Ecosystem Protection and Restoration in Greek Mountainous Regions

In Central Greece’s mountainous regions, numerous ecosystems have been altered by human activities and changes in land use. Such activities have led to the endangerment and in some cases extinction of local species and the degradation of their habitats. In the areas of Mt. Oiti National Park and Oros Kallidromo (two Natura 2000 sites), intensive grazing paired with the prohibition of grazing in other areas, waste dumping, off-roading activities, wildfires and the lack of or inadequate forest management are several examples of human-driven activities that have resulted in ecosystem degradation.

In the context of the European LIFE+ programme, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) introduced and coordinated the LIFE For Open Forests project, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, HAO DEMETER (Institute for the Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems), the Region of Sterea Ellada and the NGO ARCTUROS. Starting in 2012 and completed in November 2019, the project aimed at regenerating and protecting the rich biodiversity in the high-altitude meadows of Mt. Oiti National Park and Oros Kallidromo.

LIFE For Open Forests aimed to protect, maintain and enhance forest openings, restore and protect Mediterranean temporary ponds and Juniperus foetidissima stands (a local juniper tree). It furthermore aimed to improve the population numbers and habitat of Veronica oetaea (a highly localised endemic plant which is a priority target for conservation), brown bears and five bird species. The project began by identifying the key action areas in order to restore and conserve the local ecosystems properly, followed by a series of restoration activities, each focusing on a different element of the mountainous ecosystems.

The abandonment of traditional farming practices in the highlands of the two mountains had led to reduced grazing. Without grazing, fir forests were able to expand unchecked over the years, reducing the area of mountain grasslands, thus impacting the species that such open forests host and the critical ecosystem services they provide. As part of the LIFE for Open Forests project, healthy grazing management regimes were reintroduced, and their implementation has in turn led to the restoration of vegetation composition and ultimately of the habitats’ quality.

Fir forest expansion also suppresses Juniperus foetidissima, a local juniper tree whose forests are listed as a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. HSPN and other project partners implemented fir forests suppression activities and reintroduced and planted  Juniperus foetidissima saplings to increase the size of this priority habitat. Since wildfires are an ever-present and growing threat to forests in Greece, new fire protection infrastructure was set in place, and designated camping and recreation sites were created to reduce the danger of accidental fires by visitors.  

Also present in Mt. Oiti National Park and Oros Kallidromo were Mediterranean temporary ponds, a rare habitat type considered a priority for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. Temporary ponds on both mountains were highly impacted by forest expansion and human activities including illegal waste disposal, off-road driving and trampling by humans and grazing animals that caused soil compaction, pollution, an increase of nitrates and hydrological cycle disruptions. In order to protect these rare habitats, fences were put in place to prevent trampling and pollution around the ponds and HSPN and the project partners reintroduced keystone ecosystem species and removed some of their direct competitors. Moreover, the project established a seed bank of such keystone species and developed methods for their propagation and survival to ensure the possibility of reintroduction in case of local extinction.

Fencing of Mediterranean temporary ponds (priority habitat 3170*)

Field work in Mediterranean temporary ponds (priority habitat 3170*) 

In addition to its focus on local habitats and flora, LIFE for Open Forests also set goals to support the local fauna by protecting and enhancing local bird species population. Forest expansion had reduced the foraging habitat of the rare Tengmalm’s owl and rock partridge, and the intensification of forest management and deforestation had reduced the nesting sites for woodpecker species in some areas. LIFE for Open Forests addressed these issues by installing nesting boxes for the owls, clearing feeding sites for the partridges, and implementing forest management guidelines to ensure the preservation of old trees and dead wood. All in all, the project facilitated the enhancement of the birds’ population size and managed to expand the size of their habitat.  

Monitoring of artificial nest boxes

Field work in a dry Mediterranean temporary pond (priority habitat 3170*) 

Field work monitoring

Finally, Mt Oiti is the southernmost limit of brown bear distribution in Greece. To prevent human-induced mortality of this priority species, and to support and protect the small population of brown bear in the area, it was important to minimize the contact and conflict between bears and humans. To support this objective, Hellenic Livestock Guarding Dogs were distributed to shepherds, beekeepers were provided with electric fences to prevent bear damage, 1,000 wild fruit trees were planted to provide alternative food sources for brown bears, and intensive education and awareness raising activities were held for local producers and inhabitants.

In addition to scientists and experts from several different fields and organizations, LIFE for Open Forests also involved another important group of stakeholders: the local communities. A local Stakeholders’ Committee was established and met regularly, receiving updates on the project’s progress and offering comments and opinions. The involvement of the Stakeholders’ Committee was highly important in the decision-making around the project, as local producers for example were concerned by some of the LIFE For Open Forests restoration actions. Dozens of training seminars on grazing management, restoration basics and area governance were held for local producers and inhabitants.

