Załącznik nr 4orlikgrubodzioby.org.pl/public/file/article/ogloszenia/1/nr4.pdf · Załącznik nr 4

Załącznik nr 4

Umowa z Komisją Europejską z dnia 11.12.2009r. nr LIFE 08 NAT/PL/000511

NOTES:

There are 5 sets of LIFE+ "Nature & Biodiversity" application forms: A, B and C (technical forms), F (financial forms) and output indicator forms. The financial forms and output indicator forms are in separate Excel files.

While filling in the technical forms A – C, please respect the standard A4 format. Maps illustrating the location of the proposed actions should be presented in annex. Insofar as possible, these maps should be in A4 format but may if necessary be presented in format A3. No formats other than A4 or A3 are allowed.

Whenever several copies of one form 2008-XY needs to be produced, please use the following naming convention per page: 2008-XY/1; 2008-XY/2 etc.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMS

Part A – administrative information

Securing the population

of Aquila clanga in Poland: preparation of the National Action Plan

and primary site conservation an application for funding submitted by the

POLISH BIRDS The Society for Nature Protection

Biebrza National Park

Eagles Protection Committee

November 2008

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- A1

LIFE+ 2008

FOR ADMINISTRATION USE ONLY

LIFE+ 08 NAT/

PROJECT

Project title (max. 120 characters):

Securing the population of Aquila clanga in Poland: preparation of the National Action Plan and primary site conservation Project acronym (max. 25 characters): AQC Plan

The project will be implemented in the following:

Country(ies) Poland

Administrative region(s) Podlasie

Expected start date: 1st January 2010 Expected end date: 30th June 2013

BENEFICIARIES

Name of the coordinating beneficiary (1): Towarzystwo Ochrony Przyrody Ptaki Polskie

Name of the associated beneficiary (2): Biebrzański Park Narodowy Name of the associated beneficiary (3): Komitet Ochrony Orłów

(Continue as necessary)

PROJECT BUDGET AND REQUESTED EC FUNDING

Total project budget: 2.209.411 €

Total eligible project budget: 2.209.411 €

EC financial contribution requested: 1.649.104 € (=74,64% of total eligible budget)

PROJECT POLICY AREA

You can only tick one of the following options:

LIFE+ Nature: Best practice and/or demonstration project contributing to the implementation of the objectives of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives (Council Directives 79/409 EEC and 92/43/EEC)

x

LIFE+ Biodiversity: Demonstration and/or innovative project contributing to the objectives of the Commission Communication COM (2006) 216 final: "Halting the loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond"

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- A2/1

Coordinating Beneficiary Profile Information

Short Name Ptaki Polskie (Polish Birds) Beneficiary n° 1

Legal information on the Coordinating Beneficiary

Legal Name Towarzystwo Ochrony Przyrody Ptaki Polskie

VAT No 5461331602 Public body

Private commercial

Private non- commercial

Legal Registration No KRS 0000253695

Registration Date 24th March 2006 X

Legal address of the Coordinating Beneficiary

Street Name and No Kościuszki 26/11 PO Box N/A

Post Code 19-110 Town/City Goniądz

Country Code PL Country Name Poland

Coordinating Beneficiary contact person information

Title Mr Function vice – President

Surname Sidło First Name Paweł

E-mail address [email protected]

Department / Service N/A

Street Name and No Armii Krajowej 74/1 PO Box N/A

Post Code 81-844 Town/City Sopot

Country Polska

Telephone No +48 505 073 143 Fax No +48 58 555 83 59

Coordinating Beneficiary details

Year 2007

Annual turnover 7193 Annual Balance Sheet Total 7193

Number of employees 7

Website www.ptakipolskie.pl

Brief description of the Coordinating Beneficiary's activities and experience in the area of the proposal

(Polish Birds)

POLISH BIRDS The Society for Nature Protection has been registered as a non-governmental

organization for public benefit. The organization was founded out of the need of the times and

in response to specific tasks requiring urgent actions - for the sake of nature and people.

Currently, we are realizing a large project of revitalization and protection of meadow-marsh

habitat in cooperation with the National Park Warta Estuary "Wetlands work wonders!” The

project is carried out in 2 stages, will continue until the end of the year 2011, and its total cost

will be approximately EUR 3.5 million. We are successfully running local educational and social

campaigns. At the moment we are preparing to implement 2 large educational and social

communication projects for a total amount of around EUR 1.7 million. We are continuing to

work closely with the National Park Warta Estuary, as well as the Biebrza Valley National Park

and Słowiński National Park, with several domestic and one foreign NGO (ProNatura in

Switzerland), with the media (including the largest Polish daily newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza,

Radio TOKFM , where we record and publish radio broadcasts and are currently preparing a

large scale social campaign). We are also actively and successfully working with the local

government, individual farmers, and businesses.


Six people work in the organization. In addition, seven more are involved as volunteers.

Among our staff are authors of numerous projects and coordinators of both scientific and field

projects, experienced in collaboration with national and foreign organizations - including EU.

Our team combines the expertise of professional nature conservationists with the deep and

diverse experience of many industries and sincere passion of real naturalists.

In accordance with our adopted strategy, our mission of nature conservation is pursued

through education, social communication and through direct active protection. Our goal is a

fully professional, respected and widely recognized organization.

Our objectives:

1. Communication - providing knowledge about the state of nature and promoting nature’s

values.

2. Protection of wild species and their habitats - birds are a priority.

3. Protection of places of value and importance to our nature - among them also those which

are created as a result of human activity.

4. Assistance in reconstruction and continuity of species populations living in the wild and their

habitats.

5. Surveying, monitoring and documenting the state of nature and the environment.

6. Building partnership and cooperation for the protection of nature.

7. Supporting and promoting economic development - particularly in rural areas – in

accordance with the principles of sustainable development and respect for the natural and

cultural heritage.

Our mission: Know, Love, Help

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ASSOCIATED BENEFICIARY PROFILE (complete for each Associated Beneficiary)

Associated Beneficiary profile information

Short name BNP Beneficiary n° 2

Legal information on the Associated Beneficiary

Legal Name Biebrzański Park Narodowy Legal Status


Private commercial

Private non-commercial

X

Legal Registration No N/A

Registration Date 9th September 1993


Street Name and No Osowiec-Twierdza 8 PO Box N/A

Post Code 19-110 Town/City Goniądz


Brief description of the Associated Beneficiary's activities and experience in the area of the proposal

(The Biebrza National Park) BNP was founded in 1993 to protect the biggest and best preserved valley peat bog complex in Central and Western Europe. It is the biggest of 23 national parks in Poland. With its area of 59,223 ha it constitutes about 19% of the total area of national parks in Poland. The BNP is a governmental institution. The park’s Director reports to the Ministry of the Environment. The park was created to further the protection of biodiversity, natural resources, elements of inanimate nature and landscape values. Since the park’s foundation, the main activities related to nature protection have been: management work to restrain plant succession (about 4,000 ha covered to date); improvement of hydrological conditions (26 dams built); forest conservation; rare bird protection; monitoring of fauna, flora and environmental elements; education and raising of ecological awareness through workshops, mass events, publications, etc; and scientific research.

These actions have been realised with the help of: NFOŚiGW (The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management), the EcoFund Foundation, WWF, WFOŚiGW (The Voivodship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management) and others.

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ASSOCIATED BENEFICIARY PROFILE (complete for each Associated Beneficiary)

Associated Beneficiary profile information

Short name KOO Beneficiary n° 3

Legal information on the Associated Beneficiary

Legal Name Komitet Ochrony Orłów Legal Status


Private commercial

Private non-commercial

Legal Registration No KRS 0000033262

Registration Date 6th August 2001 X


Street Name and No Niepodległości 53/55 PO Box N/A

Post Code 10-055 Town/City Olsztyn


Brief description of the Associated Beneficiary's activities and experience in the area of the proposal

(The Eagles Protection Committee) KOO is a non governmental organization basing on volunteers work. It was established in 1981 as a specialised group of experts to carry out researches of birds of prey. It was formally registered in 1991 and has since been active in coordinating conservation works aiming at protection of 7 rarest species in Poland. Currently KOO has approximately 500 members. About 1000 – 1901 birds nests are controlled annually by KOO. In 2004 KOO controlled nests of the following birds: 511 White-tailed Sea eagle, 42 Osprey, 838 Lesser Spotted eagle, 20 Greater Spotted Eagle, 27 Golden Eagle, 180 Red Kite, 98 Black kite, 72 Eagle Owl. Approximately 75-100% of the whole national population of H. albicilla, P. haliaetus, A. clanga, A. chrysaetos in monitored as well as 30-50% of the population of A. pomarina, M. milvus, M. migrans, B. bubo. The results of KOO activities are published regularly in own journal „Newsletter of Eagle Protection Committee” (14 issues have been published so far) and in the scientific journal Ornithological Notes. A summary of conservation activities has also been published in the Polish Red Data Book (2001). KOO runs trainings for foresters and biology teachers all over Poland. For education purposes KOO has published about 35 000 colour posters and 10 different 20-pages booklets –each being a monograph of a single specie. Among the others, KOO has successfully carried out 2 large projects: 1. Protection of Eagles and other rare species of birds of prey in Poland - 2 editions: 1995-997, 1998-2000 cover whole country, 2. Protection of Golden Eagle in the Carpathian Mountains - in cooperation with the Slovak organisation SVODAS.

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OTHER PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR COMMUNITY FUNDING

Please answer each of the following questions :

Have you or any of your associated beneficiaries already benefited from previous LIFE co-financing? (please cite LIFE project reference number, title, year, amount of the co-financing, duration, name(s) of coordinating beneficiary and/or partners involved):

YES, one of the two associated beneficiaries, BNP, is benefiting from EU Life Nature Project, reference number Life 05/NAT/PL/000101, titled “Conserving Acrocephalus paludicola in Poland and Germany”. The project has been cofinancing by the EU LIFE Nature with 4 mln. Euros which is 75% of the total budget. The project started on the 1st of Feb. 2005 and will last till the 31st of May 2010. Coordinating beneficiary of the project is The Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP-BirdLife Poland). Partners involved: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Forderverein Naturschutz im Peentel e.v, Western Pomeranian Nature Society, Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (PTOP), Wolin National Park, Biebrza National Park, Svarowski Optik, CEMEX Poland

Have you or any of the associated beneficiaries submitted any actions related directly or indirectly to this project to other Community financial instruments? To whom? When and with what results?

YES, BNP as a Partner within Aquatic Warbler Life Project benefits from some actions such as mowing which potentially might support some activities planning within Aquila clanga Project. However the former is still ongoing and neither its final result, nor its exact impact on Aquila clanga site/project can be recognised. For more information: see above.

For those actions which fall within the eligibility criteria for financing through other Community financial instruments, please explain in full detail why you consider that those actions nevertheless do not fall within the main scope of the instrument(s) in question and are therefore included in the current project.

One, fundamental and the most widespread scheme that could potentially contribute to financing the activities of the project is the programme of direct payments for farmers for the management of agricultural lands. However, in practical measures, this is entirely directed at supporting typical/intensive agricultural practices on arable lands and meadows. At the moment, no situations can be identified where and how the scheme could cover activities suitable for Aquila clanga, as it does not allow choosing the most appropriate time, method or quality of management of agricultural lands. Another scheme, the Agro-environmental Programme to support nature-favouring agricultural activities, is still developing and reluctantly used by Polish farmers. In theory, and from the experience of agri-environmental schemes in Western Europe, this scheme could support Aquila clanga conservation activities at the species’ hunting sites. Two schemes are particularly interesting: those for “Extensive meadow management” and “Extensive pasture management”. The implementation of these schemes concerns limited areas only, covering about 10% of Poland and about 5% of the country’s farmers.


Biebrza Valley region benefits from the program, although, at a low rate due to lack of interest from the part of the local farmers. By now, local farmers are the key stakeholders since they own a big part of the AQC habitat. It is expected that in the next stage of the Project (continuation/implementation of the National Action Plan), same measures will be eligible and more widely/willingly used for funding under these schemes. At this stage, however, it is impossible to rely on funding being available under these programmes for the reasons detailed below. Therefore, almost all possibly eligible measures are included in the present proposal and budget. The reasons why we cannot rely on agri-environment funding are as follows: the measures planned within this project are too important and urgent to be dependent

on the availability of grants under schemes in question, thus one of the aims of the project is to test, develop and lobby for agro-environmental schemes, which would benefit Aquila clanga habitat; schemes will be tested and recommended for the management of wet meadows/mires and forests;

most of measures planned in this project may not be eligible under these schemes, as they have not been specified for the specific needs of Aquila clanga;

it is not clear what way the scheme will continue beyond the validity of the current Rural Development Plan (after 2013);

reluctance from the part of farmers towards agri-environmental schemes - due to lack of promotion among the other reasons.

When well known, sufficiently promoted and put in place, the agro-environmental schemes will provide an excellent opportunity to support Aquila clanga conservation activities at the project sites of this proposal and at the potential breeding sites. But this will be possible in 2-5 years time from now. The current LIFE+ project is needed to maintain the habitats until then and to ensure that future schemes will indeed support maintaining the Aquila clanga habitats. The explanation was based on a careful study of the Polish Rural Development Plan (including relevant Annexes) for the years 2007-2013: Program Rozwoju Obszarów Wiejskich 2007 – 2013 (czerwiec 2009) [http://www.minrol.gov.pl/DesktopModules/Announcement/ViewAnnouncement.aspx?ModuleID=1517&TabOrgID=1660&LangId=0&AnnouncementId=7173&ModulePositionId=2120]

Annexes: ZAŁĄCZNIK 1 - Wykaz obszarów ONW; ZAŁĄCZNIK 2 - Obszary NATURA 2000, ZAŁĄCZNIK 8 - Podstawowe wymagania określone w art. 5 rozporządzenia Rady (WE) nr 1782/2003 (Minimalne normy obowiązujące rolników na podstawie rozporządzenia Ministra Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi z dnia 12 marca 2007 r. w sprawie minimalnych norm (Dz. U. Nr 46, poz. 306), ZAŁĄCZNIK 10 - Szczegółowy opis pakietów rolnośrodowiskowych oraz kalkulacja wysokości płatności rolnośrodowiskowej, ZAŁĄCZNIK 11 - Podstawowe wymagania dla Programu Rolnośrodowiskowego (Podstawa kalkulacji płatności).

LIFE + Nature and Biodiversity TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMS

Part B – technical summary and overall context of the project

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B1/1

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT (Max. 3 pages; to be completed in English) Project title: Securing the population of Aquila clanga in Poland: preparation of the National Action Plan and primary site conservation Aquila clanga (Greater Spotted Eagle) is one of the rarest, still declining and globally threatened eagle species. It is found in eastern Europe and Asia, with a very small world population of approximately under 3000 breeding pairs, including approximately 800 pairs in Europe, from which some may be mixed with closely related Aquila pomarina. This is one of the less known bird species as well. Once it was widespread on fen mires and wet meadow neighbouring with wet forests. This specialist habitat has disappeared from most of the species’ former range in Europe due to drainage and disturbed water regime, conversion of meadows into arable land etc. In consequence, Aquila clanga has disappeared from the EU territory except for Poland and Estonia. The former is home to around 35% of the EU population, which is 15 pairs. Being extremely susceptible to changes, it is now effectively a conservation dependent species with an acutely threatened population in only one breeding area in north-eastern Poland – the Biebrza Valley. The species is listed in Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive and is classified as SPEC 1. It is also listed as a priority species for EU LIFE funding. The Community Species Action Plan has been prepared. Moreover, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species of the World (2001) Aquila clanga is listed as Vulnerable, SPEC category - 1, European threat status - Endangered, Bonn Convention - 1. It is listed in the Polish Red Data Book.

Project objectives: The project conservation aim is to stabilise the population of Aquila clanga in its last remaining breeding area in Poland by simultaneously improving and increasing hunting and nesting habitat, and to prepare scientific and administrative background/support for the effective continuation of the conservational work – National Action Plan. A partnership of two experienced NGOs and the Biebrza National Park (BNP) will help to effectively manage, monitor and implement the project activities in the project site (SPA Biebrza Valley/ Biebrza National Park with Buffer Zone) to achieve the following key objectives: 1. National Action Plan for the Aquila clanga is prepared and accepted on the national level. 2. Aquila clanga hunting habitat improved and enlarged in Biebrza Valley. 3. Aquila clanga nesting success improved through the protection of nesting sites – mature,

wet forests. 4. Awareness of authorities, key stakeholders and the local public of the conservation needs

of the species and its specific habitat requirements raised. 5. Replicable mechanisms for ensuring long-term sustainable management for Aquila

clanga in Poland are identified and agreed upon. Actions and means involved: A variety of methods will be used - from old forests protection and artificial nest platforms, to telemetry. Intensive research on the birds’ ecology and habitat needs will be conducted in order to eventually gather, systematise and standardise the whole scientific knowledge about the species. Projects findings of use of the sites (project area) in relation to key habitat parameters and the effect of taken management measures, will enable the development of a specific management plan for the future and put it as recommendations into National Action Plan and possibly European Action Plan. Habitat management will be implemented as an emergency measure to save the population and to improve its conditions. Particularly important role in the Project plays cooperation with the regional and national administration, local people and nature-protection-supporting education.


Best practice conferences and intensive networking with other similar initiatives (including international ones) will ensure that the experience of this project can be effectively disseminated on the international level and replicated in other regions (calling for both national and European added value). Awareness and acceptance of Aquila clanga conservation will be achieved by using a variety of PR&communication methods including information boards, a web site, full length documentary film, leaflets, media works, and others. The project will also work to develop and promote specific policy and financial mechanism to benefit the species and its habitat, like specific agro-environmental schemes. Expected results (outputs and quantified achievements):

Among many planned results, some of the most important are as follows: 1. National Action Plan for the Aquila clanga will be prepared and accepted by Polish

Ministry of Environment. 2. Ecology, needs and potential dangers of Aquila clanga will be fully known, understood

and standardised (+ Aquila clanga Conservation Book the first monograph ever dedicated to that very species).

3. Conservation strategy of Aquila clanga will be accepted and supported by all key stakeholders at both regional and national level.

4. Intensive national along with international cooperation and exchange focused on Aquila clanga conservation will be set up and operating (4 exchange workshops/visits, 1 international conference).

5. Within the site, the population is expected to be stabilised with a possible tendency to increase in the next future. However at this very moment its impossible to estimate or to give an exact number of “additional” pairs since many ecological factors are yet to be fully researched and recognised, which is one of the strategic aims of this very project.

6. (In the span of the Project) In total 12 birds will be equipped with the satellite transmitters allowing constant collection of data (absolutely priceless for the complete study of the species in question) It would be the first such attempt in the history of study on the Aquila eagles.

7. 30 artificial nest platforms will be in place. 8. All nests (both naturally located and based on artificial platforms) will be protected

against human disturbance and mammalian predation. 9. Existing and potential nesting forests will be fully protected. 10. In total at least 1200ha will be restored as a new Aquila clanga hunting sites. 11. Feasibility study on purchase or exchange (with local farmers and The State Forest

Agency) of 550ha of lands important for Aquila clanga conservation will be prepared in order to buy those lands as quickly as possible and include them into BNP (fully protected area).

