous tree species (e.g. English oak), the prevention of the spread of invasive species, the objective exploration of processes and working out recommendations for complex solutions. The full achievement of the objectives requires the implementation of two activities:
1) In the short run a Hungarian-Croatian subsoil water monitoring system will be created, consisting of 60 measurement points, which will provide data for the modelling of the numeric movement of subsoil water. Data collection is also served by the setting up a network of automatic meteorological stations to be created within the framework of the project, collecting further data on the two sides of the border about precipitation falling. Result of the measurements will be available for all target groups of the public on the website. Finally, based on the data, with the contribution of the Croatian partner, an analysis of the condition of the forests will be made, including the analysis of the condition of the water ecosystems, the forecast of the development directions of oak ecosystems, recommendations and the setting up of a possible alarm system, forecasts of malfunctions, creation of “inundation” plans and the possibilities of the retention of precipitated water.
The long-term goal of this partial task is to have, on the basis of the study and data series, an exact water governance activity (e.g. construction of canals and locks) in order to increase the vitality of forests and the preservation of the fertility of soil. Another advantage of the development is that the modelling of the level of subsoil water will allow the planning of forest renewals and the sustainability of indigenous species in the future.
2) Another comprehensive objective of the project is fighting back invasive species, in order to protect the indigenous ones, in the framework of which the assessment of invasive species will take place also in the Croatian areas, with the coordination of Mecsekerdő Inc. Parallel to this, on the Hungarian side in the territories of the Sellye Forestry and the Szigetvár Forestry of Mecsekerdő Inc., the fighting back of invasive ligneous plant species (acacia, false indigo and tree of haven) will take place in an area of 155 hectares. As a closing act, a methodology for fighting back species monitored on the Croatian side and already suppressed on the Hungarian side will be made, summarising the experiences collected during the elimination of these species.
Connected to the partial tasks, the development of a mobile phone application will be implemented; the ap will demonstrate the significance of the issue for all stakeholders (including hikers and the inhabitants) by popular knowledge dissemination.
The planned location of the monitoring wells on the Drava Plane