Local schools were also involved in the restoration process through environmental education activities. Members of the project team visited schools in the area and organized five one-day educational excursions to both mountains, which involved more than 350 primary and secondary school students. Finally, the project organized numerous seminars for local educators about the importance of environmental education and the preservation of local ecosystems.  

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is also involved in other Ecosystem Restoration projects, including the LIFE for Lesser Kestrel Project, the POSEBEMED2 Project, and the Life PRIMED Project.

If you would like to learn more about the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how you can get involved, please visit the following link. You can also find out more about LIFE For Open Forests by watching this documentary.  

This article is part of our UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration series which highlights the projects and activities of FEE members that contribute to the UN Decade.

Growing Tiny Forests in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic

Forests are more than just a collection of trees. They are complex ecosystems that support a wide variety of species, promote healthy soil quality, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Unfortunately, deforestation and urbanization have caused many forests to be destroyed or degraded, leading to significant environmental problems such as soil erosion, biodiversity loss and carbon emissions. Restoring biodiversity in such deforested and urban areas, where carbon emissions are high, can therefore have significant positive impacts on the environment, as well as on the people's mental and physical wellbeing.

In September 2014, Daan Bleichrodt, LEAF National Operator in the Netherlands, heard a TED talk from Shubhendu Sharma, whose vision for Tiny Forests demonstrated how even the smallest patch of barren land could be turned into a lush green forest within two to three years. Daan was inspired by the idea, and with the help of Sharma, Tiny Forests in the Netherlands was born. The goal was clear: more contact between children and nature, as well as increasing biodiversity and climate adaptation in urban areas.

Tiny Forest Zaanstad in June 2016, The Netherlands (source: IVN)

The first Tiny Forest was planted in the city of Zaanstad, just north of Amsterdam, in December 2015. Since then, the IVN’s team has planted 185 Tiny Forests in public spaces throughout the Netherlands. These forests, planted with the help of 1200 locals and 1000 teachers from 185 different schools, are now flourishing thanks to their adoption by local communities and schools, who monitor and maintain the spaces and trees.

Children Learning about Insects in the Zaanstad Tiny Forest, The Netherlands (source: IVN)

The success of the project, owed to the hard work of volunteers, led to a generous donation of €1.85 million from the Dutch Postcode Lottery in 2018. This funding has allowed for the creation of a 100 more Tiny Forests, the development of a curriculum for primary aged children, the engagement of more schools and local communities in the maintenance of the forests, conducting research on the impact of Tiny Forests and developing a DIY approach for others to take on the challenge. Through a collection of resources, the IVN team shares their knowledge, including the Tiny Forest handbook and on- and offline courses to learn about the Tiny Forest planting method. IVN is also currently working on an online Tiny Forest course (in English), to help and motivate individuals to create their own Tiny Forests.

Inspired by the success of the Tiny Forest movement in the Netherlands, other countries are adopting similar initiatives to promote ecosystem restoration and environmental education for schools. One such project is Školní les do kapsy (School Forest in your pocket), made possible by the TEREZA Education Centre team, the FEE member organisation running Learning about Forests, Eco-Schools, and Young Reporters for the Environment in the Czech Republic.

In October 2021, the first School Forest was planted at Jan Werich Elementary School, covering an area of 400m2 and featuring a variety of local trees such as oaks, hornbeams, lindens, willows, and alders. The success of this first School Forest in the Czech Republic led to Arbor Day celebrations in 2022, during which three new School Forests were planted. The Primary School Husitska in Nova Paka saw 300 students involved in digging holes, planting trees, and mulching to make the outdoor experience fun and engaging for all. At the Primary School and Kindergarten Trebotov, students planted 600 trees and took part in lessons and activities to learn about the vital role forests play in supporting healthy ecosystems. Finally, at the Primary School J.A. Comenius in Prague, students planted 1000 seedlings, promoting biodiversity, and supporting the ecosystem around the school. Given the success of the first Školní les do kapsy, the TEREZA Education Centre team is already planning the next School Forest planting days in 2023.