12. Hydrological report on water management in actual and potential AQC sites. 13. Botanical report on AQC hunting sites. 14. Construction of 4 weirs in order to maintain a suitable water level in the most

threatened (due to previous drainage) breeding and hunting sites. 15. Full-length documentary movie about Aquila clanga (the first movie feature in the

history devoted to that very species) and many others promotion&PR means and materials along with a AQC www site, information boards (3), CCTV transmission.

16. Improved people’s attitudes towards nature protection and Aquila clanga in particular throughout workshops, attractive promotion materials, and direct contact.

17. A management plan for the species covering the SPA Biebrza Valley (124,104.60ha) will be set up and effectively managed.

18. Restoration and management practices and techniques will be used for best practice guidance for future work in the same area and other areas in Poland and possibly in the EU (national and European added value).

The Project is planned to last for 36 months with a total expenditure of 2,237,540.00 €.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2a/1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA / SITE(S) TARGETED BY THE PROJECT

Name of the project area: Biebrza National Park (pl: Biebrzański Park Narodowy) Surface area (ha): 59.223ha

EU protection status:SPA X NATURA 2000 Code : PLС200001

pSCI X NATURA 2000 Code : PLB 200006 and

PLH200008 Other protection status according to national or regional legislation: National Park Ramsar Site IBA PL025 (criteria A1, A4i) Main land uses and ownership status of the project area: Ownership status – 58% owned by the State; 42% owned by the private owners (mainly farmers). The main land use is extensive, traditional agriculture – mainly mowing. Due to changes in agriculture this practise is being quickly disappearing. Habitat division as below:

Meadows and pastures 30 %

Inland marshes 23 %

Broad-leaved forest 17 %

Coniferous forest 11 %

Non-irrigated arable land 10 %

Transitional woodland-shrub 4 %

Complex cultivation patterns 2 %

Land principally occupied by agriculture with significant areas of natural vegetation 2 %

Mixed forest 1 %

Water bodies 0 %

Discontinuous urban fabric 0 %

Scientific description of project area: The Biebrza National Park is situated in the north-eastern part of Poland. The geographical coordinates of the site are 53°12'49''N−53°44'45'' N/22°26'00'' E−23°30'44'' E, altitude 102.5−135 m above sea level. The park was established in 1993. The Biebrza National Park protects extensive, almost intact valley peatlands with a unique diversity of habitats, communities and plant and animal species. The Biebrza National Park is the biggest of 23 national parks in Poland. With its area of 59,223 ha it constitutes almost 1/5 (19%) of the total area of national parks in Poland. The Biebrza river is 156km long from source to mouth. All along its course the Biebrza river forms numerous meanders. Its catchment area covers 7,062 km2. The Biebrza Valley varies from 1.5 up to 23km wide. The peat deposit is 1 to 6m thick. Numerous oxbows are situated in a 1 to 2 km-wide muddy zone along the river in the southern part of the valley. The river channel is natural in character with numerous meanders and abandoned dykes in varying state of overgrowth.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2a/2

The valley, having only a slight altitude gradient, is also supplied by groundwater flowing from the surrounding upland resulting in active peat-forming processes over a vast area. In the Biebrza Valley there are several types of wetlands. The dominant type is fen, followed by marsh, swamp forest and riverine floodplain. In the Biebrza Valley 921 species of vascular plants and many species of mosses have been recorded. Many rare and protected species declining in Poland and Europe occur in the Biebrza Valley. 67 of the vascular plants occurring in the Biebrza Valley are protected by law; 10 of them are in the Polish Red Data Book and 45 are on the Red List of Threatened Plants in Poland. The Biebrza Valley is a refuge for rich and varied wildlife, both resident and migrant. Many rare and protected species declining in Poland and Europe depend on the valley for survival. So far 275 birds (about 180 breeding), 48 mammals, 5 reptiles, 12 amphibians, 36 fish, more than 750 moths and butterflies, 500 beetles, 450 spiders, 42 caddis flies and 19 leeches have been recorded here. The Biebrza Valley’s value for birds, rich both in numbers and variety, is unique. The long list of nesting birds includes such rare species as the aquatic warbler, black grouse, black stork, corncrake, great snipe, white-winged black tern and many more. Moreover, the Biebrza Valley plays an outstanding role as a feeding ground and stopover for migratory birds, especially during the spring migration. From the point of view of the number of migrating flocks and diversity of bird species the Biebrza stands out among other Polish river valleys. In 1995 Biebrza National Park was inscribed in the RAMSAR list. The Biebrza wetlands also are an important breeding habitat in Europe for birds of prey such as Aquila clanga, Aquila pomarina, Circus pygargus and Haliaeetus albicilla. The population of the elk Alces alces in the Biebrza Valley totals about 588 individuals. Elk survived the war here and being protected spread across almost all of Poland. Importance of the project area for biodiversity and/or for the conservation of the species / habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level (give quantitative information if possible): Biebrza Valley is the only breeding site of Aquila clanga in Poland and one of two in the EU, supporting 100% of the national and about 35% of the EU population of the species. The project’s focus areas for active habitat management are located in the breeding and hunting sites of Aquila clanga in Biebrza NP. However, the key Project site remains Biebrza National Park area, some of the Project activities may be executed in and will have an effect on Biebrza National Park Buffer Zone covering the total area of 66. 824ha.

IF YOUR PROJECT INVOLVES SEVERAL DISTINCT SUB-SITES, PLEASE FILL IN ONE FORM FOR EACH SUB-SITE

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2b/1

MAP OF THE GENERAL LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AREA (Please indicate the scale of the map)

________________ LOCATION IN THE COUNTRY & REGION

This map must be provided in an A4 format

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2c/1

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES / HABITATS / BIODIVERSITY ISSUES TARGETED BY THE PROJECT

Name of the species targeted by the Project: Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Ecology of the species: The Greater Spotted Eagle in its breeding area prefers undisturbed, silent, wet, mostly deciduous woods with wet open bogs and humid meadows nearby showing a tendency to a more clandestine way of life. The main prey of Aquila clanga consists of small rodents (in eastern part of its spreading, and, perhaps formerly everywhere, mainly the great vole Arvicola terrestris), frogs and birds. Very little information is available on the breeding ecology of Aquila clanga in Europe. Detailed studies on limiting factors and threats are required, in order to facilitate effective landscape management for the species. General distribution of the species at European and national level and population trends: The species has undergone a sharp decline, most probably as a result of habitat loss, especially in the western part of its breeding range. Has disappeared on breeding from most of EU countries, in the last occupied regions it is on the brink of disappearance. Within Europe Aquila clanga currently breeds in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Estonia and Poland. The exact size of the European population of the species is estimated to total over 800 pairs. For details see the table below:

country number of pairs (including mixed pairs with Aquila pomarina

source of information

Belarus 150-200 BirdLife International, 2004

Estonia 15-30 BirdLife International, 2004

Finland 0-1 BirdLife International, 2004

Latvia 0-5 BirdLife International, 2004

Poland 15 BirdLife International, 2004

Romania 0-2 BirdLife International, 2004

Russia/ Europe 600-800 BirdLife International, 2004

Ukraine 34-45 BirdLife International, 2004

total in Europe 810-1100 BirdLife International, 2004

Russia/ Siberia no estimates -


Aquila clanga European breeding population is very small and declined substantially between 1970 and 1990. It continued to decline in its Russian stronghold during 1990 – 2000 as well. In total, it declined more then 20% over two generations. As a consequence of this continuing decline its very small population, this globally threatened species is evaluated as endangered in Europe. Size of the population target by the project (e.g. n° of individuals, % of European and/or national population): The project will aim at conservation of the core Aquila clanga breeding area in Poland (and one of two in UE part of Europe), which is the Biebrza Valley comprising 15 breeding pairs - 100% of Polish and around 35% of EU population of the species. The project will aim to enlarge existing suitable breeding area and ensure regular habitat management of this Polish (European) core Aquila clanga breeding area. Main threats to the population targeted: The main factor causing threats to Aquila clanga are loss or changes of breeding and hunting habitat. This is an important factor in the whole species’ European range. In the past, the sedges were regularly harvested as poor quality hay, reeds were cut for thatching, and the marshes were used as pastures. Cessation of these activities after general transformation of agricultural practice has lead to natural successions. General intensification of agriculture management, particularly drainage and extinction of arable lands (to the detriment of meadows and similar type of biotopes) made most of regions useless for Aquila clanga as a forage or nesting sites. Breeding sites become unsuitable for Aquila clanga due to lack of mature wet forests with high, solid trees. Another source of conservation threats is related to the hybridisation between Aquila clanga and Aquila pomarina. The hybridisation is easily promoted because of the minimal population of Aquila clanga. Lack of complete and well-documented information on the species. Aquila clanga is the rarest species of eagle in the countries of the European Union. The ultra-low numbers, secretive lifestyle, extreme timidness and the unavailability of wetlands that are home to Aquila clanga all contribute to the fact that it is also the least-known of all the European eagles. What is particularly poorly known is the breeding biology and its hunting strategy. For this reason, it is difficult to take protective measures, particularly in the field of active protection. This lack of basic knowledge makes it difficult, and often even impossible to take action towards its effective protection. Detailed and comprehensive study of the species as well as an inventory of its results are a fundamental starting point for any action for conservation of this species.

The main threats to Aquila clanga that will be tackled by this project are described in more detail in form B6. Conservation measures already taken or proposed for the species at Community or national level : Aquila clanga is globally threatened species, one of the rarest eagle in Europe and in the world. The species is listed in Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive and is classified as SPEC 1. It is also listed as a priority species for EU LIFE funding. The Community Species Action Plan has been prepared. Moreover, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species of the World (2001) Aquila clanga is listed as Vulnerable, SPEC category - 1, European threat status - Endangered, Bonn Convention - 1.


This classification is due to a recent rapid population decline, a projected decline in the near future associated with the extent of occurrence and quality of its habitat. An important step towards coordination of Aquila clanga conservation activities and popularization of the species was made in September 2005. During the international seminar devoted to the birds of prey in Osowiec (BNP), Aquila clanga theme was the main issue discussed. In Poland Aquila clanga is included to the Polish Red Data Book of Threatened Species. As the species of special care its breeding sites also benefit from Special Zone Protection. This LIFE-Nature project will address the main aim of the National Action Plan, which is to maintain the species of the Aquila clanga throughout its range and in the medium to long term, to promote the expansion of the breeding population to other suitable areas. Site specific activities aimed at conservation of Aquila clanga are described in detail in the relevant LIFE forms, namely LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2a

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2c/4 OTHER SPECIES / HABITATS / BIODIVERSITY ISSUES ADDITIONALLY TARGETED BY THE PROJECT

HABITATS DIRECTIVE ANNEX I HABITAT TYPES PRESENT IN THE SITE (Biebrza National Park) AND DIRECTLY TARGETED BY THE PROJECT

Natura 2000 Code

Name of the habitat type according to the Habitats

Directive

% cover of the habitat

type over the whole project

site

Comments (conservation status, etc.)

7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs; Caricion lasiocarpae, Caricetum appropinquatae, Caricetum rostratae

8,9% of the total site area;

The activities of the LIFE project will be aimed at conservation of these habitats at early succession stages;

6410 Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-siltladen soils; Molinion caeruleae

4,2

6510 Lowland hay meadows; Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis

0,3

7140 7110

Mosaic of Transition mires and quaking bogs and Active raised bogs Caricion lasiocarpae & Sphagnetalia magellanici

0,1

*91D0 Bog woodland; Vaccinio uliginosi -Pinetum, Betula pubescens-Thelypteris palustris, Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum

7

*91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior; Fraxino-Alnetum

0,1

9170 Oak-hornbeam forests; Galio-Carpinetum

2,2

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2c/5 HABITATS DIRECTIVE ANNEX II SPECIES PRESENT IN THE SITE AND DIRECTLY TARGETED BY THE PROJECT A=Amphibians, I=Invertebrates, M=Mammals, P=Plants

SCIENTIFIC NAME (IN LATIN)

POPULATION SIZE FOR THE SITE (quantitative estimates)

RESIDENT MIGRATORY

BREEDING WINTERING STAGING

A *Triturus cristatus

X

A *Bombina bombina

X

I *Lycaena helle

X

I *Lycaena dispar

X

M *Castor fiber X

M *Lutra lutra X

M *Canis lupus X

P *Liparis loeselii X

P *Drepanocladus vernicosus

X

P *Saxifraga hirculus

X

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2c/6 BIRDS DIRECTIVE ANNEX I SPECIES PRESENT IN THE SITE AND DIRECTLY TARGETED BY THE PROJECT Aquila clanga is a priority bird species under Directive 79/409/EWG of 02.04.1979, Annex 1. and is considered as a ‘priority for funding under LIFE Ornis Committee 28/4/93 + 26/4/96 + 20/5/97), a Community Species Action Plan has been prepared; According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species of the World (2001) Aquila clanga is listed as Vulnerable, SPEC category - 1, European threat status - Endangered, Bonn Convention - 1.

DIRECTLY TARGETED ANNEX I SPECIES OF THE BIRDS DIRECTIVE

SCIENTIFIC NAME (IN LATIN)

POPULATION SIZE FOR THE SITE

Priority

RESIDENT MIGRATORY

BREEDING WINTERING STAGING

x *Acrocephalus paludicola 3500

x Aquila clanga

15 pairs

x *Aquila pomarina 19 pairs

*Asio flammeus 20

*Bubo bubo

x 30

*Ciconia ciconia using the sites for foraging;

*Ciconia nigra 25 pairs

*Circus aeruginosus

100

*Circus pygargus 27

x *Crex crex Numerous

*Dendrocopos leucotos x 100

*Gallinago media 400

*Grus grus Numerous

Haliaeetus albicilla

6 pairs

Luscinia svecica

200

Pernis apivorus

15

*Porzana porzana

Numerous

*Philomachus pugnax several

Tetrao tetrix tetrix

x 140


OTHER MIGRATORY SPECIES DIRECTLY TARGETED BY THE PROJECT

*Anas querquedula

Present

*Limosa limosa

700

*Numenius arquata

120

*Rallus aquaticus

Numerous

*Tringa totanus

180

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- B2d/1

CONSERVATION / BIODIVERSITY PROBLEMS AND THREATS

Please provide this information for those species and habitat types directly targeted by the project Aquila clanga is one of 24 European bird species regarded as globally vulnerable. Formerly common in several east European countries, as few as approximatyly 800 pairs may have survived in these areas, mainly in the European part of Russia (only 30-51 in the EU). This unfortunate situation is even more serious since our knowledge of the biology and ecological requirements of this species is quite limited, severely hindering protection activities. In the western part of its range, it occurs with the Aquila pomarina (Lesser Spotted Eagle), a species considered so similar, that together they were formerly considered as a single species or semi-species. Aquila clanga and Aquila pomarina are known to produce hybrids. Aquila clanga is endangered of extinction, with a very small population and range in Poland and the EU. Only one breeding area exists in Poland, the Biebrza Valley with about 1,500 km2. Polish population is below optimum of capacity occupied range and threatened by future decline due to habitat deterioration, predators and hybridisation. A more detailed description of the threats is as follows: Threat 1: Name of the threat: Lack of well documented and standardised information about Aquila clanga and lack of both strategy and coordination in Aquila clanga conservation works/initiatives on both national and international level. Description: Up to date there has been no well documented and standardised information about the species in question. Consequently, there has not been either conservation actions or any strategy for Aquila clanga undertaken at the national level. Similarly, there has been no international cooperation in regards to the Aquila clanga conservation potentially so important - in particular with relation cross-borders population (Belarus and Ukraine) of the species. Organisations working to benefit Aquila clanga in Poland are not coordinated at the national level. The overview and coordination of any potential actions taken by separate partners is not conducted, which leads to the lack of systematic well-coordinated intervention. Consequently, the same holds for the effective preparation and future implementation of the National Action Plan which is aimed by the project. This LIFE+ initiative is the first joint application of several partners on the national level. Location (if relevant) This and all Threats apply at the project site which is the Biebrza National Park. Impact on habitat/species (quantify if possible) Conservation of Polish population of Aquila clanga needs consolidation of (so far) isolated individual efforts and good account of activities of each partner. At the national level, lack of co-ordination means that information on best practice in management and restoration of Aquila clanga habitats is not shared. That makes any potential conservation work much less successful. In addition, lack of exchange of information about funding possibilities decreases financing opportunities for Aquila clanga conservation.


Threat 2: Name of the threat: Low awareness of both Aquila clanga conservation needs and its cultural value amongst key local stakeholders and the general opinion. Description: Despite being a very attractive, charismatic species with a big ‘PR potential’, the Aquila clanga species is neither known nor regarded as conservation priority by public opinion. In other, general terms, the species simply does not exist. Thereby its specific habitat requirements are not understood by landowners and other stakeholders. The same, neither key stakeholders nor wider public opinion are aware of high conservation status of Aquila clanga. The exact conservation needs of the species, water level and habitat management techniques can be seen as being in conflict with local interests. Local people (especially farmers) and authorities may object to any potential changes, if not well informed. Location (if relevant) This and all Threats apply at the project site which is the Biebrza National Park. Impact on habitat/species (quantify if possible) Since the species is completely unknow and not recognized by the public opinion, any potential protection activities may prove to be inefficient. Public opinion, local people and authorities in particular may not be prepared to change attitude if not well informed. The loss and degradation of Aquila clanga habitat both inside and outside of protected areas cannot be prevented if the habitat is not valued. Habitat conservation works cannot be carried out without landowners’ permission and may slow down and in some cases prevent successful habitat improvement and restoration and prevent re-establishment of Aquila clanga on sites within and outside protected areas. Any conservation activities without long term site management plan and efficient communication/PR policy may be erratic and will have little actual effect on habitat and population condition of the species if any. Threat 3: Name of the threat: The quality of the hunting habitat (open fen mire and wet meadows) deteriorates due to a disturbed water regime (reduced water levels) and due to vegetation succession caused by land abandonment and drainage in the past, also due to conversion of meadows into arable land. Description: Changes in the economical system and general transformation of farming practices have led to abandonment of traditional low intensity agriculture at fen mires and wet floodplains as low productive and uneconomical. Abandonment of formerly extensively used marshes and wet meadows, cessation of vegetation cutting, grazing and burning has led to natural succession taking place and overgrowth of hunting sites by high reeds, willow bushes or succession forests of birch and alder. Other problems are related to the drainage system (set up in the past) which negatively affects the water regime. Drained areas used for hay-making or cattle pasturing can still be used by Aquila clanga as foraging areas. At the same time, drained areas used for arable farming are absolutely of no use for this species. Necessary management possible in relation with overall scheme management (BNP) and with land rights (farmers, State Forest Administration). Necessary agreements with farmers. Location (if relevant) This and all Threats apply at the project site which is the Biebrza National Park.


