life+ programme · 4 3. executive summary nordic alvar and precambrian calcareous flatrocks...

LIFE Project Number

LIFE13NAT/EE/000082

Progress Report II Covering the project activities from 31/01/2017 to 20/05/2018

Reporting Date

05/06/2018

Restoration of Estonian alvar grasslands, LIFE to alvars

Project Data

Project location ESTONIA

Project start date: 01/09/2014

Project end date: 01/09/2019

Total budget 3,725,865 €

EC contribution: 2,791,305 €

(%) of eligible costs 74.92 %

Beneficiary Data

Name Beneficiary Environmental Board

Contact person Ms Annely Esko

Postal address Narva mnt. 7a, 15172, Tallinn, Estonia

Telephone +372 511 6738

Fax: +372 680 7427

E-mail [email protected]

Project Website http://life.envir.ee/elualvaritel

http://life.envir.ee/elualvaritel

1. List of Contents

1. List of Contents ................................................................................................................. 2 2. List of abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 3 3. Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... 4

3.1 General progress ........................................................................................................ 4 3.2 Assessment as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still viable . 6

3.3 Problems encountered ............................................................................................... 6 4. Administrative part .......................................................................................................... 6

4.1 Status of project management (distribution of tasks, changes) ........................................ 6 4.2 Reports delivered since the start of the project ............................................................ 8

5. Technical part ................................................................................................................... 8

5.1 Technical progress per task .............................................................................................. 8

5.1.1 Action A.1: Preparation of agreements with farmers ................................................ 8 5.1.2 Action C.1: Restoration of the habitat ....................................................................... 9

5.1.3 Action C.2. Re-introduction of grazing ................................................................... 10 5.1.4 Action C.3. Re-construction of access roads ........................................................... 11 5.1.5 Action C.4. Restoration of habitat through seed sowing ......................................... 11 5.1.6 Action D.1. Biodiversity monitoring....................................................................... 12

5.1.7 Action D.2. Restoration success monitoring ........................................................... 12 5.1.8 Action D.3. Socio-economic monitoring ................................................................ 13

5.1.9 Action E.1. Media work .......................................................................................... 13 5.1.10 Action E.2. Training for farmers ........................................................................... 15 5.1.11 Action E.3. Establishment of notice boards .......................................................... 16

5.1.12 Action E.4. Preparation of printed materials ......................................................... 16 5.1.13 Action E.5. Update of management guidelines ..................................................... 17

5.1.14 Action E.6. Work with landowners ....................................................................... 17 5.1.15 Action E.7. Web page ........................................................................................... 18

5.1.16 Action E.8. Working group for promotion of added-value products from alvar

grasslands ......................................................................................................................... 19

5.1.17 Action E.9. Layman´s report ................................................................................. 19 5.1.18 Action F.1. Project management ........................................................................... 20

5.1.19 Action F.2. Networking with other projects .......................................................... 20 5.1.20 Action F.3. After-Life conservation plan .............................................................. 20 5.2 Envisaged progress until the next report .................................................................... 21

5.3 Impact ............................................................................................................................ 23 5.4. Outside LIFE ............................................................................................................... 24

6. Financial part ...................................................................................................................... 25 6.1. Costs incurred ................................................................................................................ 25

7. Annexes ........................................................................................................................... 26

7.1 Due deliverables ........................................................................................................ 26 7.2 Financial annexes ...................................................................................................... 26 7.3 Other .......................................................................................................................... 26

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2. List of abbreviations

AB – associated beneficiary;

ARIB (PRIA) – Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board;

CB – coordinating beneficiary;

EB – Environmental Board (coordinating beneficiary);

EIC (KIK) – The Foundation Environmental Investments Centre;

ESCCA – Estonian Seminatural Communities Conservation Association (associated

beneficiary);

EULS – Estonian University of Life Sciences (associated beneficiary);

PM – project manager;

PRIA (ARIB) – Põllumajanduse Registrite ja Informatsiooni Amet;

SFMC – State Forest Management Centre;

SC – Steering Committee;

UT – University of Tartu (associated beneficiary).

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3. Executive Summary

Nordic alvar and precambrian calcareous flatrocks (habitat code 6280*) or alvar grassland is

the habitat type listed as priority habitat under Annex 1 of the Habitat Directive. Considering

the distribution of this habitat in EU, Estonia has high responsibility in securing the

conservation of it as one third of the total area of alvar grasslands in Europe is occurring in

Estonia. Moreover, the scientific studies have shown that Estonian alvars represent its own

characteristic subtype of habitat type, which slightly differs from those in Sweden. This

means, that for maintaining the habitat type, we cannot solely rely on Swedish alvars but also

ensure their persistence in Estonia. However, the situation of the habitat prior to the project

was near catastrophic. Most of the ~9800 hectares of alvar grasslands in Estonia were heavily

overgrown with shrubs (mostly juniper Juniperus communis) and trees (mostly pine Pinus

sylvestris), while only ~2000 hectares were managed and in more-or-less satisfactory

condition.

The necessity of large-scale restoration of alvar grasslands in Estonia is emphasized in

scientific literature already from 1990-s. During last decade Estonian scientists and nature

conservation associations have made several official complaints to respective Estonian

environmental officials, as well as written number of newspaper and popular science articles

for general public regarding the poor condition of alvar grasslands in Estonia and need for

rapid start of restoration activities. In order to maintain the ecological connectivity and

biodiversity of the alvar grassland habitat type in Estonia, a minimum of 7500 hectares of

habitat area needs to be under annual grazing, as also targeted in Estonian Nature

Conservation Development Plan until 2020.

The general aim of this project is to restore the most valuable, but overgrown alvar grassland

areas on 2500 hectares and to create possibilities for local farmers to manage these areas after

the restoration by grazing. The project has advanced positively since its’ start and during the

reporting period and following the project proposal. At this stage, we see no need for the

extension of the project duration.

3.1 General progress

The general progress of the project is illustrated below in the table of project’s milestones.

Name of the Milestone Action

code Deadline

Status 20/05/2018

Project coordinators are hired F 1 01/09/2014 Achieved in time

Participating on kick-off

meeting

F 1 01/12/2014 Achieved in Oct.