Children planting a School Forest (source: TEREZA Education Center)

Children planting a School Forest (source: TEREZA Education Center)

Children planting a School Forest (source: TEREZA Education Center)

Tiny Forests may be small in size, but they are powerful tools for ecosystem restoration, especially in urban areas. By planting native species, Tiny Forests can help support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity by providing habitats for a range of species (595 different species were found in Dutch Tiny Forests in 2019, including more than 170 animal species according to research by Wageningen University and Research (WENR)). Tiny Forests furthermore help local ecosystems by improving soil quality, preventing soil erosion, and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In 2020, monitoring of Tiny Forests by WENR in the Netherlands found that a Tiny Forest can absorb 127.5kg of CO2 per year, equivalent to the amount of CO2 emitted by a car driving 1000km, which is furthermore expected to increase to 250kg of CO2 per year as forests grow older. And because they are designed to be compact and efficient, Tiny Forests can be planted in urban and suburban areas where space is limited, making them a valuable tool for restoring green spaces and improving the health of our cities and their inhabitants.

But perhaps even more important is the role that Tiny Forests can play in engaging and educating young people about the environment! By involving students in planting and caring for these forests, they can develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world and be inspired to protect, conserve, and restore it. By planting forests in school grounds, students can establish a direct and tangible connection to the natural world and learn about the important role that trees and local biodiversity play in supporting the health of our planet.

Child participating in the planting of a School Forest (source: TEREZA Education Center)

Inspiring projects like Tiny Forests in the Netherlands and Školní les do kapsy in the Czech Republic are working to foster biodiversity as well as climate adaptation and mitigation in schools and urban areas, supporting the objectives of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. If you would like to learn more about the UN Decade and find out how you can get involved, click here.

This article is part of our UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration series which highlight the projects and activities of FEE members that contribute to the UN Decade.

Restoring Ecosystems with Little Woodlands in Ireland - An Choill Bheag

Students from Monreagh National School, Co. Donegal, Ireland in their An Choill Bheag

In 2015, Daan Bleichrodt and his team at the Institute for Nature Education (Instituut voor Natuureducatie (IVN)) in the Netherlands planted their first Tiny Forest. Made up of native tree species tucked into an area the size of a tennis court. These Tiny Forests are havens for insects, birds, and small animals.

Inspired by Tiny Forests in the Netherlands, the first little woodlands or Na Coillte Beaga were established in Ireland in 2018 as part of the Learning about Forests (LEAF) programme. An Choill Bheag (Irish for little woodlands) and LEAF are run by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in Ireland. An Choill Bheag is a small, dense, biodiverse native woodland habitat planted on school, business, or community grounds, providing an educational and recreational resource, enabling people to participate in Biodiversity & Climate Action, Citizen Science, Woodland Skills, Nature Connection and Wellbeing.

LEAF Ireland has planted twenty little woodlands to date (approximately 3,350 trees). Activities around these ‘little woodlands’ have involved over 2,000 individuals from 11 primary schools, six secondary schools, a Teacher Training 3rd Level College and two community groups. LEAF Ireland has also developed a range of educational resources to help support and guide the schools and community groups.

These native woodlands contribute to well-being and rapidly increase the amount of biodiversity, including bird and pollinator life, in the area. Once the trees are planted, schools and community groups are encouraged to introduce understory plants that further increase biodiversity.  Schools and community groups are encouraged to use dead logs to create seating areas, while natural log piles are a great way to create habitats and perimeter edgings.

The importance of hedgerows is also addressed, if space is limited, a hedgerow can be a great option. Hedgerows can connect fragmented habitats. Connecting woodlands is key to promoting a healthy genetic diversity of plants and animals, which in turn contributes to improving ecosystems' resilience to disturbances.

These woodlands (& hedgerows) provide places for students, teachers, and community groups to explore and interact with nature. In a school setting these ‘little woodlands’ create the perfect outdoor classroom for learning about plants, trees, birds, and other wild creatures.

“Our Choill Bheag is a place of fun, enjoyment, learning and celebration. The long-term legacy of the forest will last for years. The students and staff who were lucky enough to be part of this project four years ago will always remember that they planted a forest and maybe as adults, they will come back and visit. For the future generations of children who will attend our school, the forest will stand tall and grow with these children for many years to come. If any school has the green space to plant a little woodland our school would highly recommend the project. We have benefitted immeasurably from all the wonderful experiences that come from having a Choill Bheag.”

Yvonne Briody & Paula Howard, Teachers at Limerick Educate Together

In 2021, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a “rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, for the benefit of people and nature.” Despite their smaller size, An Choill Bheag presents a healthier and more biodiverse alternative to the trimmed lawns and concrete slabs that are so often seen on school grounds. They provide an opportunity to educate the next generation of nature restorers with hands-on knowledge and skills of natural spaces and encourage educators to use nature as a classroom. It is now more important than ever to support and upscale initiatives such as Choill Bheag to achieve the UN Decade’s critical goals of counteracting climate change and stopping the collapse of biodiversity. If you would like to learn more about the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how you can get involved, please go here.  

This is the first article in a series highlighting ecosystem restoration contributions by Foundation for Environmental Education members.