Impact on habitat/species (quantify if possible) Aquila clanga is a habitat specialist. The species is very sensitive to habitat quality and reacts quickly to habitat deterioration. As the result of land abandonment and improper management, many hunting sites become too small or too poor. Natural sensitiveness of birds and lack of adaptation abilities in conjunction with negative changes in hunting sites cause withdrawal of birds. Lack of appropriate hunting land causes obviously withdrawal from nesting sites. This process can quickly lead to declining population and finally to complete disappearance of the species. Securing of appropriate number of good quality hunting sites is one of the basic conditions of maintaining population and of the conservation. Threat 4: Name of the threat: Number of good nesting sites (old trees in quiet, preferably very wet places) and disturbance at nest sites during breeding season by ongoing forestry works and people (tourists, birdwatchers, photographers, scientists) are a limiting factor for population increase. Description: Absence of Aquila clanga from monitored potential plots may be related specifically to lack of old-growth, preferably partly flooded, and mature forests in the vicinity of mire habitats. Moreover Aquila clanga is very sensitive to disturbance during hatching and rearing of its young. The species normally avoids places frequently visited by people. Increased anthropogenic load will inevitably result in disappearance of Aquila clanga in each type of its nesting habitats. Location (if relevant) This and all Threats apply at the project site which is the Biebrza National Park. Impact on habitat/species (quantify if possible) Aquila clanga chooses for its breeding sites mature forest of which the most desired is flooded forest far away from human sites. Its large nests need a solid base such as big trees. Lack of both of these conditions is the factor visibly diminishing the development of the population of Aquila clanga. Guaranteeing of sufficient number of nesting sites and appropriate conditions along with securing sufficient hunting sites are crucial for the survival of the species in Poland. Threat 5: Name of the threat: Low productivity of the population (breeding success 0,2 -0.5 juv./breeding pair) does not allow for spreading of the population to other sites and does not allow the population to quickly reach the ecological optimum population size. Description: Naturally low productivity is a serious factor limiting potential increase of population. The more so that with Aquila clanga obligatory cainism is widespread which eliminates practically half of young generation each year. Potential possibilities are additionally limited by external factors. Most serious of them are increasing predation of nests due to growing populations of Pine Marten – especially during absence of parents from the nest because of human disturbance, further - Eagle Owl Bubo bubo predation and finally human disturbance. The last factor strongly enforces the appearance of the former two, as disturbed birds fly away leaving the nests unguarded. This enables martens and eagle owl to predate. In this way eggs and chicks are lost. Additional problem is posed by potential poaching - egg collecting, taking of chicks, hunting for taxidermy. However, luckily this is a marginal problem in the Biebrza Valley. All of listed problems (including threat no 5.) seemed to be adversely promoted by the lower water table in breeding sites (caused by drainage) which makes them relatively easily accessible for both people and animal predators.


Location (if relevant) This and all Threats apply at the project site which is the Biebrza National Park. Impact on habitat/species (quantify if possible) Low productivity is one of the most serious factors limiting the growth of the population of the species. This factor is difficult to overcome since this is partly due to natural reasons. At the same time this poses a big conservation problem while success is not only difficult to achieve but is also postponed in time. Threat 6: Name of the threat: Hybridization between Aquila pomarina and Aquila clanga occurs and seems to be increasing with degradation of optimum habitat for Aquila clanga. This poses a potential threat to the species of Aquila clanga. Description: Increasing variability of the phenotypes of Aquila clanga and Aquila pomarina has been recorded recently. Among the others mixed phenotype birds, which were difficult to attribute to either of the two species at least 5 cases of mixed pair breeding have been recorded in Poland and numerous in nearby Belarus so far. All these facts imply possible regular hybridization between Aquila clanga and Aquila pomarina in Poland and neighbour countries. This phenomenon seems to occur more often in areas of low density of Aquila clanga, where there is less opportunity to pair with an appropriate partner. However, the probability of complete disappearance of Aquila clanga as a result of “absorptive hybridization” with Aquila pomarina is unclear. The genetic studies and research of the frequency of hybridization between those two species in nature are required.

Location (if relevant) This and all Threats apply at the project site which is the Biebrza National Park. Impact on habitat/species (quantify if possible) The European population of Aquila clanga on the Western border of its range is especially exposed to the hybridisation process. Insufficient number of partners of its own species and the Aquila pomarina males inclination to pair with Aquila clanga females along with the recent habitat changes in favour of the former (still growing human presence and especially drainage) are the factors facilitating this process on areas where the ranges of both species overlap. Therefore the most exposed populations are the ones which inhabit European countries including Poland. Because this process seems to be intensifying there is a risk of disappearance of the “pure” genotype of Aquila clanga. The risk is the larger as the problem/process is not well recognised and therefore it is not known how to prevent it.


PREVIOUS CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE PROJECT AREA AND/OR FOR THE HABITATS / SPECIES TARGETED BY THE PROJECT

The key document for any conservation actions in the area is the Management Plan for Biebrza National Park. Due to the large area of the Park, the difficulties of accessing the area, limitations of funds and, in particular, several changes of the rules governing national park’s management plans along with the Net Natura 2000, the final version of the Management Plan is not yet completed nor officially approved. In order to stop plant succession, conserve valuable habitats (among the others the open non-forest wetlands – Aquila clanga favourite hunting areas) and protect species linked to such biotopes, the Management Plan envisages mowing of an area of 32,562ha, including 8,000ha where bushes will be removed first. Several projects have already been undertaken to restrain plant succession in Biebrza National Park. These have covered an area of about 2,500ha. Some drier parts of the land are still used by farmers, who conduct traditional, bird-friendly, low intensity agriculture on about 5,000ha in wet years (e.g. 2001) and about 11,000ha in dry years (e.g. 2003). On the other hand the special management measures are undertaken to preserve semi-natural wet forest which are Aquila clanga breeding sites. To improve hydrological conditions, 26 dams have been built in ditches to date. Specialised research by Polish and Dutch scientists resulted in the preparation of a project aiming at restoration of the natural hydrological system within the Biebrza Valley – especially in central part which is the most changed part. Implementation of the most urgent habitat management activities has helped to stabilise the population of many species dependent on bogs and mires. There has been a Life project designed for Acrocephalus paludicola run since 2006 in the area of Biebrza National Park. Some activities undertaken within this project may support Aquila clanga. Both, Aquila clanga and Acrocephalus paludicola use the same type of biotope - the former for hunting, the latter for breeding. The first results have proved that the management methods and techniques used by the National Park administration are successful. Another initiative, the ‘Biebrza System of Waste Management’ programme, implemented by the group of local NGOs and involving 15 communities from the Biebrza Valley has started to work. The next stage is the set of a factory based on the biomass (and possibly a biomass power plant for the town of Mońki) in the region, which will receive organic waste – an outcome of mowing and bush removal in BNP. It would generate financial resources for active nature protection in the Park, including the continuation of the project activities. The planned project actions will be largely based on the successful experience of implementation of conservation measures up to date and will aim to further extend the managed area of suitable habitat. It will also provide the opportunity to do much needed evaluation of the effectiveness of habitat management, to improve the methods used and to ensure long-term sustainability of the management schemes in view of Aquila clanga conservation needs. It will also enhance the public understanding of the need and potential benefits of mire management.


EU ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT AND ITS ACTIONS

The Project calls on both national and European nature conservation initiatives. International exchange and cooperation is fundamental in the scope of the Project’s aims. Also, of an important value is its integrating potential, which calls to: 1. Agriculture - through the promotion of nature-friendly agriculture and essential support for farmers interested in agri-environmental programmes; in future creation of new areas for extensive haymaking (nature + social purposes) 2. Promotion and economic support for the region - by strengthening the local tourism potential, which will open up additional earning opportunities for the inhabitants of the region (social purpose); 3. Social integration in the context of sustainable development - through intensive promotional and educational actions, raise sensibility and awareness and popularize the idea of the need to protect nature and shape the attitude of (co-) responsibility for the surrounding environment (in particular the future of Aquila clanga). In addition, the sharing, at a conference, of experiences which the partners will have gained as a result of the implementation of this Project, will develop cooperation and integration of government and NGOs involved in nature conservation, both at national and European levels (social purpose) The project will help to initiate international cooperation which will not end with the termination of the project but will continue beyond the duration of the project. In this way, international partnership will be made possible, which will enable efficient international dissemination of the project’s results and the best practice. Such cooperation and partnership will not only involve countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Germany, but also non-EU countries, i.e. Belarus, Russia and the Ukraine. The building of such partnership is a consequence of the desire to build on and increase the European Added Value and it is also a direct consequence of the conservation attempts aimed at this species. In long run, any attempt at the protection of the Polish population would be pointless without integrating it with conservation actions in the neighbouring countries. Given the speed and direction of the changes in the Aquila clanga Polish sites the possible non-implementation of this project would result, without doubt, in extinction of the species, within 10 -20 years, due to the disappearance of suitable sites and hybridisation as the main causes.

BEST PRACTICE / INNOVATION / DEMONSTRATION CHARACTER OF THE PROJECT

LIFE+ Nature projects must complete best practice and/or demonstration LIFE+ Biodiversity projects must complete demonstration and/or innovation

BEST PRACTICE: Both in case of scientific actions and conservation actions we will base on best known practices in these areas. E.g. in case of scientific actions, one of the key methods will be telemetric research which are now one of the most efficient in case of research of endangered species. Other planned research techniques and monitoring are commonly used in this type of actions. Similarly, the methods used in conservation actions are widely known and used, e.g. mowing, bush removal, raising water table in hunting sides as well as in breeding sites, artificial nest platforms and counter predation means. In case of all the above actions we base on the best practices and widely acknowledged guidelines used by other oranisations dealing with Aquila clanga protection in other countries (see Annex – Literature). Similarly, in the case of developing the National Action Plan, including Management Plan preparation procedures, we will closely follow the Guidelines for Management Plan Preparation for Nature Reserves of the Polish Ministry for the Environment and European Greater Eagle Action Plan


DEMONSTRATION: All the results of effects of the project will be widely disseminated and communicated both nationally and internationally both during and after the project. This will be ensured by international conferences, international working exchange, seminars and workshops for local and national stakeholders. The seminars and workshops will be addressed at scientists, naturalists, nature enthusiasts and decision makers. The dissemination will enforced by numerous PR and communication means, to name but a few: Aquila clanga web site, Aquila clanga data base, full length film, conservation book, synopsis of school lessons. All these actions and lobbying addressed at national and local decision makers at local and national levels will guarantee efficient dissemination and the promotion of this project’s results as well as the promotion of the idea and methods of the Aquila clanga conservation in particular. This promotion will be ensured not only during the project but also after in the long-term perspective. Finally, Aquila clanga National Action Plan itself, as a crucial result of the project, is an important tool of demonstration of the project’s effects and the best practices involved. INNOVATION: The project may have innovative character in the scale of the country because to-date no other similar project of such a complexity has been accomplished. Although all actions within the project are based on the best practices known from international experiences, their scale in the domestic circumstances will be new. Aquila clanga may be the first endangered bird species in Poland to have a National Action Poland. (Similar aims are being introduced for Aquatic warbler Life Project, but at this stage it cannot yet be said definitely when the Aquatic warbler National Plan will be ready.)

EFFORTS FOR REDUCING THE PROJECT'S "CARBON FOOTPRINT"

Minimising the use of paper throughout the Project. This is one of the reasons of creation of the AQC Data Base which will provide the complex collection of data without use of paper. All data will be gathered using electronic devices (GPS). As far as possible, those working for the project will use bicycles for short range transport within the project area. For transportation over longer distances public transport will be used wherever possible. AQC Office will be prepared which will not only be a working place but will also serve as accommodation for people working in the project. Any works in preparing the Office for the use in the project will be done using eco-friendly materials and technologies where possible and available. The Office will make use of solar panels. Those contractors will be preferred who use eco-friendly technologies and means of transportation, eg. cars powered by LNG. The office and its located within close proximity of the project area to minimise the number of journeys and distances travelled. The Office will be equipped with power saving devices and will reuse and recycle materials. Additionally, the Office will serve as an example of eco-friendly and low carbon footprint office to the local community. Within the project, there will be actions aiming at raising local water table in and around AQC sites which will directly contribute to the carbon sink effect.


EXPECTED CONSTRAINTS AND RISKS RELATED TO THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND HOW THEY WILL BE DEALT WITH (CONTINGENCY

PLANNING)

Constraints, their expected influence and how to overcome them Constraint 1. The conditions at Aquila clanga migration and wintering sites change. Expected influence: Aquila clanga is a long-distance migrant, wintering from the Middle East so far as sub-Saharan Africa. Many migratory bird species of Europe that winter south of the Sahara have fared badly during the last decades. However, it is not known whether this is to be attributed purely to the conditions of habitats within Africa. This project only covers the breeding sites of this species and will not have any influence on the conditions in the stopover and wintering sites. Catastrophic weather conditions, lack of or unusually strong rainfall, unfavourable changes on stopover and wintering sites can potentially have major negative influences on the species’ populations. The big problem is hunting – especially around Mediterranean Sea and in Arabic countries. In addition, birds are likely to be killed by overground power lines. All those factors can mean that the project aims in terms of population stabilization and increase may not be met, even if habitat conditions in the project sites are greatly improved during the course of the project. How constraint will be overcome: The international conservation network including BirdLife and especially the World Working Group for Birds of Prey and Owls closely associated with KOO, one of the project’s Partners, have put great effort into identifying the wintering grounds of the species. This is in order to assess the conditions of these sites and to implement conservation measures in cooperation with the potential local partners where required. Further research is expected to identify all important stopovers and wintering sites within the duration of this project. Due to the above continuing work (among the others means, GPS telemetry) it is possible to monitor conditions at the wintering grounds and asses them against population oscillations in Europe, thus greatly increasing the value of population monitoring undertaken within this project. The project also plans to link up closely with the others current initiatives in Europe or elsewhere. This cooperation will ensure that not only breeding areas but also the conditions at both wintering and major stopover sites will be considered when analysing the results of the monitoring at project site of this proposal. Constraint 2. Political circumstances do not allow for the continuation or improvement agro-environmental schemes in Poland. Expected influence: Agro-environmental schemes are very much a subject of European politics and subject to the EU budgeting process as well as to the future orientation of the EU’ Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Additionally, they are subject to national prioritization for the Polish government, Ministry of Agriculture in particular. The current Rural Development Plan for Poland sets the framework of rural development, including the agro-environmental schemes, however, there are still some attempts expressed by Polish Ministry of Agriculture to halt them in favour of direct payments or national water management scheme.


How constraint will be overcome: Agro-environmental schemes have already been running in the original 15 member states of the EU for a decade and in Poland for 3 years. Despite the point of view communicated by some politicians it seems unlikely that agro-environmental schemes could be abolished In fact, given the general shift in classifying farmers more as land managers than food producers, it makes it likely that agro-environmental schemes will gain importance in the future, rather than being phased out. The long-term approach of this project towards the improved agro-environmental schemes or better still development of new Aquila clanga agro-environmental schemes allows the project partners to get into contact with the relevant authorities before the future decisions are made, thus improving the likelihood of successful lobbying for the schemes developed within this project. Aiming at that very issue, promotional materials and PR activity in particular were planned in this application. Constraint 3. Malfunction or loss of satellite transmitters. Expected influence: Lack or insufficient number of valuable data of a crucial importance for the final potential and results of the Project. How constraint will be overcome: Before breeding periods birds will be equipped with satellite transmitters. It is planned that in total 16 birds will carry a transmitter, which number covers at least 50% of the whole national breeding population. Transmitting equipment in such a large proportion of their population ensures that even with a loss of several devices, still we will receive sufficient amount of valuable research material. For the complete elimination of this type of hazard, in addition, we plan to purchase 2 spare transmitters. Constraint 4. Resistance of parts of local communities - in particular Farmers in areas important for the protection of Aquila clanga Expected influence: Lack or insufficient social support or interest in the Project and its aims, what might impoverish its final results or make their implementation very difficult, especially in the area of agro-environmental schemes. How constraint will be overcome: As part of the Project we plan a comprehensive information campaign addressed to local interest groups - in particular to farmers and local-government, which is an integral part of a public consultation process. In addition to traditional channels and means of communication & promotion we have planned 2 steps / levels of workshops aimed at strategic groups, the purpose of which is to build pro-nature attitudes on the one hand, and on the other - to indicate, or provide specific solutions harmoniously combining aspects of economic conditions (including agricultural) with the conservation of nature - and Aquila clanga protection in particular. Scheduled activities are based on direct participation, which in conjunction with the delivery of reliable, practical and attractive (in its form and delivery) information and building personal relationships should effectively reduce or even eliminate the risk defined here.


The general image, only slightly changed by teenagers, would be as follows: the local farmers are very distrustful towards any nature conservation targets, they would Rather ignore the special value of local biodiversity, they don’t know/recognise AQC, they are reluctant towards nature friendly agro-environmental schemes. The same holds for local administration, where some are more likely to use nature protection ideas in terms of local political correctness. On the other hand there has been a tendency towards general openness and a will to talk/learn. Definitely, well developed and rightly adopted social communication and PR are needed and will be welcome quite often. Thus positive changes are possible. Inadequate Forestry The Biebrza NP has managed its forest in fully biodiversity friendly way in every respekt where the most of it remained untouched so the natural processes could fully develop. On the other hand, nearly half of the whole land protected as NP has particular ownership status: Biebrza NP administers but the individual farmers own these grounds. All within the boundaries of the NP. This concerns large parts of woodlands, including the most precious bog woodlands – preferred by AQC as nesting sites. If the open meadows have been predominately abandoned by their individual owners, the woodlands, quite opposite, have been widely harvested sometimes despite the formal legal ownership. Traditionally, local people would harvest trees, preferably big and mature, during winters when frost and ice provide accessibility far into the marshes. The procedure has become important locally since the new/free market busted prises of other heating materials, especially coal. Probably only few farmers know precisely where is or to whom belongs any given patch of woodland. It’s commonly accepted that people cut trees where they are big enough and accessible, especially when the owner is unknown or “communal” as NP is perceived. Obviously, in these conditions trees from woodlands owned by NP are largely cut down. The NP administration on the other hand is very prudent and reluctant about investigating such actions for social reasons. Hopefully feasibility study on ownership and farther purchases or exchanges (easily accessible pine woodlands given by Biebrza NP to farmers for boggy woodlands) plus education & communication planned within the Project will provide safe and stable nesting sites for AQC (and other species e.g. Black Stork). 6 months of buffer time justification Following the Commission’s suggestion we add 6-months buffer time to the initially planned project duration. Due to the project complexity: scientific research, social consultations and investments (construction activities) we may expect some uncertainty related to all necessary authorisations and permits to be obtained. It relates especially to obtaining permissions connected with investments of hydrological infrastructure, which is complicated and requires at least 3 levels of administration to be targeted: local, regional and central administration. On the other hand, we do not expect any delays in the AQC office adaptation as all necessary permissions have been already issued.


Other factors, that my influence the time of the project’s end are consultaions of the AQC Action Plan. Although the social environment will be targeted from the very begining of the project we must be aware that a draft of the final document will be prepared at the end of the project. This will be a sophisticated and multi-paged elaboration. For the general public a special executive summary will be prepared. Some stakeholders, however, may wish to study the whole document with all necessary annexes what can make longer the process of public consultations that originally expected.


CONTINUATION / VALORISATION OF THE PROJECT RESULTS AFTER THE END OF THE PROJECT

Which actions will have to be carried out or continued after the end of the project? The following project actions will need to be continued after the end of the project:

⁻ land purchases

⁻ protection of mature wet forests (real or potential breeding sites)

⁻ maintenance of extensive grazing and mowing (real or potential forage sites)

⁻ avoiding disturbance

⁻ and contra-predation means during breeding season in place

⁻ artificial nest platforms placing if needed

⁻ maintenance of tourism facilities and infrastructure

⁻ raising of public awareness

⁻ hydrological facilities and maintenance of water level

⁻ networking with other initiatives

⁻ water level monitoring

⁻ monitoring of Aquila clanga population dynamic (among other aims, to check whether project results have been achieved)

⁻ monitoring of key habitat parameters of Aquila clanga hunting/breeding sites (vegetation, prey availability, old trees availability etc.)