2014

Public meeting I is organized E 1 31/12/2014 Completed in Dec.

2014

2 articles are written to the

local newspapers

E 1 31/12/2014 Achieved in Oct.

2014

Visual materials for the

exhibition/learning centre are

E 1 02/02/2015 Completed in Jan.

2016

5

designed

Visual materials for training

are printed and

exhibition/learning centre

established on reference areas

E 1 01/05/2015 Indoor portable

information boards

established in Jan.

2016; interactive

study tools in

February 2017

Public meeting II is organized E 1 31/12/2015 Completed in Apr.

2016


local newspapers

E 1 31/12/2015 Achieved in May

2015

Networking with other

projects I visit completed

F 2 31/07/2016 Completed in Apr.

2016

All the participants are trained

to carry out

restoration work

E 2 31/08/2016 Achieved in Apr.

2016

Educational trip for land-

owners

E 6 31/08/2016 Completed on time

All restoration contacts are

signed

A 1 01/12/2016 Completed

Contracts are signed with

farmers to carry out grazing in

restored sites

C 2 01/12/2016 Achieved on time

The booklets are printed and

delivered to the local

businesses

E 4 01/12/2016 Achieved on time

Information boards are placed

on each project area

E 3 31/12/2016 49 out of 51

established


local newspapers

E 1 31/12/2016 Achieved in May

2016

Public meeting III is

organized


2017


projects visit II completed

F 2 31/07/2017 Completed in May

2017

Public meeting IV is

organized


2018


local newspapers

E 1 31/12/2017 Achieved in March

2017

Seed sowing is carried out C 4 01/12/2018 In progress

Public meeting V is organized E 1 31/12/2018 In progress

Restoration work is finished C 1 31/12/2018 Not relevant yet


local newspapers

E 1 31/12/2018 Achieved in April

2018


local newspapers

E 1 30/06/2019 Not relevant yet

Participating on end of the

project meeting

F 1 30/09/2019 Not relevant yet

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3.2 Assessment as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still

viable

The project has advanced positively during the reporting period and follows the project

proposal. The completion of some actions has been slightly delayed but there have not been

significant delays. Thus we have all reasons to believe that achieving the objectives of the

project in the manner and on the conditions declared in the proposal is realistic and feasible.

At this stage we see no need for the extension of the project duration.

3.3 Problems encountered

We are glad to report that we have overcome the problems described in the Mid-term report:

1. the delay related to Action (C.3) (Re-construction of access roads) have been caught

up

2. all information boards (Action E.3) have been erected and complemented with

mention of EU support in addition to existing logos

During this reporting period we have found out that

3. reaching quantitative goal of action C.1. (2500 ha) might be problematic but we are

working hard to increase the percentage (currently 91,5%). For measures taken please

see section 5 (Actions A.1. and C.1.).

Other small problems are common in everyday project management but those are handled as

soon as they turn up (e.g. there have been some vandalism and cattle fence had to be

repaired).

4. Administrative part

4.1 Status of project management (distribution of tasks, changes)

No changes have appeared at the associated beneficiaries since the beginning of the project.

At the coordinating beneficiary there has been a change of project coordinators II. Mr Bert

Holm left the position in December 2017 and Ms Kaia Treier started in February 2018. The

distribution of tasks between PM I and PM II remained the same after the changes of persons.

The roles of full time PM (PM I) and part time project manager (PM II) are defined in their

personal job descriptions. The field of project activities of PM I is broader, the daily

communication with landowners, farmers restoring the project areas, preparation of the

respective contracts, controlling the restoration quality and media communication are her

main responsibilities. The job of the PM II is more technical involving double checking of the

project documentation, preparation and verification of different documentation (reporting

guidelines, public procurement documents, contracts with farmers etc.), preparing the reports

to financiers, fieldwork, verification of cost documents, budget control etc.

Bookkeeping has been provided by the bookkeepers of each organisation.

Project management structure and the team are illustrated below. Project management

structure has not changed since the beginning of the project.

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Each associated partner implements its activities according to the description of the project

verified by the PMs of coordinating beneficiary. The main method to update the state and the

developments of the project and to concretize the plans and personal roles is to organise a

special kick-off meeting held at the beginning of each year to revise the progress and to clear

all the goals by project partners that have to be achieved during current year together with

giving an overview to the rest of the team on the most recent project activities of each partner.

Year Seq. no. Time and place Type of meeting

2014 1 11.11.2014, Tartu Project kick-off

meeting

2015 2 11.05.2015, Vätta Steering committee

2016 3 11.02.2016, Pärnu Partners’ meeting

4 20.09.2016, Hiiumaa (Aruküla) Steering committee

2017 5 09.10.2017, Saaremaa (Nässuma) Steering committee

2018 6 30.01.2018, Tartu Partners’ meeting

7 Next Steering Committee meeting is planned for the September-

October in Hiiumaa

2019

Table 1. List of project management meetings since the start of the project

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4.2 Reports delivered since the start of the project

Name of the report Progress until Reporting date

Inception report 10/05/2015 18/05/2015

Progress report I 30/04/2016 30/04/2016

Mid-term report 31/01/2017 31/01/2017

Progress report II (current) 20/05/2018 05/06/2018

Table 2. Reports delivered since the start of the project

Extension of the project duration is not envisioned at this stage. Thus, at this stage we see no

need to postpone the deadline of Final report.

5. Technical part

5.1 Technical progress per task

5.1.1 Action A.1: Preparation of agreements with farmers

Milestone Deadline in Proposal Status 20/05/2018

All restoration contracts

signed

01/12/2016 74+41, ca 2287 ha (962

private land, 295+1030 state

owned land)

Preparation of agreements with farmers started right after the first training for farmers was

organised by ESCCA in November 2014. As the interest towards starting with the restoration

activities as soon as possible was great from the side of farmers we started with restoration

contracts sooner than initially proposed. Since the last report we have signed 17 contracts. 74

contracts are signed by EB. Some of the state owned land (295 hectares) is also covered by

the restoration contracts signed by EB which means that the total area that will be covered

with the contracts signed by EB is around 1257 hectares. Much of that work was done by the

PM I of EB. However, since the beginning of the project the livestock owners interested in

restoration and re-introduction of grazing in some particular areas also took the initiative in

getting the landowners’ clearances and gained several by themselves.

In state owned land the respective contracts (41) are prepared by the SFMC who is

responsible for alvar grassland restoration in this land. The SFMC signs the land lease

contract with livestock keeper to ensure the management of the area and after that usually

organises the public procurement to find the subcontractor to carry out the habitat restoration.

The goal for SFMC to cover with restoration contracts is ca 1150 hectares of which ca 1030

hectares have the restoration contract by now. In the preparation of contracts, it has become

evident, that some of the alvar areas are too small and scattered or with too poor soil to attract

the interest of the farmers. See example of situation in Neeme project site (map in Annex 4)

where rented areas are indicated with red and unrented small/scattered alvar areas are

indicated with green. Suitable size areas are all rented out and under restoration. So far 2287

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hectares (91,5 % of the goal) of alvars are covered with contracts but we are looking into

possibility to find more areas more attractive for the farmers, outside the project areas.

It should be also noted that we have used most of the funds of C1. The average cost per ha is

1700 EUR but as the cost of the fuel has increased significantly over the past few years it has

become more and more difficult to find sub-contractors with this cost. Thus, if we get offer

with significantly higher than 1700 EUR7ha, we have to waive. Thus, we see that the only

way to reach is 2500 ha is by increasing the total area of state land managed by SFMC. We

will consult the Commission after the analysis is carried out, by the time of next monitoring

visit in July 2018.

5.1.2 Action C.1: Restoration of the habitat

Milestone Deadline in

Proposal

Status 20/05/2018

Restoration work finished 31/12/2018 - 2287 ha under restoration

(covered by contracts)

- 1697 ha accepted and

joined/joining PRIA scheme

Deliverable Deadline in

Proposal

Status 20/05/2018

Report: Assessment of project

development by external experts I

01/09/2016 Completed on time, report

submitted with Mid-term report

(Annex 4)

Report: Assessment of project

development by external experts

II

03/09/2018 Visit in July 2017, report in

progress and completed as

foreseen

Report: Description of restoration

works carried out on project areas

31/12/2018 Not relevant yet

The restoration is carried out in two phases: the first phase involves cutting down and

removing the woody biomass from the areas. We have managed to carry out this phase on ca

2085 hectares by now (1274 ha state owned land; 811 private land). The second phase will

usually be carried out after one year has passed since the end of the first phase when the

stumps height of bushes and trees is corrected after the first grazing season. This has been

carried out on ca 1697 hectares which means the area where the restoration has already

finished and joined the continuous management scheme. By the reporting date restoration

work was initiated at all 25 areas.

The physical works in Hanila have not started but the contract covering 11,5 ha has been

signed by the time of this report and works will start also in Hanila as soon as bird nesting

period will end (15 July 2018)). The reasons for delay in Hanila and measures taken by the

project team were described in the Mid-term report and acknowledged in the Commission

letter of 22/03/2017.

For the assessment of the action the project was visited by the external experts in year 2015

(for details please see the Mid-term Report). The reports from the experts are available on

project’s web site.

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5.1.3 Action C.2. Re-introduction of grazing


Contracts signed with farmers to

carry out grazing in restored sites

01/12/2016 Achieved on time

By now we have covered the need of livestock breeders for the supplies for grazing

reintroduction in approximately 1700 hectares of the project area. In around 200 hectares the

livestock breeders have had no need for the additional support from the project. The overview

of grazing infrastructure has been given in the table below.

Type of grazing facility Foreseen Actual Comment

Generators (together with a

battery and some equipped also

with a solar panel for the

electrical fences)

67 69

Shelters 47 21 Turned out to be more expensive

than estimated but the practical

need for those has been smaller

Freshwater accesses or facilities 50 65 Larger number as bigger need by

farmers occurred. Sets of livestock collection pens 25 34

Cattle grid 10 30 Larger number because have proved

to be effective in terms of both

keeping the livestock in pasture plots

and comfortability of the visitors of

the areas.

Electrical fences 376 km 200 Finally we will probably establish

less kilometres but the fences

established are in general in better

quality (incl. wolf proof with 5

lines instead of 2) and pasture plots

are bigger than estimated.

Access gates 543 208 Bigger pasture plots need less

access gates as less fences. Table 3. Overview of grazing infrastructure as of 20/05/2018

In despite of the changes in the numerical targets of the supplies for re-introduction of grazing

we can assure that the respective budget of consumables and infrastructure is sufficient to

assure the sustainability of the grazing of the areas restored during the project. The actual

numbers will increase after the fourth procurement (currently in progress, deadline for

biddings is 11 June 2018). In case the current procurement is successful we have covered all

the actual needs of our partner farmers and will not need to organise the procurement in year

2019. The final numbers per facility will be reported with the Final report.

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5.1.4 Action C.3. Re-construction of access roads

Deliverable Deadline in Proposal Status 20/05/2018

Report: Map and

description of work of re-

constructed access roads

01/12/2018 In progress

The action is progressing as foreseen. The overview of two procurements needed to carry out

the works is given in the table below.

Name of the public

procurement

Sub-contractors (best

offers)

Comment

1. Technical

documentation

specifying the

methods and

materials to be used

ViaVelo Inseneribüroo

OÜ

The work is completed and

technical documentation available

on project’s web site at:

https://life.envir.ee/sites/default/fil

es/pictures/Tehniline_kirjeldus_te

ede%20rekonstrueerimine.pdf

2. Reconstruction of

roads

AS Tariston (Hiiumaa)

Muhu Varahalduse OÜ

(Muhu)

AS Level (Saaremaa)

The deadline of the contract is

September 2018.

Table 4. Overview of public procurements for the implementation of action C.3.