⁻ Aquila clanga web site continuing

⁻ promote extensive land management including workshops for farming advisory bodies and local farmers

⁻ implementation of agro-environmental schemes developed in this project

⁻ implementation of management plan for Aquila clanga hunting & nesting sites into the NATURA 2000 Management Plan for Biebrza Valley SPA

⁻ monitoring of movement of Aquila clanga outside of project site

⁻ implementation of the Polish National Action Plan for Aquila clanga

How will this be achieved, what resources will be necessary to carry out these actions? The applicant and the project partners, especially BNP as a part owner and administrator of the whole area, are committed to sustaining the management of the project site and to ensuring the continuation of the activities mentioned above. One important objective of the project is to develop sustainable ways to finance ongoing activities. As a result, only general points can be made at present, and details will be subject to the management planning process envisaged in this project. The priority aims for the continuation of the project are: - the legal approval of the National Action Plan by the Polish Ministry of Environment, - land purchase - breeding and hunting sites indicated during the project monitoring system outside of the BNP protected area. Aquila clanga population monitoring, management of water levels and mowing vegetation, as well as maintenance of tourist infrastructure and provision of tourist services need to be continued as well. The National Park administration will take over the responsibility for these tasks and will be able to provide the necessary personnel resources to maintain activities in question. The management plan developed during this project will help to identify financial resources for this commitment. Agro-environmental schemes currently seem to provide a very likely source of income to finance recurring management activities. By now the use of biomass in the planned factory (and possibly in a biomass power plant for the town of Mońki) and agro-environmental schemes seem to be the most probable ways to finance further potential management measures.


Applicant has actively sought partners in the field of effective and sustainable use of biomass. Several bodies have already expressed their interest and by present time the initial document is to be signed.

Protection status under national/local law of sites/species/habitats targeted (if relevant) The species is listed in Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive and is classified as SPEC 1. It is also listed as a priority species for EU LIFE funding. The Community Species Action Plan has been prepared. Moreover, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species of the World (2001) Aquila clanga is listed as Vulnerable, SPEC category - 1, European threat status - Endangered, Bonn Convention - 1. In Poland Aquila clanga is included in the Polish Red Data Book of Threatened Species. As the species of special care its breeding sites also benefit from Special Zone Protection. The project site itself is protected as a national park (or national park buffer zone) under the Polish law, is designated as SPA within Natura 2000, Ramsar Site, IBA PL025 (criteria A1, A4i). Additionally, the plots outside of BNP will be purchased and the inclusion of sub-sites into the National Park is considered.

How, where and by whom will the equipment acquired be used after the end of the project?

All equipment acquired will be used for the continuation of the project activities - see above. Especially maintenance of hydrological facilities (BNP) and satellite system (KOO), tourist and educational actions (BNP) and for follow-up activities. Adapted for the Project purpose AQC office along with so called office equipment, purchased car, tractor, trailer, mower – all will also be used for other nature conservation projects implemented by both the beneficiary and associated beneficiaries.

To what extent will the results and lessons of the project be actively disseminated after the end of the project to those persons and/or organisations that could best make use of them (please identify these persons/organisations)?

The project will make an effort to effectively promote and disseminate its aims and ideas as well in the course as afterwards. Some of materials and means prepared for those very purpose will still play their role – to name but a few: the strategic Project product National Action Plan, AQC Data Base, AQC web site, AQC conservation book, TV film, CD ROM with multimedia presentation, AQC information point at BNP headquarter and AQC office, information board, all promotional&communication materials.

LIFE + Nature and Biodiversity TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMS

Part C – detailed technical description of the proposed actions

Important note:

All calculations and detailed cost breakdowns necessary to justify the cost of each action should be included in the financial forms F. In order to avoid repeating the financial information (with the risk of introducing incoherencies), Part C should only contain financial information not contained in the financial forms (e.g. details explaining the cost per hectare).

All forms in this section may be duplicated, so as to include all essential information.

Each action described should have a clear indication of its physical target (e.g., action 1 will take place in area "X" and/or will target species "Y"). Whenever this is relevant, the location of these actions should also be identified on one or several maps which must be provided in annex (preferably one map per site). Where feasible, a map of each site should be provided that indicates the location of all the actions taking place on that site.

Any action that is sub-contracted should be just as clearly described as an action that will be directly carried out by the beneficiaries.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/1

DETAILS OF PROPOSED ACTIONS

A.Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans ACTION A.1: Name of action: Develop long-term conservation and financial strategy for Aquila clanga work. Description (what, how, where and when): Following completion of project actions, management plans will be updated to ensure that the project site will be managed for Aquila clanga in the long-term. Funding mechanisms will also be identified and funding secured to enable the long-term management of site. Long-term agreements are to be set up where possible to ensure the continuation of the recurring conservation & management measures at the target site. These can be purchase agreements, agreements with farmers on managing meadows (hunting sites) using methods suitable for Aquila clanga, agreements with forest owners (nesting sites), agreement with local tourism firm, agreements with same of local stakeholders. In order to facilitate project development and to secure follow up funding for activities that could not be included into this project and are necessary for the long-term sustainability of this project’s results (e.g. land purchases), a project planning and fundraising a special training workshop will be conducted. Reasons why it is necessary: Towards the end of the project, revised management plans, long-term management agreements and secured funding for additional follow up measures will be required to ensure the continued positive management of Aquila clanga habitat and breeding sites. This will address threats 1-6. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Management plans prepared and included to the National Action Plan and Management Plan for Natura 2000 Biebrza Valley SPA. Long-term management agreements in place. Funding for follow up measures secured. ACTION A.2: Name of action: Update EU Species Action Plan for Aquila clanga. Description (what, how, where and when): The European Species Action Plan for Greater Spotted Eagle (see annex number 2.1.) is a document targeted at those European countries where the Aquila clanga breeds or occurs on migration or in winter. The geographical scope of the action plan was extended to include the key countries of the Middle East as well, due to significance of the Middle East for migration and wintering, and the conservation problems which affect migratory birds of prey in that region. The Action Plan contains several actions that are proposed to be implemented in Poland. These are: 1.1.1 Prepare precise guidelines for forest management in areas where the Greater Spotted Eagle breeds. 2.1.1 Establish contact with new landowners to preserve the mosaic of all Greater Spotted Eagle habitat. 3.1. Continue the national population and breeding success monitoring programme.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/2 All the proposed actions are part of the presented LIFE+ Application, and at the end of the Project all the Project Partners will revise the mentioned points according to results obtained during the project to provide the most up-to-date data for implementation of protection measures in the future. Reasons why this action is necessary: The EU Species Action Plan for Aquila clanga has not been updated since 1999. The project will deliver the new data on the species ecology and behaviour that were not available before. Additionally, the mowing and action undertaken during the project will provide data and experience on the habitat management for the species within the site that hold nearly 35% of the EU population. This Action can indirectly address threats 3 - 6. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): The EU Species Action Plan for Aquila clanga updated with the latest data and management measures proposals by the end of the Project at the latest.

ACTION A.3: Name of action: Prepared Polish National Action Plan for Aquila clanga and ensure approval for the plan by local and governmental administration, and conservationists.

Description (what, how, where and when): Until now, Poland has not developed National Action Plan for Aquila clanga despite declaration from the Polish Ministry of Environment and relevant authorities. During this Project, the Polish National Action Plan is to be drafted and agreed with the National and other authorities. This plan should greatly benefit from the knowledge and experience gained during the Project. Towards the end of the Project period it needs to be made sure, that all action plans are up to date and the plan is going to be finalized and officially approved. National Protection Programme for Aquila clanga will encompass: 1. general information about Aquila clanga and its habitats, 2. legal and protection status in Poland and in Europe, 3. geographical limits in Europe and in the world, 4. distribution in Poland including analysis of possible return to areas already abandoned, 5. information about numbers, condition and population tendencies in Poland and Europe, 6. description and biology of Aquila clanga and condition of its habitats, 7. description and status of threats for Aquila clanga and its habitats, 8. aims of the National Protection Programme, 9. analysis of the existing protection status and current threats, 10. estimation of degree of threats of Aquila clanga and its habitats in Poland, 11. primary goals of protection of Aquila clanga population in Poland, 12. proposed conservation actions, 13. plan of monitoring and research actions, 14. action programme for information, education and social communication, 15. cross-reference to other projects and conservation plans in areas of actual or potential distribution of Aquila clanga (including Development Strategy of Biebrza Valley Communities and conservation projects realised in the Biebrza Valley National Park), 16. programme timetable, list of stakeholders, budget and financing, 17. proposed changes in legislation including proposed lobbying actions, 18. international cooperation – defining goals, partners and principles, 19. evaluation of the programme. Reasons why this action is necessary: Poland has declared to develop National Action Plans for the conservation of Aquila clanga. Apart from this moral obligation, action plans are a suitable way to summarize all available expert information and to make it available for stakeholders in a readable format. Thus, they are designed to raise the awareness especially of authorities and elected representatives, planning authorities and last but not least conservationists about conservation priorities of the

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/3 species and its specific habitat requirements, and to give them practical advice how to address the conservation needs of the species. They also describe the desirable future situation (aims) and try to commit key stakeholders to its implementation. These Action Plan therefore contribute to overcome directly or indirectly all of threats. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Polish National Action Plan agreed and finalized by the end of the Project.

ACTION A.4: Name of action: Develop management plan for Aquila clanga hunting/nesting sites to fit into the NATURA 2000 Management Plan for Biebrza Valley SPA.

Description (what, how, where and when): Management plans are comprehensive documents covering species & site information, an assessment of the importance of the site, a rationale for polices to guide management and a set of prescriptions for long-term strategy. The management plan also identifies and defines the monitoring required to gauge the effectiveness of the management. Initial policies are developed through meetings with the local stakeholders (open meetings and meetings with specific interest groups) and then finalized in line with Partner policies and Project recommended methods. Liaison with external agencies is required to ensure that appropriate consents, permissions and approvals are obtained. Management Plan preparation procedures will closely follow the “Guidelines for Management Plan Preparation for Nature Reserves of the Polish Ministry for the Environment”. The exact procedures to be followed within this project will be discussed and finalized before and during a Management Planning Training Workshop, with one trainer from the Polish Ministry of Environment. Once approved by the Steering Committee, the guidelines will be used for management planning at the site. The Management Plans prepared within this project will focus on the conservation needs of Aquila clanga and its habitat – among the others on water level in both hunting and breeding sites and on the protection of old forests. The general management plan for BNP already exist, thus the plan developed within the project will contribute to that plan. Project Manager will make sure, that the project management plans will be incorporated into the official management plans for the NATURA 2000 within which the project site is located by the relevant competent authorities. To date, the NATURA 2000 management plan hasn't been developed for the Biebrza Valley SPA. This project activity also includes research and investigation needed to provide the necessary information for management planning, i.e. current hydrological situation, vegetation, availability of prey, land use, potential conflicts etc. It also includes detailed planning of measures that will be recommended in the management plan, e.g. a plan for the improvement of the hydrological situation. The idea is, that the management plans will include enough detail about suggested measures, that funds can be raised for their implementation directly using the detailed information given in the management plans. The management planning process should include the preparation of tourism concepts, communications and media plans, and long-term funding options for the Aquila clanga species. The area of BNP Buffer Zone will be also considered in the Management Plan and management planning process. The external assistance costs for preparing the AQC management plan relates to employment of eight specialist on the AQC biology and conservation who are not included into the staff of the project. These experts will represent national and international organizations and provide high expertise in developing of management plans. Due to their knowledge and experience we estimated that the cost of a working day should be some between the science&research specialist and project coordinator daily incomes.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/4 Reasons why this action is necessary: Management plans and external liaison are necessary in order that all activities are delivered in a structured and coherent manner in full agreement with others who are affected. The Management Plan contributes to overcome all threats. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Specific parts of the management planning process will be subcontracted to external consultants, especially technical experts. In some cases, the preparation of a draft management plan can completely be outsourced. Nonetheless, BNP supported by all Project Partners will undertake the task to put the management plan together and to agree it with all relevant stakeholders. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Management plans for long-term strategy written and in place for the project site in scope of Aquila clanga species. ACTION A.5: Name of action: Lobby for financial support for extensive land management measures through the National Rural Development Plan if possible. Description (what, how, where and when): National Rural Development Plan (RDP) should contain a description of agro-environmental schemes to be implemented in Poland. This is a crucial document for the development and implementation of all nature friendly actions in agriculture. Polish Birds have already started to prepare an action which may be helpful in view of nature supporting resolutions. As RDP for the years 2007-2013 has been already agreed and accpeted by the Polish government and EU Commission, it is highly doubtful that such substational changes may be introduced and implemented before 2013. Thus, the action will target RDP for the next period 2014-2020.

The cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture will be initiated and carried within the Project, especially that the European Action Plan requires incorporation of agro-environmental schemes into the conservation work:

1.1.2 Farming and agriculture The Greater Spotted Eagle breeds in forest but feeds in open landscape, wet meadows and agricultural areas. The species inhabits many types of wetlands. It is most important to preserve the mosaic of breeding-feeding habitat, yet in some breeding areas there is a conflict between human activity and the needs of the Greater Spotted Eagle. It is important to create guidelines for farming compatible with the presence of this species as a traditional breeding bird. It is recommended that such a policy should incorporate the following elements: to stop loss of all kinds of wetlands, to withdraw all kinds of state support for change in feeding areas, to prevent all kinds of intensive farming methods in breeding areas and ensure that this also

applies to new EU countries, to ensure the EU Common Agricultural Policy includes adequate safeguards

and opportunities for the species and its habitat, to establish "Environmentally Sensitive Areas" in breeding areas. Countries that have embarked on the process of accession to the European Union (Latvia, Poland, Romania) should plan for the incorporation of agro-environment measures within their agriculture policies and target these measures at Greater Spotted Eagle and other threatened species dependent on agricultural habitats.


Priority: high Reasons why this action is necessary: Agro-environmental schemes should become one of the most powerful tools for the nature-friendly management of meadows and pastures, that are feeding areas of Greater Spotted Eagle. Maintaining open habitats in the Biebrza Valley is crucial for the conservation of this species. This action contributes to overcome threats 1-4. The future of the AQC as a two-habitat species, in Poland, depends entirely on the supportive farming practices/schemes, chichin their turn depend on the knowledge and the positive attitude of farmers and relevant administration. Therefore SPECIAL LOBBYING MEASURES ARE NECESSARY The applicant (coordinating beneficiary) knows very well both the local social conditions and the attitudes of local and national administration stakeholders. Taking into consideration the prospects of a successful implementation of the Project and its final goals (e.g. legal approval of National AQC Action Plan, effective and long-lasting background based on rural schemes), it has been decided that the field of lobbying in the AQC Project is of a strategic importance and as such requires particular measures including time, fully professional involvement and in consequence the financial means to support these measures. A team of 4 people will be designed to take continuing care (among other tasks) of special lobbying in the Polish Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, National Forest Administration (Generalna Dyrekcja Lasow Państwowych), local Administration and Authorities aiming at obtaining the support and final acceptance for AQC Plan Project and its results and necessary demands. The seemingly high cost planned in the budget for Actions 5, 8, 9 is based on personal costs and consists of: preparation of relevant information and materials (including those for media), meetings with officials and relevant authorities/stakeholders or local farmers in particular situations and participation in media releases (radio, TV) among others. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Lobbing initiated and carried. ACTION A.6: Name of action: Feasibility study for mowing/grazing arrangements with local farmers. Description (what, how, where and when): Recognition of the local farmers’ attitude towards the Project, especially with regard to the possibilities of contracting systematic mowing or grazing on meadows which are actual or potential hunting sites of Aquila clanga and which are within the National Park borders but are owned by farmers. Negotiations will be carried out with all farmers who own meadows which are Aquila clanga actual or potential foraging areas and which currently have lost or are losing its value due to natural succession because of abandonment. These actions will concern meadows within the borders of the National Park which are not in the National Park ownership and also meadows in the area of the BNP Buffer Zone if necessary. This is why before systematic mowing or grazing is introduced on the land of the farmers, the potential possibilities and threats must be recognized and dealt with. After the attitude of local people is researched,

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/6 suitable agreements for systematic mowing / grazing will be signed. This would ensure maintenance of the hunting sites in appropriate condition. Reasons why this action is necessary: To maintain good quality hunting sites of Aquila clanga it is necessary to guarantee that meadows within the site are mowed or grazed continually. The main purpose is to prevent those meadows from being overgrown by bushes or trees. Whilst the National Park is obliged to mow the meadows by the Project itself, the mowing or grazing in meadows managed by the Park but owned by local farmers poses a problem. The problem is even more significant since the farmers potentially involved may be difficult to become engaged and understanding as they have not been previously involved in a similar project. It is therefore necessary to recognize the attitudes of farmers and to undertake negotiations. This action contributes to overcome threat 3. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Report being the base to the potential enlargement (up to 400ha) of well protected area of good-quality hunting fields of Aquila clanga. To be implemented by purchase of the lands in question on the next stage/continuation of the Project. ACTION A.7: Name of action: Protect old growth forests in suitable habitat areas in the Biebrza Valley. Description (what, how, where and when): Aquila clanga needs for nesting old mature trees big enough to support its nest. Such trees are becoming more rare as they are being cut down by people. To ensure conservation, the Biebrza Valley National Park Management guarantees protection of old trees in Aquila clanga breeding sites. However within the borders of the Biebrza Valley National Park there are plots owned by individual farmers who formally are free to do as they please with their forests. Such forests will be taken special care of and special agreements will be made with the owners which would guarantee prevention of felling trees. At a later stage these forests will be purchased from the farmers. Moreover outside the National Park borders (BNP Buffer Zone), two nesting sites are located in areas owned by the National Forests. Our aim is to lobby with the National Forests in order to ensure protection of those plots and to prevent felling trees there which would be additional to zone protection guaranteed by the Polish law with relation to endangered species including Aquila clanga. All land to be purchased is located within designated SPA Reasons why this action is necessary: Aquila clanga needs for nesting old mature trees big and strong enough to support its big and heavy nests. The actions described above will ensure the largest possible breeding area for Aquila clanga and contributes to overcome threats 4, 5. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Extended potential of natural breeding possibilities – up to 100ha.


ACTION A.8: Name of action: Lobby for NATURA 2000 restrictions and compensation regulations in the National Rural Development Plan. Description (what, how, where and when): All activities within this action will be carried out according to the Action A 5, as these will be part of the national Rural Development Plan 2014-2020. Reasons why this action is necessary: Compensations are necessary for all farmers who will decide to carry out agricultural work in accordance with the habitat needs of Greater Spotted Eagle. Some restrictions in mowing and grazing time may cause financial problem for farmers and compensations schemes will ensure the balance between implementation of protection measures and income losses. This action contributes to overcome threats 1, 3. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Inclusion of compensations for local farmers in the RDP. ACTION A.9: Name of action: Lobby for forest-environmental measures (compensation for taking private forest around nests out of production) and promote their implementation. Description (what, how, where and when): All activities within this action will be carried out according to the Action A 5, as these will be part of the national Rural Development Plan (RDP) 2014-2020. The forest-environmental schemes should become a significant part of RDP along with agro-environmental schemes. As the schemes ought to be a part of a large scale system of the nature friendly management they must be included into a document of a national significance - the Rural Development Plan. This action concerns private forest grounds in within BNP and in the area of BNP Buffer Zone if necessary.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/8 Reasons why this action is necessary: Low intensity forest production is still an important part of farmers incomes. Total exclusion of some areas from the forest management can be regarded as depriving farmers of their right to make profit from their own forests. Forest compensations schemes will ensure the balance between implementation of protection measures and income losses among farmers. This action contributes to overcome threats 1, 4. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Enclosure of forest environmental schemes for private forest owners.