5.1.5 Action C.4. Restoration of habitat through seed sowing


Seed sowing carried out on

4,5 ha

01/12/2018 In progress, seed sowing

carried out on 3,5 hectares

During the summer of 2015, the survey of seed donor sites was carried out on alvar grassland

habitats in the vicinity of project sites Kurese (project area no 3) and Neeme (area no 23). UT

identified suitable sites in 3 ha which were further surveyed for suitability during the summer

of 2016 and tested for seed collection via brush harvester and for green hay collection. Final

selection was made on 2017, and selected site for Neeme area was Kõruse/Tammese-Kehila

alvar grassland and for Kurese restoration area a nearby grassland site outside of project site.

Progress of works on Neeme site: by using brush harvester, seeds were collected from

Kõruse/Tammese-Kehila donor site over 2 periods in 2017 (in the beginning of August and in

the beginning of September). Following collection, seeds were instantly sown to restored

Neeme site (in August and in September 2017), covering 1.25 ha. Green hay was mown in the

beginning of August from 2 hectares. Hay was instantly moved to recipient site in Neeme and

spread over 1-hectare area. All seed sowing activities in Neeme site have been completed.

Progress of works on Kurese site: seeds were collected with brush harvester over 2 periods in

2017 (August and September) from a good-quality grassland in the vicinity of Kurese

restoration area. Seeds were stored over winter and then sown to Kurese site in April 2018,

following the clearing of young forest and shrubs. Sowing area covered 1.25 ha. Hay transfer

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in Kurese will occur in end of July 2018 – hay will be collected from 2 hectares of donor site

near restoration area and will be instantly spread to recipient site. All activities related to seed

sowing will be completed by August 2018. The overview table is attached to the report

(Annex 5).

For both sites, collected seeds were also analyzed for species composition and amount of

viable seeds. Seed samples were germinated in the laboratory of University of Tartu, all

emerging seedlings were identified. Obtained information will be used to assess seed sowing

efficiency during biodiversity monitoring in action D.1. Photos of germination test are

attached to the report (Annex 5).

5.1.6 Action D.1. Biodiversity monitoring


Report: Results of

monitoring of biodiversity

on restored sites


The data collection for the respective report was replicated in the unrestored and also carried

out in restored sites in summer 2016. Biodiversity survey was carried out on all project areas,

altogether on 25 sites. On each site, permanent plots have been established, where vascular

plant diversity, butterfly diversity, management, disturbance regime and environmental

indicators were quantified and soil samples for soil chemistry analysis were collected. The

fieldwork also engage checking the markings of the permanent plots and estimating the visual

changes in the management and disturbance indicators following the restoration activities. On

seed sowing sites (Kurese, Neeme), permanent observation plots (additional to those already

present) were established in summer 2016 and 2017 to monitor the changes after the seed

sowing. In year 2018 we will collect field work data on vascular plants, in year 2019 in

addition to vascular plants we also collect data about invertebrates (butterflies). There are

some areas that are ready for post-restoration monitoring only in the beginning of year 2019

(e.g. Hanila, Käina-lahe Kassari). Consequently, we see a need to postpone the deadline of

deliverable Report: Results of monitoring of biodiversity on restored. We propose 01/09/2019

as a new deadline by which the report will be upload on project’s web site. The paper copy

will be submitted with the Final report due on 01/12/2019.

5.1.7 Action D.2. Restoration success monitoring


Report: Results of the

monitoring of restoration

success


The restoration success is monitored constantly by the PM I and PM II of the coordinating

beneficiary. There has been continuous fieldwork to assess the restoration quality in each

month. The terms of the habitat restoration contracts demand that the contractor shall inform

EB when the first hectare of the alvar grassland is restored. Then PM I or PM II visit the area

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and check the quality (stump height, coverage of bushes and trees etc.). Based on this

fieldwork inspection protocol is compiled and the direct feedback to the contractor given at

the site. Only after that the contractor is allowed to proceed with the restoration. So far this

constant verification has assured high quality of the habitat restoration. Similar process of

onsite verification is repeated when the contractor/farmer declares that some stage of the

restoration is finished and wishes to be paid. Then the PM I or/and PM II (depending on sum

of the deed less than 5000 EUR 1 person, 5000 – 40000 EUR two persons, more than 40000

EUR three persons) of EB visit the area once again and check the quality of work after what

the documentation of acceptance are signed and the work done rewarded.

After the restoration work is completed the quality is checked also by the scientist of the

EULS. Scientist will evaluate the restoration success of the area by checking different aspects

of the restoration work and filling the respective data form for later analysis. Report of the

results is written by the EULS after the restoration work is finished on all the project areas.

There are some areas that are ready for post-restoration monitoring only in the beginning of

year 2019 (e.g. Hanila, Käina-lahe Kassari). The action’s timetable is attached to the report

(Annex 6). Consequently, we see a need to postpone the deadline of deliverable Report:

Results of the monitoring of restoration success to ensure that the results and analysis from all

project areas are included in the report. We propose 01/09/2019 as a new deadline by which

the report will be upload on project’s web site. The paper copy will be submitted with the

Final report due on 01/12/2019.

5.1.8 Action D.3. Socio-economic monitoring


Report: Results of the

socio-economic impact

monitoring


The action is progressing as foreseen. The progress per indicator is given in the overview

table attached to this report (Annex 7). The summarising results of the whole study will be

included in the Final Report.

As a very big honour to our project- LIFE to alvars was presented with a Natura 2000 award

in the socio-economic benefit category this year. Information was received by the organizers

of the ceremony event in Brussels that Commission members also wish to visit our project

this year.

5.1.9 Action E.1. Media work

Milestone Deadline in

proposal

Status 20/05/2018

Public meeting I organised 31/12/2014 Completed in Dec. 2014

2 articles published in local

newspapers

31/12/2014 Achieved in Oct. 2014

Visual materials for the

exhibition/learning centre designed

02/02/2015 Completed in Jan. 2016, proof of

photos submitted with MtR (Annex

14

6)

Visual materials for training are

printed and exhibition/learning

centre established on reference areas

01/05/2015 Indoor portable information boards

established in Jan. 2016;

Interactive study tool in on site

installation stage.

proof of photos submitted with MtR

(Annex 6)

Public meeting II organised 31/12/2015 Completed in Apr. 2016


newspapers

31/12/2015 Achieved in May 2015

Public meeting III organised 31/12/2016 Completed


newspapers

31/12/2016 Accomplished by May 2016

Public meeting IV organised 31/12/2017 Completed


newspapers

31/12/2017 Accomplished by February 2017

Public meeting V organised 31/12/2018 Planning started


newspapers



newspapers


Deliverable Deadline Status 20/05/2018

Report: Summary of dissemination

work carried out during the project

01/03/2019 Preparations started

The indoor portable information boards and the interactive study tools are available in the

nature centres of Sõrve and Orjaku since February 2017. The photos have been attached to the

report (Annex 10). The study tool is also available on project’s web site at

http://life.envir.ee/elu-alvaritel-m%C3%A4ng-life-alvars-game which is an additional benefit

created in the frames of the project if compared with the project proposal.