ACTION A.10: Name of action: Collect, analyse and evaluate DNA material of Aquila clanga and Aquila pomarina and hybrids from Biebrza Valley. Description (what, how, where and when): Currently the problem of hybridisation is one of the biggest threats of the European population of Aquila clanga. Therefore DNA analysis and appropriate reports are of primary necessity. Each nest with a nestling of certain age will be visited for the purposes of ringing and taking measurements (adult birds will also be ringed). Also samples of feathers will be gathered for genetic analysis. For the same purpose, at all monitored nests, we will gather feathers of moulding birds. Nests checks will be made by a specialist who is able to climb high trees. DNA samples will be sent to Estonian Ornithological Society who, using their own experience, will carry out analysis and prepare reports. In all, we plan to take 180 samples during the 3 years of the Project duration. Reasons why this action is necessary: Both Aquila clanga itself and the hybridisation problem with Aguila pomarina are very poorly understood. Nobody has made any analysis before. On the other hand, we know that the problem of hybridisation of these two closely related species could lead to complete disappearance of Aquila clanga within the European range. It is hoped that the DNA analyses can lead to better understanding the problem of hybridisation and the mechanisms behind this process. DNA map of Aquila clanga population is of strategic importance. Both, information about numbers of hybrids in Polish population and their identification have a great meaning for character of potential conservation actions and development of management plan, which will base on the analyses results. The aim of this action is to prepare appropriate recommendations which can be applied in specific actions aiming at the protection of this species. This action contributes to overcome threat 6. The action A10 was planned for the whole project implementation to obtain the DNA material from actually nesting adults and juveniles during each breeding season of the project. Although the number of Greater Spotted Eagles is know for the Biebrza Marshes, it is not certain how they are coupled with other individuals each year. Adults of Greater Spotted Eagle may couple and breed with individuals of the same species or with individuals of Lesser Spotted Eagle. The rules of coupling and breeding between both species do not exist (or is not known to us). This behavioural pattern may change year by year and the only method of obtaining exact knowledge on hybridisation is to carry out the DNA analyses during the duration of the whole project. The DNA analyses are planned also for Lesser Spotted Eagle in the area of the SPA Biebrza Marshes to investigate which individuals of Lesser Spotted Eagle form mixed pairs with Greater Spotted Eagle. The research will deliver vital data on existence of possible patterns of hybridisation together with direction of the population changes of Greater Spotted Eagle.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/9 The obtained data will help in preparation of appropriate recommendations for specific actions in the future. Especially, that we observe an increase of the Lesser Spotted Eagle population in Poland, including the Biebrza Marshes, with no clear population increase of Greater Spotted Eagle. This fact can bring us to the conclusion that the presence of Lesser Spotted Eagle may be one of the limiting factors of the Greater Spotted Eagle population development in the lattes species range. The number of DNA samples was calculated for samples collected during the Project period and for those collected during the last 17 years of research on this species in the Biebrza Marshes. Komitet Ochrony Orłów has carried out the thorough research on Greater Spotted Eagle for over 17 years in the project area. The research covered both studies on ecology of the species with ringing and collecting feathers from adults and juveniles. Each sample is described in full details in reference to ringed birds. Thus, by doing DNA analyses we will be able to follow genetic traces of possible hybridisation that could have taken place from the beginning of the research on this species in the Biebrza Marshes, including the period of the project duration. The only method of the material for DNA analyses will be obtained only by collecting feather on (and from under) nests. No invasive methods, like blond sampling ect., will be applied during the project implementation or after it. Capturing Greater Spotted Eagles and ringing them is done with standard ornithological methods of capturing birds of pray. Adult birds are attracted to the place of capturing by placing a fake of Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) or Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). The birds usually show a very strong reaction to the presence of other species of large birds of pray and try to approach them very closely or even attack. When the Greater Spotted Eagle is close to the fake bird, the net trap closes over it. In the same time, the net is tight enough to prevent the captured Eagle from moving - the bird is fully safe and protected from possible injuries. The next step is just ringing it with specially designed rings, which are approved and issued by the Ornithological Station, Polish Academy of Science. This method has been used for over 17 years in the Biebrza Marshes and there were none of the previously ringed birds has suffered any injuries. Juvenile birds will be captured and ringed on nests. A careful monitoring of nests from a ground (observations with telescopes) will deliver information on the stage of the development of juveniles. They can be ring only when they are about leaving the nest, but still cannot fly. Specialised ornithologists climb up trees with nests, capture juveniles and ring them. Juvenile birds never try to leave the nest. Instead, they try to scare a potential aggressor (ornithologist) by presenting different behaviours. Thus, the ringing method is fully safe for juvenile Greater Spotted Eagle. This method has been also used for over 17 years of the research on Greater Spotted Eagle with no injuries to any of the captured birds.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/10 Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): The DNA material will be collected, analysis conducted and reported. In total 180 samples within 3 years of the Project span. ACTION A.11: Name of action: Identify and prepare purchase (or exchange) of private or public lands important from the point of view of Aquila clanga conservation work in order to restore independent, high quality hunting/nesting sites and include them into BNP. Description (what, how, where and when): All suitable Aquila clanga breeding and hunting sites located in the Biebrza Valley outside of BNP will be identified and assessed. A special feasibility study of potential purchase will be made for each patch of land in order to buy them and include within BNP in the next stage. The habitat type to be purchased is wet, peaty meadows rich in sedges, fen mire (foraging sites) and old wet forests (nesting sites). Land is to be purchased to enable following after-project objectives to be achieved – especially those related to higher water regime which remains one of the main conservation targets. All land to be purchased is located within designated SPA. The feasibility study will be ready before the planned end of the Project.


Reasons why this action is necessary: Aquila clanga breeding sites may suffer under unfavourable man-made changes in the hydrological regime and timber activities. Water level management is very important to the maintenance of the conditions suitable for breeding Aquila clanga – high water level limits both mammalian predation and human penetration. The installation of water management facilities aims to retain an appropriate water level within the sites and will continue to function beyond the Project span, making the conservation efforts more efficient and fully sustainable. The necessary activities or management solutions at these sites would be impossible without land rights. Water management and restoration of natural water conditions will help overcome threats 3-5. All land to be purchased is located within designated SPA Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) All Aquila clanga breeding and hunting sites located in the Biebrza Valley outside of BNP administration will be identified and assessed and all formalities will be done in order to finalise purchase and then to include those lands into the BNP/SPA. In total it might be up to 150ha of woodland and up to 400ha of open mires, mostly in the Middle Basin of the Biebrza Valley.

ACTION A.12: Name of action: Valuation of the water levels in Aquila clanga sites and in the basin of Biebrza river.

Description (what, how, where and when): One of the aims of this project is to establish the optimal level of water in the Aquila clanga habitat and to ensure such management of water which would secure its most desired level. Therefore the management plan of the water level will be closely connected with the overall Biebrza National Park Management Plan. Necessary water level facilities will be introduced to sustain the most beneficial water level for Aquila clanga especially in its nesting sites (preventing from mammalian predation and human penetration). Reasons why this action is necessary: Aquila clanga is very sensitive to any changes and even slightest disturbances in its habitat. Moreover, loss of its habitats is the main reason of the sharp decline of its population in the Western part of its current range and the complete disappearance in the major part of its historical European range. The species’ key habitats are wet meadows, open fen mires and wet forests. The presence of all those biotopes is crucial to Aquila clanga existence however those biotopes are very scarce nowadays. To ensure the survival of the species we need to preserve its habitats. The water level is the key factor in both the foraging and the nesting sights. This Action will indirectly address threats 3, 4, 5. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): “Aquila clanga water level” in all nesting sites is recognised, appropriately managed and sustained.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/12 ACTION A.13: Name of action: Research and valuation of the key habitat parameters of Aquila clanga hunting sites (vegetation, prey availability and water level) at clustered plots (where management is conducted, at favourite hunting sites and at control plots). Description (what, how, where and when): Systematic research on Aquila clanga hunting and breeding sites within the scope of the following parameters: vegetation, prey availability (and water level defined above). The monitoring will be made on the plots under extensive management where Aquila clanga hunts and on meadows which have been abandoned as control plots. It will be conducted during breeding season, i.e. from April until September. This will be done by specially trained science assistances. This action will be executed within BNP or in the BNP Buffer Zone if necessary. One 4x4 second hand will be purchased in order to fulfil a broad range of various activities of this very action. The actions 13 and 16 will relate to botanical and zoological research which will deliver data on key habitat conditions in relation to plant cover and prey availability. Both botanists and zoologists selected some sample plots of the size 100 - 300 ha. The obtained data will be integrated into one GIS data base, developed according to recommendations of the INSPIRE Directive and accompanying instructions. More detailed description of the research is as follows: The botanical research carried out within the project will comprise the following activities:

preparation of phytosociological images

preparation of a map of actual flora

analysis of changes in plant cover area in the recent 20 years

preparation of an inventory of rare and threatened plants in research areas The botanical research will cover the following research plots:

Conservation Area Ciszewo Piekielne Wrota 100 ha, Osowe Grzędy 100ha

Conservation Area Kopytkowo Dolistowo 100 ha, Polkowo 100 ha

Conservation Area Dybła 100 ha, Płochowo 100 ha

Conservation Area Werykle Orli Grąd 100 ha, Koźli Rynek 100 ha

Conservation Area Tajno Tajno 100 ha

Conservation Area Brzeziny Zajki 100 ha The research on the AQC feeding habits and prey will include (every 7-10th day, 5-7 times):

species composition investigations – number and density of the Aquila clanga potential prey (birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles).

bird count with the combined cartographic method of Tomiałojć (5-7 counts in every research plot during a breeding season) (as a dominating prey of AQC)

catches of insectivores and rodents with live traps to estimate the number, species composition and percentage share (as a dominating prey of AQC)

tracking weasels and ermines (as an additional prey of AQC)

collecting data on breeding sites of amphibians and reptiles, estimations of percentage share in the food biomass - from March till the end of May

collecting data on actual distribution of feeding areas from the satellite data (GIS)

research on main known and historical breeding areas of Aquila clanga – it will include main biotopes – open pea bogs - sedge communities, semi-natural and natural, hay meadows – transformed

The zoological research will cover the following research plots:

Conservation Area Ciszewo Piekielne Wrota, 300 ha

Conservation Area Kopytkowo Dolistowo 300ha, Polkowo 200ha

Conservation Area Kapice Goniądz 100 ha


Conservation Area Werykle Olszowa Droga 100 ha, Koźli Rynek 100 ha

Conservation Area Brzeziny Zajki 100 ha

Conservation Areas Werykle, Samęciński Site (mixed pair)

Conservation Area Kapiceand Polkowo

Reasons why this action is necessary: Aquila clanga hunting patterns and its habitat needs are still poorly known and insufficiently understood. Up-to-date information comes from occasional observations in the fields. So far no systematic research has been done. Gathering and systematisation of data on hunting parameters such as vegetation, prey availability, prey preferences, optimum water levels have crucial significance for conscious site management in view of the Aquila clanga needs. Basing on such information it will be possible to prepare management plan for its hunting sites, as it is obvious that in order to efficiently protect the species, this species’ sites have to be protected first of all. 4x4 car will be used primarily in the project area, especially for scientific and conservation expeditions, in tough terrain and conditions. This Action will indirectly address threats 3, 4, 5. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO. Especially trained fieldworkers will be subcontracted. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): All hunting & nesting sites monitored and suitable reports produced. Car purchased. Total area concerned – c. 60.000ha. ACTION A.14: Name of action: Research on the movements and activity of Aquila clanga using GPS-Satellite-Telemetry (fitting minimum 12 birds within the Project). Description (what, how, where and when): Fitting minimum 16 birds with teletransmitters (type: Argos/GPS 30g). Gathering data during a period of minimum 3 years of the Project duration via satellite. Birds to be fitted with transmitters will be from the Biebrza population. The operation of seizing the birds, fitting transmitters and analysing of the data will be done by the Project staff (KOO). To realise this part of the project, it will be necessary to purchase access to satellite data transmissions, equipment to catch adult Aquila clanga , two computer sets and specialised software, e.g. ArcGIS. We will also use data gathered by the Eagles Protection Committee during the years 1993-2008. Detailed maps will be drawn of each bird’s territory using telemetry data. Analysis of all data gathered will be made with cross-references to other data obtained during this Project (quality of territories, water distribution, human influences). To realise this part of the Project, 6 ornithologists from the Eagles Protection Committee will be involved, each of them with previous experience in birds telemetry. The telemetry monitoring will be operating in both Polish breeding sites and Turing migration. In Poland data will be collected every hour from dawn to dusk. During migration, data will be collected minimum twice daily, so we can establish where the birds are. The telemetry monitoring during migration will be of particular importance in view of planning measures of protection of the species on international scale. Within the whole span of the Project minimum 16 birds will be fitted with telemetry equipment.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/14 Reasons why this action is necessary: Aquila clanga habits and life patterns including movements in the breeding sites as well as winter migration are poorly known or understood. Research on its activity based on traditional methods (visual observation) is practically impossible. This is partially due to Aquila clanga being a very shy species easy to frighten. One of the specific difficulties is the usual impossibility to distinguish Aquila clanga in the field. In the circumstances more sophisticated methods need to be employed like research using satellite monitoring. This method will enable us to constantly monitor birds fitted with transmitters providing information on both local movements as well as long-distance migration. Such information will be of crucial importance in planning conservation activities at both national and international level. Detailed recognition of all feeding behaviour will be crucial in nominating and choosing areas of prior importance for the conservation of AQC. For such areas, detailed analysis will be made of current habitat conditions and water distribution and we will make conservation recommendations. Comparison of habitats conditions and sizes of hunting areas will provide scientific basis on which to define factors limiting survival of Aquila clanga in Poland. The purchase of equipment and specialist software is necessary for gathering and analysing data in this part of the Project. Subcontracting such services would involve much larger costs and would make those involved in the Project dependable on the outside entity. Also, final results would be more difficult to control/monitor. This Action will indirectly address threats 3-6. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): 12 birds fitted with teletransmitters; appropriate reports produced. ACTION A.15: Name of action: Hydrological expertise end evaluation Description (what, how, where and when): Main aims of the evaluation will be to recognise actual water conditions in areas with Aquila clanga, to determine the extent of water management considering habitat needs of Aquila clanga, to identify areas where water retention should be increased, to propose the most efficient methods of water management and water retention including identifying appropriate methods and hydrotechnical infrastucture. The evaluation will include digital terrain model, numerical coverage map, orthophotos, satellite images in the infrared Reasons why this action is necessary: Restoration of adequate water conditions is one of the key elements of reconstruction of habitats and feeding areas of Aquila clanga. The hydrological expertise made within the Project will allow accurate recognition of water conditions prevailing in the areas of Aquila clanga. It will also allow to designate areas and propose the best methods of restoring wetlands. The measures for preserving wetland habitats and feeding grounds are a "High" priority in the document European Union Action Plans for 8 Priority Species of Birds - Greater Spotted Eagle. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Hydrological report/expertise prepared as base for further conservation action and strategic management planning. The total area concerned – c. 4000ha.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/15 ACTION A.16: Name of action: Botanical expertise Description (what, how, where and when): The botanical study of the process of plant succession and overgrowth of open spaces in the area of occurrence of Aquila clanga. The development of analytical study to trace the changes in non-forest plants, mapping of succession of light seed species of trees and shrubs at open areas in recent decades, an indication of how to stem the succession of woody plants. The researches will be conducted on at least 10 plots of c. 100ha each. The data will be introduced and integrated into the bulk of the database project (GIS). The actions 13 and 16 will relate to botanical and zoological research which will deliver data on key habitat conditions in relation to plant cover and prey availability. Both botanists and zoologists selected some sample plots of the size 100 - 300 ha. The obtained data will be integrated into one GIS data base, developed according to recommendations of the INSPIRE Directive and accompanying instructions. More detailed description of the research is as follows: The botanical research carried out within the project will comprise the following activities:

preparation of phytosociological images

preparation of a map of actual flora

analysis of changes in plant cover area in the recent 20 years

preparation of an inventory of rare and threatened plants in research areas The botanical research will cover the following research plots:

Conservation Area Ciszewo Piekielne Wrota 100 ha, Osowe Grzędy 100ha

Conservation Area Kopytkowo Dolistowo 100 ha, Polkowo 100 ha

Conservation Area Dybła 100 ha, Płochowo 100 ha

Conservation Area Werykle Orli Grąd 100 ha, Koźli Rynek 100 ha

Conservation Area Tajno Tajno 100 ha

Conservation Area Brzeziny Zajki 100 ha

Reasons why this action is necessary: Open habitats used as hunting licences (in particular, wet meadows) appear to be of strategic importance to the Aquila clanga - especially during the breeding season. Botanical expertise in the dynamic changes (including changes depending on the level of moisture) will form the basis for the active protection actions in the planned National Protection Plan for Aquila clanga. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Botanical report/expertise prepared as one of the basic elements for further conservation action and strategic management planning. ACTION A.17: Name of action: Outer habitat expertise Description (what, how, where and when):


The study on the potential habitat outside the current prevalence of Aquila clanga. Historical analysis will be carried out to define areas of Aquila clanga occurrence in Poland. In particular, any likely causes of the withdrawal of the species will be analysed, and the state of habitats outside of Biebrza Valley for the time being - in particular in terms of their potential re-colonisation. The document will respond to the question whether there is a chance of return of Aquila clanga to parts of previously inhabited areas (eg Polesie Lubelskie) and what conditions would have to be met in order to achieve this objective. An additional advantage at this stage will be establishing inter-regional cooperation. The task will be performed by a team of members of the Eagles Protection Committee (KOO). Reasons why this action is necessary: National Protection Plan will target not only the securing of Aquila clanga population at its current level, but also creating the right conditions for its growth - and hence the return to at least some of its the former sites. A study is needed to investigate whether it is still possible (in other words, whether there are suitable areas?). Such study will also indicate what action should be taken to that end. The additional advantage at this stage will be establishing inter-regional cooperation and the promotion of Aquila clanga conservation. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): The fully valuable study on the potential habitat outside the current prevalence of Aquila clanga in Poland prepared. ACTION A.18: Name of action: AQC Data Base Description (what, how, where and when): The establishment and support of a database which consolidates data collected during the execution of the Project will make it possible to formulate scientific proposals for the relationship between habitats preferences of Aquila Clanga and a group of the most important environmental factors, intensity of the threats, etc. The database is scheduled to contain all the information collected during the Project to make it possible to analyze the potential impact on the population and the presence of Aquila clanga. Of greatest value in this regard will be information developed in the form of a defined Grid (spatial intensity of the features of the habitat or the intensity of a phenomenon). Therefore, most data will be collected in a uniform pre-defined surface grid. The creation of the database will be entrusted to experienced professionals. Further servicing of the database, including further input of data (both archival and collected in the project) will be dealt with by an employed IT professional, trained in the handling of GIS software. Two members of the Project team will also take part in the training in the use of GIS System. One of the main idea behind collecting, analyzing and publishing GIS data is to establish a data base which will meet all the criteria listed in the INSPIRE Directive and accompanying technical specifications. In order to achieve that the data base and a monitoring system, resulting from the project, will be developed with a help of Polish specialists who have already tested the INSPIRE initiative. In order to achieve that, some preliminary agreements have been already made with specialists from Państowy Insytut Geologiczny (Polish Geological Institute [PGI]) in Warsaw on possible cooperation on designing data base and monitoring system for the purpose of the project. If the GSE project is finally accepted and agreement with the EU Commission, we will contact PGI to set a formal cooperation.