The media coverage of the project activities has been fruitful and the initial numerical goal (4

articles in local newspapers, 20 in total) has been significantly exceeded. Yet, we will still

continue with that task to reach larger audience until the end of the project. All the media

reflections of the project are listed at http://life.envir.ee/meist-meedias-project-media

The updated list of published newspaper articles is also attached to this report (Annex 8).

We are very happy of the article published in the biggest (print-run 124 000 and FB followers

2,3 millions) popular-science magazine New Scientist:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2141576-restoring-estonian-alvar-grasslands-to-save-

unique-species/

In addition to New Scientist there has been even more international media coverage since the

last reporting period:

- https://www.rapport.fi/journalistit/marjatta-sihvonen/neuvostomannikosta-

kammekkaniityille-ja-sammakkolammille-viro-ennallistaa-luontoaan-eu-

rahalla?rs=art_355019&rsd=13397

http://life.envir.ee/elu-alvaritel-m%C3%A4ng-life-alvars-game

http://life.envir.ee/meist-meedias-project-media

https://www.rapport.fi/journalistit/marjatta-sihvonen/neuvostomannikosta-kammekkaniityille-ja-sammakkolammille-viro-ennallistaa-luontoaan-eu-rahalla?rs=art_355019&rsd=13397



15

- an interview to German radio (Deutchlandradio). LIFE to Alvars - neue

graslandschaften sorgen fuer alte. Deutchlandradio, 30.06.2017

http://ondemandmp3.dradio.de/file/dradio/2017/06/30/life_to_alvars_neue_graslandschaften_

sorgen_fuer_alte_dlf_20170630_1650_9c99f885.mp3

The public meetings have been regularly organised as the project progresses. The list of

public meetings and participant’s lists of the events held during this reporting period have

been attached to the report (Annex 9). The agenda’s as well as some presentations are

available on project’s web site in section News and Events. In addition there have been

several other meetings which we have organised upon need. (The costs of other meetings

have been insignificant and mostly reported in the cost category Overheads.) The list of

participants of the seminar Wake Up Boreal grasslands is also attached to the report (Annex

12).

We would like to organise a project’s final conference in the 3Q of year 2019 targeted to

different stakeholders: alvar managers, interested landowners, conservation specialists and

officials, scientists. The conference would be a full one day event (presentations, field trip,

joint dinner) for approximately 50 participants. The venue is to be clarified but most likely it

will take place either in island Muhu or Saaremaa. The estimated cost is 2500 EUR (room

rent, lunch, coffee break, bus rental to project areas, joint dinner). We would like to use the

savings we have from other dissemination actions in cost categories External assistance and

Consumables. There will be high level scientists among invited speakers (M.Pärtel. M. Zobel,

T.Kukk) and some costs might also appear if they wish to arrive the day before and need

accommodation.

5.1.10 Action E.2. Training for farmers


All participant trained to carry

out the restoration works

31/08/2016 Completed

ESCCA organised the first training for farmers in November 2014 in Saaremaa so we could

start with the habitat restoration one season earlier. Sooner start of the activity was initiated

by the farmers and entrepreneurs who were interested to start the restoration work already

during 2014…2015 winter season. At the first training 70 farmers, landowners and

entrepreneurs were trained (we expected to train only 50 people in total initially). The second

training for farmers was organised by ESCCA in September 2015. PM I and PM II of EB

helped to organise the event in Muhu island. The number of participants of that training was

50. In February 2016 the third farmers training was carried out in Muhu Island. This was

specifically targeted to the contractors of SFMC restoring the project areas at state owned

land. The number of participants was 22. Another training focussing on to the same target

group was organised in of April 2017 in Muhu Island. This time the number of participants

was 16. After each training the respective certificate has been issued to each of the participant.

During last three trainings the Koguva-Igaküla project area (area no 7) was visited for the

practical demonstration.

By now we have trained more than 180 farmers, landowners and entrepreneurs. This is due to

substantially greater interest towards the project than initially predicted. As we changed the

http://ondemandmp3.dradio.de/file/dradio/2017/06/30/life_to_alvars_neue_graslandschaften_sorgen_fuer_alte_dlf_20170630_1650_9c99f885.mp3

http://ondemandmp3.dradio.de/file/dradio/2017/06/30/life_to_alvars_neue_graslandschaften_sorgen_fuer_alte_dlf_20170630_1650_9c99f885.mp3

16

reference areas we managed to save the budget and were able to train substantially more

participants with the same amount of funds. Therefore we have been within the planned

budget carrying out this action with much larger impact than initially planned. On demand we

will organise one additional training event also in 2018. Otherwise we can conclude this

action successfully finished.

5.1.11 Action E.3. Establishment of notice boards


59 information boards

(1x1,5 m) are placed on

each project area

31/12/2016 All produced

49 erected, 2 more (Hanila,

Paadla) to erect

The preparations of the action started as planned but the implementation of the action was

delayed due to the unsuccessful public procurement (details provided in the Mid-term report).

In the beginning of 2017 EB initiated a new procurement process to order all the necessary

information boards all together and to erect the stands by the start of the tourism season in

early summer 2017. The final number of the information boards that will be established is 51.

The location maps as well as overview table with photos have been attached to the report

(Annexes 11-12).

In addition we have ordered smaller information boards for the purpose of practical

management of grazing in the restored areas which inform the visitors how to behave in the

vicinity of livestock and electric fences. All the livestock shelters and portable watering

facilities were also marked with the notice boards or stickers bearing the NATURA 2000 and

LIFE logos. This kind of marking will also continue this year.