Reasons why this action is necessary: Developing a conservation plan for Aquila clanga is only possible on the basis of statistically proven tests of relevance of individual features of the habitat and / or species. Simply gathering the information is a preliminary phase of the preparation of the Plan and will provide materials necessary to formulate conclusions which should be undeniable from the scientific point of view. This requires the establishment of a professional database processing the information and enabling the cross-correlation analysis of individual stocks. Training of an IT specialist plus 2 additional persons from the project team in the use of the GIS system will ensure sustainability of maintenance of the database also in emergency/unforeseen situations and thus protect the project against the need to purchase expensive external services. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible): AQC Data Base set up and operating. ACTION A.19: Name of action: Preparing tender documents and carrying out the tender Description (what, how, where and when): We will prepare and carry out tenders in connection with: preparation of data base, hydrological report, legal and administrative report to make inventory and purchase land considered vital for Aquila clanga active protection, publishing of the monograph. Reasons why this action is necessary: The obligation to make tenders arises directly from Polish law and therefore it will be compulsory for us to put the above mentioned work out to tenders. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): 9 different set of documents – for: hydrological expertise, botanical expertise, ground purchase feasibility study, weir documentation, weir building, telemetry equipment, AQC conservation book composition and printing, AQC Data base, office adaptation, ACTION A.20: Name of action: Ensure efficient networking with other projects and initiatives. Description (what, how, where and when): Under this action, the project team will ensure the contact and cooperation with similar nature conservation initiatives and institutions, as well as with initiatives in other areas relevant to the conservation of Aquila clanga. Close cooperation will be established with the management teams of national and international Aquila clanga conservation related projects, both in Poland and in other targeted countries. Interested parties will be invited to task force visits or best practice workshops. This will ensure optimal networking and knowledge exchange with all initiatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations for the conservation of the species. On the other hand, a number of site visits will be made by project management staff to Aquila clanga range countries. Especially strong ties are

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1a/18 envisaged with neighbouring Belarus which houses over 200 Aquila clanga breeding pairs, and where the protection initiatives are already implemented by APB-BirdLife Belarus. The project will also closely cooperate with other, non species focused initiatives affecting Aquila clanga conservation, e.g. the Acrocephalus paludicola LIFE project. Also, the activities of initiatives and projects, which could potentially be harmful to the conservation of the target species of this project, will be closely followed. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): The concept behind the networking activities described above is to ensure, that the existing network of conservationists and scientists will be further developed, and that the network of sites for Aquila clanga is connected, and protected in the long term and in the most effective way possible. This will be achieved by encouraging site managers and specialists (experts from partners and external organisations) to work together to ensure that the science, ecology, land management and site protection issues are addressed appropriately within the project, and to see that the actions meet technical objectives for Aquila clanga. The action will help to address Threats 2, 3, 4, 5 by sharing information about how to manage each site to produce optimal conditions for Aquila clanga. Efficient coordination and networking will allow evaluating of activities of third parities, which are likely to have a negative impact on the sites/species targeted in the project. This is important for successful project implementation as well as fulfil requirements of Article 31 of the Specific Provisions for Life-Nature projects. Contacts with other projects will enable information to be disseminated between projects and will increase the profile of each of the projects involved. This will help to address Threat 1 informing a wider range of people about the work of the project. This Action will address Beneficiaries’ obligation to share freely the know-how necessary for the implementation of the project under articles 4.10 and 5.7 of the Standard Administrative Provisions. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Key representatives of other species related activities involved in species management plan development. Representatives from other related conservation initiatives participate in best practice and final conferences. Know-how exchange visits and workshops. ACTION A.21: Name of action: Weirs technical project

Description (what, how, where and when): 4 different technical designs of weirs will be prepared for 4 different places. These will be specific, detailed projects including 4 documentation sets consisting of concrete technical solutions and legal paperwork (planning permissions). Reasons why this action is necessary: One of the conservations aims is raising water table levels to restore and maintain good quality breeding and hunting sites. In order to do this we need special constructions namely weirs which can be constructed only on the basis of specific engineer’s plans. Also, in accordance with the Polish law, planning permissions are needed which will be included in these contracted projects. The preparation of additional documents, legally required, has been planned and budgeted within the Action A19


Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): 4 projects ready with 4 complete documentation sets ready ACTION A.22: Name of action: AQC office adaptation Description (what, how, where and when): Property in Goniadz leased by the Beneficiary will be adapted for an office of the project. Positioning of the office in direct proximity of the main local stronghold of the Aquila clanga is extremely convenient from the logistics point of view. Additionally, Goniadz is regarded as the ‘capital village’ of the Biebrza Valley which makes this position advantageous from the point of view of project transportation and also regarding the PR/social accessibility. The office adaptation will be completed during the first quarter of the project duration. The office will consist of the ‘true office’ desk zone and a small accommodation area for the project staff, especially the scientific staff. Reasons why this action is necessary: Aquila clanga office will make us fully independent in terms of office and partly other accommodation. This is especially important from the point of view of this part of the project staff whose work will be concentrated during the breeding season when work will be undertaken over very long stretches of time. Moreover, the main scientific specialists will travel from Poznań, the distance being 491 km. An alternative solution will be to rent offices which over the period of three years would prove impracticable and expensive. In the form planned above (adaptation), the office will be one of the elements of the project’s stability and possible continuity. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible): AQC office set up and operating

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1b B.Purchase/lease of land and/or compensation payments for use rights

For each action or set of actions specify the following: ACTION B.1: name of the action Description (what, how, where and when): Reasons why this action is necessary:

Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Expected results (quantitative information needed):

N/A

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1c/1 C.Concrete conservation actions

For C actions see maps in annex

ACTION C.1: Name of action: Restore preferred hunting grounds by removal of young trees and bushes on abandoned meadows. Description (what, how, where and when): Trees and scrub will be removed from the Aquila clanga favourite foraging sites using hand tools (axe or chain saw) or a machine (installed on a tractor) depending on the thickness of the wooden vegetation. The shrub cutting and removal will be carried out in autumn and winter in order to avoid disturbance and minimise potential damage to animals and plants and when the soil is dry or frozen to allow access of the machines with the smallest possible impact on the soil. Trees and scrub removing will be executed at the potential hunting areas. Most of them were abandoned for already several decades and are now completely overgrown by bushes and trees. Where feasible, it is planned that some labour intensive works will be implemented with assistance of BNP volunteers or subcontracted to local people, involving them in active nature conservation. The action will be executed only once at each plot. To prevent trees and scrub re-growth the sites will be mowed systematically in there after. This action concerns grounds in within BNP and in the area of BNP Buffer Zone if necessary. The action will be perfomed within the Annex I habitats: 6410, 6510, 7110, 7140, 91D0, 91E0, 9170 that have been overgrown with young trees and bushes. Removal of trees and bushes will not deteriorate the habitats as the action area is located on semi-natural humid meadows abandoned and not used for many years. The action is meant to enlarge the hunting grounds for AQC and improve the habitat conditions in overgowing semi-natural meadows. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the species / habitat(s) / biodiversity issue(s) targeted): For hunting Aquila clanga avoids sites with a significant proportion of scrub and trees. Since the majority of the sites have sufferred from degraded water regimes, they are often too dry and the invasion of trees and bushes is very rapid. It is likely that the species rapidly reclaims suitable, but overgrown habitat as soon as the wooden vegetation has been removed. At the moment, there is no efficient natural way to reverse establishment of shrub and woodland. Reversal requires browsers and intermediate feeders (Beaver, Elk, Red deer), cutting or abiotic disturbance (fire), of which cutting is the only feasible tool for the site in question. Once cleared from hard scrub and vegetation, the site will be maintained open by appropriate water management, regular mowing (or grazing). This activity therefore addresses threat 3 by increasing the surface of suitable hunting sites. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Aquila clanga hunting sites restored in the area of 500 hectares. ACTION C.2: Name of action: Building of weirs in order to ameliorate the water conditions (to maintain water level) at both nest and foraging sites.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1c/2 Description (what, how, where and when): It is necessary to stop the escape of water from the foraging and particularly breeding sites, especially for those which now are situated on lands which had been earlier partly drained. Specific hydrological restoration programme will be evaluated for all breeding and main hunting sites of Aquila clanga within the Project site within Action 16, 22. The action will affect the Annex I habitats: 6410, 6510, 7110, 7140, 91D0, 91E0 and 9170. It must be remembered, however, that the action is meant to improve hydrological conditions of the mentioned habitats to restore and maintain habitats necessary to hold the AQC population. The affected habitats will benefit from this actions as all of them require a raised water level. There will be 4 weirs created by the Action C2 in following localities: Białogrądy, Przechody, Modzelowka, Mogielnica/Jaziewianka. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the species / habitat(s) / biodiversity issue(s) targeted): It is known that nests of Aquila clanga built in flooded forests become especially exposed to mammalian predation and human activities when these forests dry out as the breeding season progresses. Especially endangered are nests in forests which have been partly meliorated in the past and where the drainage infrastructure still works. The prevention of water escape will result in the breeding sites being hardly accessible for bigger mammals, in particular Pine Marten, and humans. Consequently Aquila clanga breeds will be much safer. Additionally dryer habitats promote mixed couples with Aquila pomarina, which prefers more arid terrains. The same holds for hunting habits and habitats. This activity helps to overcome threats 4, 5. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): The level of water in breeding areas maintained until complex hydrological restoration is implemented.

ACTION C.3: Name of action: Build artificial nests. Description (what, how, where and when): 30 artificial nesting platforms will be produced and erected in the wet forests in actual nesting areas or potentially suitable sites. It has been observed that Aquila clanga takes advantage of such places. Therefore it is expected that such action will result in the rise in number of nesting pairs and consequently the number of annual offspring. The specific trees will be indicated for the construction of platforms. The platforms will be especially designed and made for this purpose. This action will be implemented within the Annex I habitat type: 91D0 * Bog woodland. The action, however, will not affect negatively the habitat as will not be connected with tree removal or vegetation deterioration. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the species / habitat(s) / biodiversity issue(s) targeted):

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1c/3 The number of natural suitable nesting sites for Aquila clanga remains a problem. This bird needs large mature trees as it has already been mentioned above. Because of lack of enough suitable natural sites, the need arises to create artificial nesting conditions. This activity helps to overcome threats 4. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): At least 30 artificial nesting platforms will be placed in the actual or potential Aquila clanga nesting sites. ACTION C.4: Name of action: Spray nesting and neighbouring trees with deterrent chemicals. Description (what, how, where and when): Each trunk of a tree supporting an Aquila clanga nest (whether active or not) and the neighbouring trees will be sprayed with a deterrent to prevent mammalian predation, especially martin. The action will take place at the beginning of nesting season. Chemical deterrents will be safe for animals and plants. This action concerns nesting sites in within BNP and anywhere outside if necessary. In total 60l will be used within the Project duration. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the species / habitat(s) / biodiversity issue(s) targeted): It is known that the Aquila clanga nests with eggs or chicks are in danger of attack of climbing mammals especially marten. Marten also uses Aquila clanga nests as roosting sites. Because this mammal climbs trees very well, it is necessary to not only protect the tree with the nest but also neighbouring trees from which it could access the nest. From earlier observation it is evident that the chemical deterrents as well as high level of water in forests can efficiently prevent martens’ attacks. This activity helps to overcome threats 5. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible): All trees holding nests protected with metal collar along with the chemical repellent on such trees and on the neighbouring trees; consequently elimination of mammalian predation. ACTION C.5: Name of action: Control all nest sites in order to provide security and eliminate disturbance during the breeding season including installation of CCTV cameras at two most risky nests. Description (what, how, where and when): All birds and nesting sites will be monitored and controlled during the nesting season, i.e. from laying eggs till fledging of offspring. This action concerns nesting sites in within BNP and anywhere outside if necessary. The actions will be carried out by especially trained subcontractors and National Park rangers. In addition two most endangered nests will be controlled using CCTV cameras. These will be the nests which, because of their location, have suffered from the hands of people. Some of other nests will be equipped with dummy cameras. Information on monitoring will be displayed on sign boards. Monitoring will be carried out throughout the breeding season, i.e. April to September 2010 - 12. The cameras will provide material which has so far been unavailable and which may prove very important

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1c/4 for the purposes of this Project. It will provide crucial knowledge about not yet fully recognised and endangered species, its behaviour and biology. The sites where the CCTV cameras are to be installed on nests are within both the SPA concerned and the Biebrza National Park. The relevant equipment will be placed in the wood called Uroczysko Smęciski (Obwod Ochronny Werykle) and either in the vicinity of the village Kapice or Polkowo depending on which localisation is occupied by a breeding pair. See also: LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- AQC Plan, Activity Map 5, MAP 2.1., Location of planned D-Activities & AQC Office. (Action C5) The planned location is based on the historically justified assumptions about occupancy of the nests in especially vulnerable nesting sites. However in the following seasons the location of active nests may change. If this is the case the location of CCTV surveillance & monitoring system will be adjusted accordingly. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the species / habitat(s) / biodiversity issue(s) targeted): One of the most characteristic features of Aquila clanga is the high sensitivity to disturbance both in nesting and hunting sites. The former are particularly important because birds easily abandon their nests when disturbed by people or animals. Birds which have been frightened leave nests for a long time; such abandoned nests often suffer from different predator agents. In such circumstances both eggs and chicks are lost. This causes already low productivity to drop down even further. The cameras themselves are not invasive. Because Aquila clanga is a very shy bird, cameras observation is ideal and avoids the danger of discouraging birds from returning to their nests. At the same time, it allows for a very efficient monitoring with birds behaving naturally. Cameras will allow to register lives of all family members, including their nest customs, roles, feeding, timing of activities etc. Discreet monitoring / control of nesting sites will not have negative affect on birds whilst it can prevent human penetration and potential predators dangers, especially marten and eagle owl. Additionally live images from cameras will be available on the Project’s website which will be an additional attraction for many. This activity helps to overcome threat 4. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Controlling and CCTV monitoring will be partially subcontracted. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Monitoring and control of all nests during nesting season; CCTV cameras installed et 2 nests (region of Kapice and Woznawieś) decrease in disturbance and predation and potential poaching; consequently breeding success much better. ACTION C.6: Name of action: Mow previously abandoned meadows in Aquila clanga sites. Description (what, how, where and when): In order to restore the appropriate value of the hunting area for Aquila clanga it is necessary to mow recently abandoned meadows. This action will be performed in areas which are managed by the National Park: mainly patches of land in places such as Grzędy, Ciszewo, Kapice, Brzeziny, Werykle. Principally this will be made using the handcraft and a special equipment suitable for that kind of terrain – mainly wet meadows of a fragile soil neither accessible nor irresistible for a heavy machinery. Additionally to that one-off action, a mowing set will be purchased - 1 tractor, 1 trailer, 1 mower, 1 press to carry on all current actions for the lower scale where possible (e.g. on numerous, easily accessible patches of meadows used by Aquila clanga as hunting sites). This equipment will be continually used for the same propose after the Project. It will than to ensure systematic mowing in order to maintain the AQC-like value of the hunting sites. This solution will make us independent of the outside contractors and is cheaper in view of the 3 year project span and its further life. This activity

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1c/5 helps to overcome threat 3. The equipment will be used also for the Action C.6. The set will be purchased and maintain by Polish Birds. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the species / habitat(s) / biodiversity issue(s) targeted): In the Biebrza Valley there are large areas of meadows which due to abandonment by their owners have become overgrown reeds and young bushes. These areas have become useless as potential hunting fields in spite of their optimal localisation. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Aquila clanga hunting sites restored and sustained in the area of at least 1000ha.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/1 D.Public awareness and dissemination of results

For each action or set of actions specify the following:

ACTION D.1: Name of action: Initiate international cooperation and organise exchange visits with other Aquila clanga conservation works (especially neighbouring Kaliningrad, Germany, Belarus, Estonia, Ukraine). Description (what, how, where and when): All initiatives and actions in favour of Aquila clanga will be recognised and contacted. Cooperation on the species protection will be initiated. Special attention will be paid to actions in the neighbouring countries. The aim is to exchange knowledge and experience. This will be made possible by organising exchange visits in order to work together with conservationists from other relevant countries/European regions. Such events would take place in Poland/BNP (1 - 2010), Estonia (1 - 2010), in Belarus (1 - 2011), Ukraine (1 - 2012). Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Aquila clanga is one of the least known eagle species. Very few conservation or research initiatives have been undertaken before. This is why only scarce information is available on the biology and habits of the species. Lack of such information makes it very difficult to undertake reasonable conservation or protection activities. The gathering of sufficient information and exchange of experiences with other Aquila clanga conservation initiatives, especially from the neighbouring countries has crucial meaning for both local and European conservation strategy. This activity helps to overcome threat 1 and targets scientists and conservationists in particular. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: all Partners. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Effective cooperation and exchange of experiences on the international level with special attention on the neighbouring countries which will enable consistent and complex conservation of the species at the international and not only national level. 4 interregional exchange visits / workshop sessions. ACTION D.2: Name of action: Organise international Workshops/Conference to promote best practice and communicate project’s scientific results. Description (what, how, where and when): Two best practice workshops will be held during the project – after the 2nd nesting season (autumn 2011) and in the end of the Project (2012). The aim of the workshops will be to discuss practical aspects of Aquila clanga conservation: habitat management techniques, census and ringing methods, achievements and lessons learned, etc. Each workshop will have a specific topic, to tackle the most acute difficulties faced by project Partners to promote best practice. All findings and recommendations will be presented and discussed at the workshops. Representatives of other interested parties will also be invited to the workshops so that they may exchange ideas. Proceedings of the best practice workshops will be produced and circulated among project staff and other interested parties. The proceedings will also be available from the web. At the end of the project, a larger scale international conference will be held at Biebrza NP. The aim of the conference will be to summarize the outcomes of the project, present findings and best practices to a wider

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/2 audience of conservationists, share project know-how and discuss experiences made during the project. The conference will focus on practical aspects of Aquila clanga conservation and related issues. It will also bring together Aquila clanga conservation specialists from different countries together to share their own experience in practical conservation of the species and its habitats. A follow up plan developed by the project team will be presented to the participants of the conference and discussed. Materials of the conference with addition of practical materials form the best practice workshops will be restructured and published as “Greater Spotted Eagle conservation handbook”. The book will also include management planning guidelines. The conservation handbook will be distributed widely amongst interested audience. It is noted here, that under the Standard Administrative Provisions, the Beneficiary and Partners are under obligations to inform the Commission of, and invite it to, all seminars and public conferences organized in the framework of the project at least three weeks in advance of the event. The planned AQC conservation book is aiming to operate as a special promotion & education tool. According to our initial vision it is meant to be offered to the decision makers, wide range of stakeholders, administration, scientists, some schools and libraries, media people, special guests or supporters etc. The book would be dispersed through 3 internal channels meaning Project’s Partners and some external ones such as the Minister, Regional and Local Administration. Thus, the book won’t be sold or generate any income.

Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): The best-practice workshops, the final conference and the workshop materials will ensure exchange of know-how, new ideas and solutions to the problems among Project partners. This will raise experience of specialists working at each site helping to address threat 1. It will also help to disseminate information about the project development and strengthen cooperation among Partners, creating a coordinated approach to Aquila clanga conservation in the project range, addressing Threat 2.This action will also address the obligation of the Beneficiary and the Partners to share freely the knowledge necessary for the implementation of the project (Articles 4.10 and 5.7 of Standard Administrative Provisions). It could also lead to preparation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Concerning Conservation Measures for the Aquila clanga under the UN Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), addressing Article 4 of the MoU. This activity targets wider public if possible and scientists and conservationists in particular. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Two best practice workshops held, with up to 200 guests. Materials from each workshop analyzed and published as reports and on the project web-site. The final conference held not later than 3 months prior to the end of the project. The conference will be attended by representatives of key conservation organization from the species’ range countries. The materials of the conference will be summarized and published in the form of “Greater Spotted Eagle conservation handbook”. ACTION D.3: Name of action: Erect LIFE information signs about Aquila clanga species and the project - including warning signs about CCTV cameras in strategic places.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/3 Description (what, how, where and when): Erect and maintain several information signs (including information boards) at strategic points of project sites. 3 Boards will be located at strategic and appropriate places accessible and visible to the public at the earliest of the Project time span. The number of information signs to be erected will be based on the actual “Aquila clanga spots” and on number of access points. All signs will have similar design, which is to be worked out, bearing the LIFE+ logo and Project Partner’s logos. As the project implementation proceeds, the signs will be updated, giving the information about the species, about the stage of implementation of the project, and warning about camera monitoring system to prevent any malicious damage. This project task will be managed by the project management team. The Beneficiary, as an environmentally aware organization, will do its utmost to produce all items in an environmentally sensitive manner as a matter of normal procedure. While the signs will be designed and produced centrally, the project manager will be responsible for the erection of the signs. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): The action will address Threat 2. by raising public awareness. The information signs will inform the general public of the nature of the project and will also fulfil the requirements of the Standard Provisions concerning publicity of Community support. This activity targets local as well as general public. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds The production and erection of information boards will be subcontracted, while the design and the transportation of the signs will be done by the management team. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) 3 information boards (in Osowiec, Kapice, Grzędy) and several information signs produced, erected and maintained at project sites including 2 warning/informing signs related to the CCTV monitoring. ACTION D.4: Name of action: Develop and maintain a project web site. Description (what, how, where and when): A project web-site will be designed, set up and maintained. It will be incorporated into the Beneficiary’s own domain (ptakipolskie.pl). The project’s webmaster will call upon the project partners’ knowledge and input to maximise benefits from the development and use of the website. The web site will include key outputs of the project, e.g. proceedings of the best-practice conferences, site visits of the Technical Task Force, monitoring reports, the Layman’s report, and other documents as specified in the descriptions of the relevant actions. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): The web site will effectively promote awareness of the objectives and activities of the project and help to disseminate project results as work progresses. The web site will facilitate sharing information with wider public, thus helping to address Threat 2. It will also provide an opportunity to make contact and exchange information with other groups working on conservation of Aquila clanga and other associated biodiversity across Europe. The production of a web-site will fulfil the requirements under Article 11 of the LIFE standard administrative provisions which states that the beneficiary is under the obligation to create or use an existing web site for the dissemination of project results and include a layman’s report. This activity targets the general public.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/4 Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds The development of the website will be subcontracted. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Web site set up and maintained. The content is amended basing on the intensity of project events but at least once a month. Key outputs of the project available on the web. ACTION D.5: Name of action: Generate general Project branding materials. Description (what, how and where): Creation of consistent visual identification system for the Project which will be used on all information, educational, promotional and advertising materials – from Project letterhead to the EU LIFE & Project logo. The visual identification system will be created by a subcontracted art designer Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): According to the Life Commission rules and for PR and information purposes it is necessary to prepare consistent visualisation for the Project. Specific logotype, letter head and other branding features will be designed especially for the Project. This will guarantee better recognition and therefore much better efficiency of educational and media impact. It will also ensure that on all Project documentation Life / EU logo will be present. This activity helps to overcome threat 2. This activity targets the general public. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds The creation of the Project brand will be subcontracted. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Consistent visual identification system (including logo and the whole lay-out) will be created which will guarantee the Project and Life / EU full public recognition. ACTION D.6: Name of action: Issue media releases and organise press conferences. Description (what, how, where and when): A centrally co-ordinated approach will be taken for media work, with a national or local and specialist perspective taken where it is felt more appropriate. Press releases will be circulated to local and national newspapers to promote awareness of the (inter)national importance of the project and species itself. The press releases will also provide information on the objectives and ongoing progress of the project. Additional material will be published in partner membership magazines and in other relevant publications as appropriate. Specific press events are planned to be held in BNP and possibly in Warsaw, ideally combined with the Project Steering Group meetings. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): This action will assist in raising public awareness through spreading information about the project and its target species. This activity helps to overcome threat 2 and targets the whole public.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/5 Responsible for implementing it: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible) At least 2 media releases per year produced in Poland. 2 central press conferences in Warsaw or Osowiec (BNP), and 2 press trips to the project site for the national and international press organized. At least 5 articles annually in Polish newspapers (Gazeta Wyborcza, National Geographic, Ptaki Polskie, Przyroda Polska, Salamandra, Woliera, Echa Leśne, Dzikie Życie), features in TV3, Radio TOK FM (at least 3 issues), Polish National Radio, and in internal BirdLife publications. ACTION D.7: Name of action: Raise awareness and provide general information for interested parties and wide audience about the species & project using a range of means and information materials – with a special attention on the local farmers and government Description (what, how, where and when): A coordinated approach to developing and disseminating information and messages about the project and its purpose will be implemented. All items will be developed and managed centrally under the direction of the Project Steering Group. Key component items are as follows: 1.Production of project leaflet with site specific inserts - A leaflet will be produced to describe

the species and the key objectives and activities of the project. The leaflet will bear the project title and the logos of the EU LIFE programme and the Partner organisations. Site-specific insert will be created to provide information to local visitors and interested parties. Leaflets will be available at all of the sites and will be circulated to key audiences (e.g. visitors, land owners, residents, conservation organisations, press and other media). No of copies – 4500.

2.Publication of the IT Project Newsletter – an annual newsletter will be produced to inform interested parties of progress to date, lessons learned and future actions. It will contain LIFE and Partners logos. A more regular update on the project development will be available at the project web-site.

3.Production of Aquila clanga Conservation Book which is meant to be both: reliable source of scientific/ecological facts about Aquila clanga’s life and its conservational needs, and very attractive, well photographed book accessible for any nature lover and so called wider public. The book will be an effective means of promoting the species, the idea of its protection and the project itself. No of copies – 1500.

4.The booklet for farmers and local administration - will contain 3 different kinds of information: 1. How to farm in a nature-friendly way (how to obtain grants, how to implement good farming practices); 2. What is the cultural heritage of the region – using this heritage to encourage farmers and their families to learn about and respect local wildlife; 3. Information about animal species and why individual species can play important roles in their environment. The publications will aim at increasing social awareness, especially concentrating on farmers. They will also help create wildlife-friendly and conservation-friendly attitudes. They will serve to increase social awareness as to the benefits of protecting nature and local landscape in protected areas. No of copies – 1500.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/6 5.Special calendars. We want the information to reach local people (farmers and other

stakeholders in particularly) at homes on a daily basis (thus the idea of a calendar). Farmers will learn how they can support the surrounding wildlife and wetlands (with particular emphasis on Aquila clanga). The calendar will contain useful, practical information regarding timing (and deadlines) of grants, basic legal regulations, tips on growing organic food and increasing biodiversity. There will be cooking recipes using seasonal plants (sorrel, pigweed, dandelion), the use of herbs on the farm will be encouraged. No of copies – 1500 (500 each year).

6.Project CD-ROM production – APC compatible CD ROM with multimedia presentation of the species and project and a representative selection of images from the project will be prepared. No of copies – 5000.

7.Project stickers and a project poster will be produced and disseminated. 8.Other promotional & advertising materials (bags - 2500, polo-shirts – 600, pencils – 4000,

posters – 2500, paper Project folders – 1500, roll-up – 3,). 9.A project video will be produced, to be shown in regional news. 10.A full length TV feature (minimum 50min) will be produced with the aim to reach as wider

public as possible both nationally and internationally showing the beauty of the bird, its environment and to promote the idea of its protection. The feature will be made by the currently top accredited and internationally renowned artist in this field. No of copies – 5000 (CD).

The project will make an effort to make some of educational & promotional awareness-rising materials available in two languages: Polish and English. Local people and tourists will be informed of the Project and the species by tourist guides and educational events (e.g. workshops). Project and site-specific information materials will be disseminated. Cooperation with schools will be established to give pupils the idea of importance of Aquila clanga conservation. Apart from educational work, it is a common policy of Beneficiaries to involve local people in conservation projects as much as possible. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): The planned project and the future implementation of the Plan of Species Protection are ultimately to serve to actively protect and maintain the populaton, in the longer term support the growth of the population of Aquila clanga in Poland. For this purpose, not only reliable evidence is needed to be available to researchers and policy makers, but also a source of broad knowledge and acceptance within the general public is especially desired. A monograph will meet these two goals. Good understanding of need of Aquila clanga conservation, the reasons behind and importance of the LIFE+ project by local people is crucial to the success of the project. Informing and educating local people, visitors and wide public opinion will provide support for the project. Given support from the local community and other key stakeholders the likelihood of objections to changes planned at the site will be reduced. These activities also fulfil the requirements of the EU to disseminate information about LIFE+ projects. The activities included in this action are necessary to raise public awareness and increase public support to project initiatives and the Aquila clanga species itself, hence addressing Threats 1, 2 and targeting the wide public. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds All the design and publication works will be largely subcontracted. The contents of the products will be produced by the Beneficiaries. Only a small part of the educational and promotional events will be subcontracted. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Project branding material produced and disseminated. One copy of each product attached to the technical reports and submitted to the Commission. Project related educational events organised in the site regions and possibly wider. Public attitudes towards nature protection and in particularly Aquila clanga protection improved.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/7 ACTION D.8: Name of action: Write scientific papers about monitoring results. Description (what, how, where and when): The results of the Aquila clanga monitoring will be presented not only among the local stakeholders in the Biebrza Valley area and wider public but also among specialists through scientific papers. The paper will be prepared by specialists from the KOO. The collected materials will be analysed according to standard ornithological and statistical methods. The methodology of the research and data analysis will be described in full detail to make sure that the monitoring methods are understood and be applied in other areas of Aquila clanga occurrences. Thus, the results obtained in Poland can be applied also in other regions where the species breeds. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Scientific papers are widely used among scientists and conservationists to justify proposed protection measures. Scientific papers become an important tool in preparation and implementation of projects as they provide sound science on the bird ecology and behaviour. A deep knowledge on the latter one forms a ground for effective conservation actions. This activity helps to overcome threat 1 and targets scientists and conservationists in particular.

Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Up to 3 scientific papers/year produced within the Project duration.

ACTION D.9: Name of action: Run lectures/seminars for local people. Description (what, how, where and when): Twice a year four-days workshops will be organised in the BNP headquarters and in fields. Local people will be invited along with the local government officers. The workshops will be run by the Project and BNP staff. This will be supported by giving out promotional materials and souvenirs. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Efficient realisation of the Project and conservation of Aquila clanga, like nature protection in general, is impossible without public support and understanding. The success of this Project (acceptance for the National Action Plan in particular) and many actions planned within it will only be possible with the full acceptance and involvement of the local farmers. They are the owners of many breeding and hunting sites. The only way to change or improve the attitude of the local people is to approach them directly with appropriate information and to convince them to support the Project. The best way to achieve this are workshops and seminars, i.e. actions involving direct contact with the local people. This activity helps to overcome threat 2 and targets the local public – farmers and regional administration in particular. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible)

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/8 Twice a year four-days sessions carried out (in total 24 workshops for up to 300 people during three years). Local people better informed of the Project’s purposes and supporting conservation of Aquila clanga. ACTION D.10: Name of action: Systematic briefing and close cooperation with key government stakeholders at all levels. Description (what, how, where and when): Establishing contact with key stakeholders, presentation of the Project aims and signing letters of support, in particular with Ministry of Environment / Główny Konserwator Przyrody and Wojewódzki Konserwator Przyrody. Following on will be systematic and close cooperation throughout the whole Project including briefing the key stakeholders on the progress and results of the Project. Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): The Project can be successful only when it is fully supported by the key governmental stakeholders. Their acceptance and involvement is of strategic importance and will be necessary for both formal reasons as well as promotional and lobbying reasons. Moreover without such stakeholders the realisation of the Project (approval of the National Action Plan) will not be possible. Also obtaining financial support from the sponsors would be very difficult. This activity helps to overcome threat 2 and targets both the local and national stakeholders. Responsible for implementing it: Polish Birds. Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Established cooperation with key stakeholders and their support assured by the signed letters of support. In total 45 different bodies will be systematically informed about the Project and its general aims. ACTION D.11: Name of action: Developing educational publications for local schools to promote the protection of Aquila Clanga and its habitats. Description (what, how, where and when): 40 presentations / workshops run in local schools in Biebrza Valley will be realised during the Project. This will be done by the Project and BNP staff. The workshops will be carried out in such a way that the children are fully involved also using multimedia. The additional supporting element will be the give-outs, promotional and advertising materials, educational aids. Additionally 3 different packages of promotional and educational materials for three existing levels of school education will be prepared and disseminated. These will be written by a team of teachers and conservationists, and will contain information directly connected with the Project. They will stress the importance of wetlands and water resources and will contain information about Aquila clanga in the background. These school packages will also highlight the need for sustainable growth. Each educational package will be sufficient for 10 hours of classroom study and will contain: synopsis of classroom activities, synopsis of field classes, tables of pictures of the most popular flora and fauna connected with wetlands and a table devoted especially to Aquila clanga. There will also be a booklet titled “I too can protect Greater Spotted Eagle”. The educational packages will also contain rules and questions being part of the competition “Greater Spotted Eagles of the Biebrza Valley”. The competition

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/9 details and questions will also be available on the internet. All of the promotional materials will obviously carry the logo of the Project and the LIFE+. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Public awareness and building positive attitude towards nature protection and in particular the conservation of Aquila clanga is of strategic importance for the Project. Therefore of crucial importance is the attitude of the children and the young. By providing information on nature protection they can be educated in the spirit of respect for nature. Our aim is to educate the children and through the education of the children to positively influence the attitude of their parents. Although not directly connected with the Aquila clanga protection this action will be of strategic value and without doubt is one of the most important in this project. These educational materials will improve the level of awareness among school children about the issues addressed by the Project. The importance of educating children cannot be exaggerated – the additional benefit will be the transmission of ideas, information and awareness through the children into their families and neighbours. This activity helps to overcome threat 2 and directly targets the youth in the region. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP

Expected results (quantitative information when possible) 3 different packages of educational materials/lessons conspectus for 10 hours of classroom study, for three existing levels of school education will be prepared and disseminated in schools in the region. 40 workshops run for at least 1500 school children within the Project duration. Advertising materials promoting the Project and Life Foundation. Improved young people attitude supporting nature conservation in general and Aquila clanga in particular. ACTION D.12: Name of action: Show one Aquila clanga nest via CCTV/web-cameras in the BNP education centre, AQC Office and on the Project web site. Description (what, how, where and when): Two of the Aquila clanga nests will be under constant monitoring beginning when the birds come back from winter sites and ending when the offspring leave the nest. All the birds’ activities in the nest will be shown in real time directly in the BNP education centre and on the Aquila clanga project web site. This will be repeated during three subsequent breeding seasons which will cover the overall time of the project duration. All material will be recorded and filed in archives for possible later shows or analyses. Recording and transmission will be possible because of special equipment such as batteries and solar panels. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Aquila clanga is not only one of the rarest but also one of the least known bird species in the world. However it is a very handsome and interesting bird which can be very attractive to wider public. Modern technology enables us to promote nature and individual species of animals. In this case, there appears an opportunity to join promotion of the species of Aquila clanga with the promotion of the Life Foundation. Because live images seem to be the most involving medium for most people, it can be expected that such a form of promotion and education can easily get through to an average member of the public. Improved level of nature conservation awareness and knowledge about the need to preserve endangered species, particularly Aquila clanga. This activity helps to overcome threat 2 and targets the whole public. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO The technical installation and the website design and maintenance will be subcontracted.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/10 Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Aquila clanga nests will be shown “live” in the BNP education centre and AQC Office and on the Project web site and improved level of nature awareness especially of the Aquila clanga protection needs. ACTION D.13: Name of action: Inform foresters of the location of nest sites outside BNP (BNP buffer zone or anywhere else) in order to avoid disturbance. Description (what, how, where and when): According to the Polish nature protection law all nests of Aquila clanga must be strictly protected by establishing a zone around the nest. Within the zone any human activity (including forestry works) is not allowed. Thus, the zone plays a role of a miniature strict reserve and provides the species with a safe and undisturbed breeding site. The foresters will be informed of every nest found within their administrative units and protection zones around nests will be established in cooperation with them and the regional nature conservation office. The foresters will be also informed on the project purpose to provide effective implementation of protection measures for the species. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Greater Spotted Eagle is one of the rarest eagles nesting in Poland. Thus, every single nest must be protected to maintain the population at the present level and provide its increase in the future. This activity helps to overcome threat 2-5. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Local foresters informed about localisation of Aquila clanga nests and about the value of the species itself – once a year at the opening of breeding season. All nesting sites protected. ACTION D.14: Name of action: Run training workshops for BNP rangers, other staff and foresters to enable them to prevent potential poaching and disturbance. Description (what, how, where and when): Annual training session (before each breeding season) for BNP rangers and other BNP staff at the beginning of each breeding season the purpose of which will be to inform such staff about the Project and about the species. Consequently such training is to increase their sensitivity and positively affect their attitude in order to ensure their efficiency in protection of the species against potential poaching or human disturbance. Training will be run by the Project staff in the BNP headquarters. Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): BNP rangers and other BNP staff involved as well as foresters may not be aware of the status of Aquila clanga and may not fully understand the problems involved with its conservation. The majority of them cannot recognise the species in fields. This is further complicated by the fact that the species is easily mistaken by the more popular Aquila pomarina and by the fact that Aquila clanga itself is a very shy and easily frightened species. Therefore workshops are necessary to provide information about the Project, the species and their personal roles in the Project and in the mission of saving the species. This activity helps to overcome threats 2-5.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/11

Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP Expected results (quantitative information when possible) 3 workshops in total, Rangers and other BNP staff involved as well as foresters are aware of the Aquila clanga value and its needs and able to efficiently fulfil their conservation mission. ACTION D.15: Name of action: Create alternative observation possibilities: indicate suitable observation spots, build observation tower. Description (what, how, where and when): Tourism facilities and infrastructure such as leaflet and AQC information point, watch tower, signboards which will be built basing on the existing tourism potential of the site (BNP). Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): Increase of tourism will directly provide additional income for local people who provide or will decide to provide agro-tourism service for visitors. Thus, the tourism development is also regarded asa promising source of income at project site both for local residents and for BNP. At the same time, this will highly increase the awareness of local people and local authorities of the importance of conservation of Aquila clanga, making a significant step in addressing Threat 3 of the Project. Additional input will be provided by the operation of the education centre. The well planed tourism infrastructure will also help to regulate and direct site access. This will ensure that birds will not be disturbed by an expectedly increasing flow of tourist. Successful development of tourism activities will help support continuation of Aquila clanga conservation activities once the project is over. This activity helps to overcome threat 4, 5 and targets the whole public. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: BNP The construction works and leaflet printing will be subcontracted. Site Expected result 1 observation tower (in Kapice), 2 observation points (region of Kapice and Łagiew), Aquila clanga information point in BNP along with web-site (including showing Aquila clanga nest on line, documentary film, leaflets and books and other already presented). ACTION D.16: Name of action: Preparation of Layman’s report Description (what, how, where and when): The Beneficiaries will produce a Layman’s report in paper and electronic format describing the species and project with its results. The Layman’s report is aimed at a broader target group and serves to inform wider public about the project objectives, its results, relevant future prospects and plans and about the species itself. It will be produced at the end of the Project in both English and Polish languages, and will have at least 10 pages.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1d/12 Reasons why this action is necessary (specify the target audience): The report will promote the objectives and activities of the project and help to disseminate project results. It will facilitate sharing information with wider public, and will also provide an opportunity to make contact and exchange information with other groups working on conservation of Aquila clanga and other associated biodiversity across Europe. Its production will fulfil the requirements of the LIFE+ standard administrative provisions which states that the beneficiary is obliged to prepare and release a layman’s report in order to disseminate information about the project. This action addresses Threats 1, 2 and targets the wider public. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Layman’s report prepared, produced and widely broadcast at the early spring of 2011, 2012 and in the end of the Project (September 2013) – in total 3 edition and 3000 copies .