5.1.12 Action E.4. Preparation of printed materials


The booklets are printed and

delivered to the local businesses

01/12/2016 Completed

Deliverables Deadline in Proposal Status 20/05/2018

Three (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa,

Muhu) booklets (in total 10 000

copies) in Estonian

01/06/2016 Completed in Nov. 2015

(14000 copies printed)

Booklet on project translated into

English, Russian and Finnish

Completed in Nov. 2015

(4000 copies printed)

Delivering booklets to the local businesses of all the islands involved in the project started in

November 2015 and it continued more actively in summer 2016 as this period is the main

tourism season. By now most of the booklets are distributed. The English versions are

finished; one box (150 – 200 each) of Estonian, Finnish and Russian language is left for the

remaining project duration. At the time of the last monitoring visit (September 2017) we were

considering reprinting the folders but after discussions with project’s partners we decided to

focus on publishing high quality Layman’s Report. For final project stage and after-LIFE

17

period we have Layman’s report available for all interested stakeholders including wider

public and tourists.

5.1.13 Action E.5. Update of management guidelines


Best practice guidelines are

updated


The information for updating the best practice guidelines is gathered constantly during the

project. As the conception of the methodology of alvar grassland restoration has changed

during the project and reached beyond the frames of the project also, the first step would be to

update the legislative act according to which the restoration is usually carried out and also

subsidised in Estonia. In the current act the methodology described is not appropriate any

more as the restoration can be much more effective than the manual restoration used so far.

The project team was involved in giving input to update these legislative acts (regulations

Poolloodusliku koosluse hooldamise toetus and Loodushoiutoetuse taotlemise, taotluse

läbivaatamise ja toetuse maksmise kord, nõuded toetuse maksmiseks, toetuse määrad ning

toetuse tagasinõudmise kord).

The guidelines were also discussed at the partner’s meeting on 30 January 2018 in Tartu

where it was agreed to produce the updated guidelines in a more thorough and designed

format than initially planned. The associated beneficiary EULS volunteered to coordinate this

action. Consequently, we would like to shift the funds for updating, illustrating and printing

the deliverable (in total 6500 EUR) from the budget of EB to the budget of EULS. The

foreseen budget for this action is 3850 EUR (cost category Personnel) but we would like to

illustrate and print the updated guidelines, and therefore estimate the total costs approximately

6500 EUR. We plan to balance the difference with cost category Other costs as we have

managed to save funds planned for author fees.

5.1.14 Action E.6. Work with landowners


Educational trip for land-

owners

31/08/2016 Completed in May 2015

There have been few personal meetings and e-mail communications with foreign landowners

on demand to introduce the project activities and plans and to get the landowner to

communicate with the farmer interested in the restoration and re-introduction of grazing.

Foreign land owners are also contacted personally to give the overview of the restoration

work carried out in their land. This involves both written overviews and site visits. In January

2017 first letters and photos about the restoration work carried out were sent out to 11 foreign

landowners participating in the project. The next round of letters will be send in the beginning

of 2019. The study trips to introduce the idea, methods and the results of the project are

progressing as foreseen. The overview of the trips is shown in the table below.

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/104012018016?leiaKehtiv




18

Date and place Project areas visited Number of

participants

23 May 2015, Muhu 7 – Koguva-Igaküla

9 – Nõmmküla-Üügu

10 – Lõetsa

45

18 June 2015, Hiiumaa 18 – Käina lahe - Kassari 13

19 Sept. 2016, Hiiumaa 18 – Käina lahe – Kassari

1 – Sarve

14

24 Sept. 2016, Muhu 9 – Nõmmküla-Üügu 13 of which 2 foreign

landowners

25 April 2017, Muhu 7 – Koguva-Igaküla

9 – Nõmmküla-Üügu

13 of which 1 foreign

landowner

25 June 2018, Saaremaa Vätta

Table 5. Overview of the study trips to landowners

The target, to reach 80 participants, was reached already by the time of Mid-term report but

we will carry out six study trips as foreseen in the proposal. At the next meeting we plan to

discuss with landowners how they can contribute to reach the quantitative goals of the project,

2500 ha of restored grassland.

5.1.15 Action E.7. Web page


Project home page

published

01/06/2016 Estonian version available since Sept.

2014

English version since March 2015

Approximately 35 000 people have visited the web page since the beginning of the project.

The majority of visitors seems to be from abroad and approximately 1/3 from Estonia. As the

average duration of each visit is more than 2 minutes we can conclude that those visits are

targeted and not random.

In year 2017 the location of the web page changed due to the centralisation of the web design

and structure of all governmental institutions. The new environment for LIFE projects is

provided by the Ministry of Environment and created for all the LIFE projects in Estonia. By

2Q 2018 we managed to restore all sections and the new web site at

http://life.envir.ee/elualvaritel is fully functional.

The Facebook page of the project (https://www.facebook.com/lifetoalvars) is modified and

renewed continuously by adding relevant information, announcements of the project events

and photos of the conservation activities. By now we have gained 363 “likes” which is the

number of direct followers reaching each inscription as soon as they log in their FB account.

However, the number of people reached by a single inscription could be up to several hundred

depending on the amount of people sharing the news in this social media network. Interesting

posts get engagement numbers up to 2000 people. For example in 2018 already 32 postings

are made on the LIFE to alvars FB page.

http://life.envir.ee/elualvaritel

https://www.facebook.com/lifetoalvars

19

5.1.16 Action E.8. Working group for promotion of added-value products

from alvar grasslands


Report: added-value

products working group

work results

01/06/2017 Completed; available since

October 2017

To promote the sustainable use of the wooden material produced during the restoration and

also the side products like meat and wool from the livestock grazing the areas afterwards, the

working group of added-value products from alvar grasslands was formed. The purpose of the

group was to identify the obstacles and to come up with the ideas for the added-value

products from the alvar grassland that could give additional income for the farmer managing

the area in long term. The action was started in 2015 with gathering the information on the

interest groups possible involved in any kind of products originating from alvar grasslands.

Several meetings focussing on different product groups (wood, meadow meat, wool) took

place in the following years. We think that the action has been successful. The proof is the

establishment of the slaughtering house is beyond the scope of Life to alvars project but

definitely a spin-off of this project. Coop initiated by the farmers opened up their own

grassland meat selling counter on Muhu Island in May 2018. More information is provided in

the report of the action attached to this report (Annex 1) and available at project’s web page at

http://life.envir.ee/sites/default/files/pictures/Lisandv%C3%A4%C3%A4rtusega_toodete_t%

C3%B6%C3%B6grupi_t%C3%B6%C3%B6_aruanne_0.pdf

5.1.17 Action E.9. Layman´s report


Layman`s report completed 03/06/2019 Planning started

The concept of Layman’s report was discussed at the partner’s meeting on 30 January 2018 in

Tartu. It was decided that as the associated beneficiary ESCCA has great experience in

compiling and publishing publications the action implementation of the will be coordinated

by the ESCCA and not EB. Consequently, we would like to shift the funds for compiling,

translating and printing the Layman’s report from the budget of EB to the budget of ESCCA.

We also see a need to increase the budget of this action (foreseen 5400 EUR) up to 9000

EUR. It seems that the foreseen cost (5400 EUR) has been slightly underestimated (e.g. the

cost of Layman’s report of Urbancows in year 2016 was 6359,24 EUR). We plan to balance

this modification with funds planned for project’s audit (cost category External assistance)

which we managed to organise for less funds.

http://life.envir.ee/sites/default/files/pictures/Lisandv%C3%A4%C3%A4rtusega_toodete_t%C3%B6%C3%B6grupi_t%C3%B6%C3%B6_aruanne_0.pdf

http://life.envir.ee/sites/default/files/pictures/Lisandv%C3%A4%C3%A4rtusega_toodete_t%C3%B6%C3%B6grupi_t%C3%B6%C3%B6_aruanne_0.pdf

20

5.1.18 Action F.1. Project management

According to the project description the Milestones and Deliverable characterising the general

management of the project correspond to Action F.1 Project management:


Project coordinators are

hired

01/09/2014 Completed in time

Participation on kick-off

meeting

01/12/2014 Achieved in Oct. 2014

Participating in end of the

project meeting



Report: Financial audit 01/08/2019 Not relevant yet

During the reporting period we also gathered the SC members. The minutes of the meeting

held on 09.10.2017 in Nässuma, Saaremaa are attached to the report (Annex 14).

5.1.19 Action F.2. Networking with other projects



projects visit I completed

31/07/2016 Accomplished in April 2016


projects visit II completed

31/07/2017 Accomplished in May 2017


Report: Results of networking

with other projects

04/09/2017 Completed, available since

November 2017 on project’s web

site, submitted with PRII (Annex

2)

The progress and our assessment of this action were described in the Mid-term report. With

this report we are submitting the deliverable, a report on the results of networking with other

projects (Annex 2). In addition to visiting other LIFE projects and hosting several

conservation projects we have participated at several networking events. The list of events

attended during the reporting period has been attached to this report (Annex 15). Even though

the action is completed we continue networking and when possible and justified attend to

different networking events in Estonia as well as outside Estonia.

5.1.20 Action F.3. After-Life conservation plan


After-Life conservation

plan


5.2 Envisaged progress until the next report

Action 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Envisaged progress until

the next report II III I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

Overall project

schedule:

Proposed

O -

Start date

IncR PRI MtR PR

II FR

Final report submitted on 01/12/2019.

Actual X

A.1. Preparation of agreements with

farmers

Proposed X X X X X

Action finished by MTR.

Actual

C.1. Restoration of

the habitat

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Habitat restoration completed.

Actual

C.2. Re-introduction

of grazing

Proposed X X X X X X X X X

Grazing reintroduced in all project areas.

Actual

C.3. Re-construction of access roads

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X The deadline for sub-contractor is 1 Sept 2018. Re-construction of roads completed.

Actual

C.4. Restoration of

habitat through seed

sowing

Proposed X X X X X X X X

Seed sowing carried out on 4,5 ha.

Actual

D.1. Biodiversity

monitoring

Proposed X X X X X X X X X Post-restoration monitoring completed;

monitoring reports produced and published. Actual

D.2 :Restoration

success monitoring

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X The second phase of restoration success

monitoring carried out and report published. Actual

D.3. Socio-economic monitoring

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X The socio-economic monitoring completed; monitoring reports produced and published. Actual

E.1. Media work Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Regular media work proceeded.

22

Actual

E.2. Training for farmers

Proposed X X X X Action completed; additional farmers´ training organised on a demand.

Actual

E.3. Establishment of

notice boards

Proposed X X X X X X X X

51 information boards established in all the

areas; grazing-related appliances marked with logos. Actual

Han

ila, Paa

dla

E.4. Preparation of printed materials

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Action completed; the English versions are

finished; one box (150 – 200 each) of Estonian, Finnish and Russian language is left for the remaining project

duration. Actual

E.5. Update of

management guidelines

Proposed X X Production and publishing updated

management guidelines. Actual

E.6. Work with

landowners

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Completed; next landowners study trip

scheduled on 25 June 2018. Actual

E.7. Web page Proposed X X X X X X X X

Web page operational and updated.

Actual

E.8. Working group

for promotion of

added-value products from alvar grasslands

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X Action finalised, respective deliverable

completed. Actual

E.9. Layman´s report Proposed X X X X X X

Report produced and published.

Actual

F.1. Project

management

Proposed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Carried out according to the proposal,

PRII prepared and submitted. Actual

F.2. Networking with

other projects

Proposed X X X X Even though the action is completed we

continue networking and when possible and

justified attend to different networking events in Estonia as well as outside Estonia.

Actual

F.3. After-Life conservation plan

Proposed X All exsisting management plans will be overlooked. Actual

5.3 Impact

Nature & Biodiversity:

The project is benefiting a priority habitat - Nordic alvar and precambrian calcareous flatrocks

with the European Union’s Habitats Directive code 6280* (alvar grasslands). Until the project

start, only a small area of alvar grasslands were restored in Estonia. During the project the

conditions of this priority habitat are directly improved by more than doubling the habitat area

of alvar grasslands in favourable condition in Estonia. Only 2000 hectares (25% of the 2020

year goal) of alvars grasslands was under management prior to the project in Estonia. By 2019

this area is expected to be at least 4500 hectares (60% of the 2020 year goal). As 1/3 of all the

alvar grasslands situate in Estonia, this is a European scale Natura 2000 habitat improvement.

Figure 1. The dynamics of the area of managed alvar grassland habitat type in Estonia since

2007. The red dotted line is the 2020 goal of this habitat type under management.

The species targeted concern a number of protected species at the national level and several

species listed in the Annex II of the Habitat Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC): Sisymbrium

supinum, Cypripedium calceoulus, Liparis loeselii, Thesium ebracteatum, Pulsatilla patens,

Tortella rigens, Encalypta mutica, Maculinea arion; and three bird species listed in Annex I

of the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC): Crex crex, Lanius collurio and Sylvia nisoria.

Already now there is clear evidence from the biodiversity monitoring carried out during the

project that the restoration activities are beneficial to many protected plant species as the

vegetation recovery including protected species is much faster than predicted.

24

Indirect impacts:

The main indirect impact is that several livestock keepers and landowners outside the project

areas or even outside the NATURA 2000 sites have been interested in the alvar restoration

after we initiated the restoration activities. The direct change of the landscape appearance

(open area instead of bushland) and media coverage of the restoration activities have probably

been the main motivators.

5.4. Outside LIFE

1. Participation in WOODMEADOWLIFE

As described in the Progress report I the PMI and former PMII Mr Bert Holm took part in

consulting of another LIFE+ project proposal concerning the restoration of Fennoscandian

wooded meadows (habitat type 6530* in the Directive 92/43/EEC) called

WOODMEADOWLIFE which is currently under preparation.

2. Participation in the MDI case study

Estonian Ministry of Environment proposed LIFE to alvars as being a genuine measure-based

improvement in conservation status, and selected as one of the case studies which will be

published by the Commission. This mainly reflects the habitat’s status improvement since

2012. The aim of this study is to create a database of species and habitats in the Birds and

Habitats Directives that have shown Genuine Measure Driven Improvements in their

conservation status and secondly to identify the main drivers of these improvements.

3. Training applicants of the Cohesion Fund

The project team was invited to participate with presentation to the training of applicants of

Cohesion Fund organised by the EIC. The EIC is using technical drawings of grazing

infrastructure for the applicants of Cohesion Funds. Restoration methodology designed, tested

and implemented by the project is now a common standard in Estonia for the semi-natural

community restoration and widely used.

4. MSc thesis, E.Prangel, Tartu University

The provisioning of ecosystem services on open and successional alvar grasslands

https://botany.ut.ee/sites/default/files/www_ut/magistritoo_elisabeth_prangel.pdf

https://botany.ut.ee/sites/default/files/www_ut/magistritoo_elisabeth_prangel.pdf

25

6. Financial part

The detailed description of the accounting system can be found in the Mid-term Report. The

VAT declarations have been attached to this report (Annex 3).

6.1. Costs incurred

Budget breakdown

categories

Total

costs (€)

Costs incurred

01.09.14-30.04.2018 (€)

% of total

costs

1. Personnel 213022,00 181962,42 85,42

2. Travel and

subsistence 39900,00 41385,52 103,72

3. External assistance 2354900,00 2073887,00 88,07

4. Durable goods

Infrastructure 341000,00 149580,00 43,87

Equipment 0,00 0,00 0,00

Prototype 0,00 0,00 0,00

5. Land purchase / long-

term lease 0,00 0,00 0,00

6. Consumables 704575,00 548583,40 77,86

7. Other Costs 12100,00 1747,20 14,44

8. Overheads 60368,00 56647,89 93,84

TOTAL 3725865,00 3053793,43 81,96

The slight overspending in cost category Personnel compared to the duration of the project’s

lifetime is related to the higher workload of PM II at the CB. This was highlighted already in

the Mid-term report stage. The overspending will not exceed the limits of €30 000/10% and

we plan to balance the overspending with funds from cost category Infrastructure.

The slight overspending in cost category Travel and subsistence is related to active

networking. We plan not to report more costs in this cost category and use Overheads for

travel purposes (e.g. for participation of PM I at the Nordic Platform Meeting we use cost

category Overheads).

The underspending compared to the duration of the project’s lifetime in cost category

Infrastructure is related to the re-construction of access roads (C.3). The works are expected

to be completed by September 2018 after which the balance will change significantly.

Some changes have appeared also in cost category Other costs. There we would to shift the

funds (€ 4000) planned for author fees of printed materials (E.4) from CB to associated

beneficiary EULS for updating the management guidelines (E.5.).

26

We will have a detailed overview of the foreseen changes per cost category and action by the

time of the next monitoring, in July 2018. The overview of costs by action was submitted with

the Mid-term Report and we will include the overview also in the Final report.

7. Annexes

7.1 Due deliverables

Annex 1 – Report on Action E.8.

Annex 2 – Report on Action F.2.

7.2 Financial annexes

Annex 3 – VAT declarations

7.3 Other

Annex 4 – Map illustrating the alvar grasslands rented by SFMC

Annex 5 – Overview of seed sowing and photos of germination test (Action C.4.)

Annex 6 – Overview of monitoring (Action D.2.)

Annex 7 – Overview of socio-economic monitoring (Action D.3.)

Annex 8 – List of media coverage during the reporting period (Action E.1.)

Annex 9 – Overview of information days (Action E.1.)

Annex 10 – Photos of interactive study tools (Action E.1.)

Annex 11 – Location maps of notice boards (Action E.3.)

Annex 12 – Participant’s list of the seminar Wake Up Boreal grasslands

Annex 13 – Overview table of information boards and photos (Action E.3.)

Annex 14 – Minutes of SC meeting (Action F.1.)

Annex 15 – List of networking events (Action F.2.)

life+ programme · 4 3. executive summary nordic alvar and precambrian calcareous flatrocks...

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