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1e/1

E.Overall project operation and monitoring

For each action or set of actions specify the following:

ACTION E.1 : Name of action: Plan, monitor, manage and administer Project. Description (what, how, where and when): Specific actions are planned within the Project along with staff and means which will guarantee the efficient realisation of planned actions and overall goals to achieve. The whole Project should/will be monitored. Some activities will take place even before the start of the Project (e.g. executive search of the staff). Others will be introduced according to the timetable and conducted in order to unsure the best managing process. For Project’s management structure see below (C1e/1.1.). One car for general use will be purchased in order to deal with current Project’s businesses. More detailed description of the Staff and their responsibilities is as follows: Executive Staff:

Project Manager – responsible for day-to-day operations within the project, coordinating work of all staff (executive and non-executive).

IT Specialist – responsible for setting and day-to-day running of the project’s webpage, which will be one of the most important communication tools of the project.

PR Specialist – responsible for building positive attitude towards the species conservation and raising awareness among key stakeholders and general public.

Accountant – responsible for bookkeeping during the project.

Assistants – assisting the core non-scientific staff of the project (Project Manager, PR Specialist, Accountant) in their day-to-day operations

Scientist – responsible for all actions that directly relate to developing a management plan of the species. His work is essential for recognising in full details habitat conditions, as well as breeding and feeding habits of the Greater Spotted Eagle. The date, consequently, will be used in designing best conservation recommendations for the species.

Science Assistants and Technicians – assisting the scientific specialist in successful delivery of all action he is responsible. As the project area covers one of the lar gest lowland mires in European Union, with a very difficult access to all project sites, the effective implementation of the project scientific actions requires involvement a larger number of staff than it is usually needed in case of meliorated pastures and meadows.

Non-executive staff: The Steering Committee will consist of 20 prominent Polish scientists, decision makers, representatives of foundations as well as of central and local administration responsible for nature conservation. Steering Committee will:

Meet regularly with the Project Staff to discuss Project implementation

Advise on key issues related to scientific and conservation aspects of the Project

Consult all documents related to the Greater Spotted Eagle National Action Plan

Represent the Project Partners’ best interests and try to influence policy-making through cooperation with appropriate regional and national organisations

Help and encourage mutual support of partners and key stakeholders

Advise on development and implementation of an lobbying/advocacy strategy Steering Committee composition: 2 representatives of the Biebrza National Park 2 representatives of Polish Birds 2 representatives of Eagle Protection Committee


5 representatives of organizations for bird and wet habitat protection that have representation in the Podlasie Region and international organizations 1 representative of Regionalna Dyrekcja Ochrony środowiska (RDOŚ, Białystok) 1 representative of Urząd Marszałkowski (Marshall Office, Białystok) 2 representatives of Urząd Powiatowy (County Office, Mońki) 1 representative of the National Fund for Environment and Water Management 1 representative of the Provincial Fund for Environment and Water Management 1 representative of Ministry of Environment 2 representatives of local universities Each member of the Steering Committee will be a highly-skilled specialist of many-year experience in science, administration and/or nature protection management. They will spend no less than 18 working days on the project. The working day will be paid 120 Euro/day. This cost equals the salary of the Project Manager. Most meetings and consultations of the Steering Committee will be held in Warsaw and only some of them in the project site – the Biebrza National Park Headquarters and project office in Goniadz. Thus, funds related to travel and subsistence costs were calculated at a very low level, and cover only tickets to Goniadz/Biebrza National Park Headquarters. Advisory Staff: Specialists for bird protection and wet habitat conservation from recognised organisations - mostly from universities and scientific research centres. Their role will be non-executive - providing data, information and advice on implemented actions as well as interpretation of results. In the budget of AQC Plan application the TECHNICIAN was definite/presented as one staff position – in reality meaning a team of 5 qualified people well experienced, such as scientific field workers within Biebrza NP. The plan and budget related to the Technician Team are as follows: 5 people working 5 months (nesting period: from March/April to July/August) etery subsequent year of 3 years long Project. In total: 75 person-months and 1350 persondays. The planned size of the Technician Team is the consequence of a particularly difficult terrain as Biebrza Marshes are – the size of it, the natural conditions (predominately hardly accessible bogs, dens vegetation especially during the late spring and summer, annoying insects etc.), the complex character of the task (to name but a few: multiaspects monitoring and data collection, data transmission, operating GPS and cooperating systems, and others. All these factors, along with the required knowledge of the terrain make this very job very demanding if not extreme. Thus it has been decided to set up a large enough team of well prepared, reliable people so all required tasks would be fulfilled.

Reasons why it is necessary: Planning, monitoring, managing and administering the Project are necessary to ensure efficient realisation of actions planned within the Project. During the Project, approximately up to 50 people will be involved in various actions. These will be people permanently employed or subcontracted. The work of these people and all the administration activities require sufficient planning and management which obviously need to be accompanied by monitoring and control. This Action is necessary to enable efficient project management and will indirectly address all threats. The general use car will be used for travelling on project business within the project area and outside, including guests transport Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible): All planned Project’s actions fulfilled and its targets obtained. General use car purchased.

Project Manager

Scientist IT Specialist PR Specialist

Steering Commitee

Accountant

Science Assistants 1, 2, 3

Technicians

Advisory Staff

Assistants 1, 2, 3

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1e/2.1

AQC Plan Project management structure


ACTION E. 2: Name of action: Hold steering group meetings – twice a year.

Description (what, how, where and when): It is planned, that the Project Steering Group will meet twice a year, usually before and after the field season (February/March and October/November). The start-up meeting in the first calendar year of the project duration will be used for an introduction to the Project. For the subsequent years, the 1st

Steering Group meeting each year will focus on Technical Activity to be completed and those planned for preceding and forthcoming 12 months, whilst the 2nd

meetings will focus on financial expenditures for the preceding and forthcoming 12 months. The LIFE+ Project Manager will keep the minutes of the Steering Group meetings, circulating them to Project Partners afterwards. Reasons why this action is necessary: Regular meetings of the Project Steering Group will enable the Project to take suitable directing decisions, instruct the Project Manager and keep all project partners and interested institutions informed. This Action is necessary to enable efficient project management and will indirectly address all threats. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Project Steering Group meetings held and attended. Project implementation assessed and reviewed according to actual situation and progress achieved. Minutes of the meetings circulated among project partners. In total – at least 6 meetings during the Project span. ACTION E.3: Name of action: Produce technical reports. Description (what, how, where and when): Technical Progress Report will be produced annually by the end of January, reporting about the project implementation progress during the preceding calendar year. A Mid-term Report with payment request will be produced after 150% of the first payment have been incurred. The Final Technical Report will be produced at the end of the Project. Preparation of Technical Reports will be done using electronic Report Templates, which will be prepared by the LIFE Project Manager and circulated to all Project Partners. The Report Template will contain a description of all activities undertaken with respect to the objectives, action and work plan envisaged in the Project. When filled in, these site reports will be collected by the Project Manager who will compile the technical reports. The Reports will then be reviewed and approved by the Steering Committee, presented to LIFE+ and circulated among project partners. Reasons why this action is necessary: The Reports are necessary to enable efficient project management and operation and will indirectly address all threats. Reports will have the further benefit of being a useful dissemination tool as well as providing effective reference points for project staff for the duration of the project. Preparation of the Reports will also come in line with requirements of the Standard Administrative Provisions. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1e/4 Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Progress and Final Reports produced on time (according to C2/4), approved by Project Steering Committee, submitted to LIFE+ and circulate among Project Partners. ACTION E.4: Name of action: Run financial training, monitoring and reporting. Description (what, how, where and when): The following activities will be undertaken in order to meet the obligations of the Beneficiaries regarding financial control. 1. Training for Beneficiary financial staff on Contractual obligations and reporting following

the approval of the Project Application, a training for the Beneficiary’s management and financial staff on EU LIFE+ Nature Contractual obligations will be held. The training will be run by Polish specialists who have an experience from LIFE Nature projects.

2. Training for Partner financial staff on Contractual obligations. A series of meetings with responsible management and financial staff for each partner will be set up. Information regarding the contractual obligations and recommended techniques and procedures will be provided and discussed. An agreement will be reached on how each partner will meet these obligations in the context of their own financial arrangements.

3. Financial monitoring – an independent auditor will be appointed to verify the financial statements provided to the Commission in respect of national legislation and that all costs respect the LIFE+ Standard Administrative Provisions. The independent auditor will also be requested to perform the checks of all Beneficiaries’ project related documentation. Further checks will be made by the Beneficiary’s financial staff as a follow up to the training provided in point 2 above.

4. Training for Partners Financial staff on use of EU LIFE Report production software. The Beneficiary will arrange for Partner’s financial staff to receive training on the use of the spreadsheet software designed for the efficient production of LIFE+ Nature financial report and claims. It is anticipated that the training will take place at the beginning of the Project.

5. Production of Interim financial report and interim claims. Production of Final report and claim on completion of the Project. An Interim Financial report will be produced when 40% of foreseen project costs for the project have been incurred.

Reasons why this action is necessary: 1. Training for Beneficiary financial staff on Contractual obligations is required in order

to enable the Beneficiary to meet Contractual obligations, implement financial monitoring, provide interim statement of expenditure and income and financial claims in form and terms required by the Commission, and to provide necessary training to Partners’ financial staff.

2. Training for Partner financial staff on Contractual obligations is considered the best way to meet contractual obligations to maintain up-to-date books of account, to put in place analytical accounting system, keep all appropriate supporting documentation, ensure that sub-contractors issue invoices including a clear reference to the project – following LIFE+ Standard Administrative Provisions guidelines by proper discussion and personal training with the Financial managers and staff.

3. Independent Financial Audit is required by Standard Administrative Provisions. It is also an obligation of the Beneficiary to ensure that Co- Beneficiaries financial documentation conforms with the requirements of the Commission.

4. Training for Partner Financial staff on use of standardised EU LIFE Report production software provides all responsible staff receive appropriate training in order for them to be able to produce their inputs to the EU financial reports.

5. Production of Final report and claim on completion of the Project which are necessary to keep up the cash flow of the project and to recover funds spent on the project after the project has finished.


6. Efficient financial reporting and monitoring is necessary for the administration of the project and will therefore indirectly address all threats.

Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible) Financial reports produced on time (according to C2/4), correctly and to budget. The independent auditor’s report is produced. The reports are submitted to LIFE and approved. ACTION E.5: Name of action: Monitor the breeding success and population dynamics of Aquila clanga (amongst others using rings and genetic fingerprinting). Description (what, how, where and when): Systematic monitoring of all the breeding pairs and their breeding success in the Biebrza Valley, the only Aquila clanga breeding site in the scope of the Project activities and their impact. This will be done partially by the Project staff and partially by the subcontracted staff. Each bird (additionally to satellite system operating for some) will be targeted alike each active nest will be visited once at least. Each chick will be measured, weighed and ringed. Obviously this will be absolutely harmless for the chicks and their parents. This action will be executed within BNP or in the BNP Buffer Zone if necessary.

Reasons why this action is necessary: Full, complex research on the whole population, especially on breeding pairs and their breeding success is of major meaning for the Project whereas systematic monitoring of the Project results and their impact on the population in question is both formal and merit necessity. Quantity parameters will provide information how the realisation of the Project influences the state of population of Aquila clanga in the Biebrza Valley. This Action will indirectly address threats 3-6. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: KOO Especially trained fieldworkers will be subcontracted. Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Systematic monitoring of breeding pairs and breeding success and appropriate report produced - in total 3 in the Project time. At least 4 visits per active nest per each year. ACTION E.6: Name of action: Prepare monitor results analysis and reports.

Description (what, how, where and when): All results of the project will be monitored and then documented by the Project Manager and his / her assistants. The data will be analysed to provide a detailed information on development of the project and to draw conclusion for further steps necessary for the effective protection of Aquila clanga. The reports will be prepared in a written form and delivered to all Partners to ensure that all the necessary information and data were included in them. The reports will be prepared in the Project office in Goniądz by the Project Manager on the basis on the data and short reports prepared by project Partners after completing their tasks.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C1e/6 Reasons why this action is necessary: All analyses and reports are necessary means of verification of the project implementation. They will provide information on the project development for all the sponsors and project partners/collaborators. This Action is necessary to enable efficient project management and will indirectly address all threats. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Actual and systematic information about the Project results. In total at least 3 reports in the Project time. ACTION E.7: Name of action: Prepare “After-LIFE Conservation Plan”. Description (what, how, where and when): According to the regulations of LIFE + Nature, after LIFE conservation plan will be prepared at the end of the project and will contain further programme which will guarantee the continuation of action resulted within the project and its results. Reasons why this action is necessary: The preparation of the “After-LIFE Conservation Plan” is obligatory in view of LIFE + Nature regulations. The beneficiaries are obliged to do this. Additionally, there exists an important practical aspect, i.e. to ensure the durability and continuity of actions within this project. Beneficiary responsible for implementation: Polish Birds Expected results (quantitative information when possible): “After-LIFE Conservation Plan” prepared.

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008- C2/1

DELIVERABLE PRODUCTS OF THE PROJECT

Name of the Deliverable Code of the

associated action

Deadline

General leaflet with inserts, information boards, other information & promotion materials.

D3, D5, D6, D7 31 March 2010

AQC Web site D4 30 April 2010, update ongoing

Scientific publications

A14, A20, D8 30 November 2010, 2011, 2012

Technical reports

A19, E3 31 July 2010, 31 July 2011, 31 July 2012, 30 September 2013

Management plans for Aquila clanga sites

A4 31 January 2011

DNA analysis report

A10 31 December 2011

Hydrological expertise

A12, A15 31 February 2011

Botanical expertise

A16 30 November 2011

Land purchases feasibility study A11 31 December 2011

National Action Plan for Aquila clanga

A1, A3 31 January 2012

Documentary AQC TV movie D7 31 October 2012

AQC Conservation Book produced

D7 31 October 2012

Final Best Practice guide D2 31 October 2012

Layman’s report D16 31 March 2011, 31 March 2012, 31 December 2012

After-LIFE Conservation Plan E7 31 December 2012


MILESTONES OF THE PROJECT

Name of the Milestone Code of the

associated action Deadline

Steering Group meetings.

A22, E2 31 January 2010; then following the Project schedule

Project management structures and staff established E1 31 January 2010

Project Start up Process completed

E1 31 January 2010

Project communication & PR plan produced. E1 31 March 2010

Financial Training completed.

E4 31 March 2010

Project evaluation monitoring programme designed and set up.

E4, E5 31 March 2010

AQC Project office ready.

A22 31 March 2010

CCTV/ web-camera transmission system set up, update during the 2 following breeding season

C5, D12 31 March 2010 2011, 2012

General leaflet with inserts, other information & promotion materials created (then updated if needed).

D3, D5, D9 31 March 2010

Aquila clanga habitat & population dynamic research system designed and set up (including telemetry) – AQC Data Base.

A14, A18 30 April 2010

European and national Aquila clanga conservation initiatives recognised and connected.

A1, A2, A3 30 April 2010

Sign boards erected.

E1 30 April 2010

Contra-predation means in place, restored each breeding season.

C4 30 April 2010

Nest monitoring system set up (including CCTV camera at 2 most risky nests during 2 first breeding seasons), update 2 following breeding season.

C5 30 April 2010 2011, 2012

AQC Web site designed and established, then updated.

D4 30 April 2010, update ongoing

General leaflet with inserts, other information & promotion materials produced, update if needed.

D7, D9 30 April 2010

6 sets of workshops for local people and key stakeholders.

D9 31 May & 31 October 2010, 2011, 2012

EU Species Action Plan for the Aquila clanga, updated, update each year.

30 November 2010, 2011, 2012


Scientific publications produced, update each year.

D8 30 November 2010, 2011, 2012

Technical report and recommendations produced, 1 each year.

E3 31 July 2010, 31 July 2011, 31 July 2012, 30 September 2013

Management plans for Aquila clanga sites prepared (incl. hydrological restoration & long-term funding plan).

A5, A11, A13 31 January 2011

Artificial nest platforms build and put in place, restored if necessary.

C3 31 March 2011

Grazing/ mowing schema prepared. , A6, A8 31 March 2011

Habitat management Actions complete. A6, C1, C6, D13, D15,

31. March 2011

Tourism facilities in place.

D3, D15 31 March 2011

DNA & other data in the scope of hybridisation analysed & reported, then updated following coming outcomes.

A10 31 December 2011

Hydrological expertise prepared.

A15 31 February 2011

Botanical expertise prepared.

A16 30 November 2011

Land purchases feasibility study prepared. A6 31 December 2011

Protection of old growth forests in suitable habitat areas ensured.

A7, A9, D13 31 December 2011

National Action Plan for Aquila clanga prepared.

A1, A3 31 January 2012

National Action Plan for Aquila clanga politically and publicly approved.

A1, A3 31 October 2012

Final conclusions and indicators for Aquila clanga conservation management in the scope of hybridisations issue gathered.

A10, A13 31 October 2012

AQC TV movie produced. D7 31 October 2012

AQC Conservation Book produced

A19 31 October 2012

Weirs built

C2 31 October 2012

The Best Practice (international) conference.

31 October 2012

Final Best Practice guide produced. A19 31 October 2012

Layman’s report produced.

D16 July 2010, 31 July 2011, 31 July 2012, 30 September 2013

After-LIFE Conservation Plan E7 31 December 2012


ACTIVITY REPORTS FORESEEN

Please indicate the deadlines for the following reports:

Inception Report (to be delivered within 9 months after the project start);

Progress Reports n°1, n°2 etc. (if any; to ensure that the delay between consecutive reports does not exceed 18 months);

Mid-term Report with payment request (only for project longer than 24 months)

Final Report with payment request

Type of report Deadline

Inception Report 31 July 2010

Progress Report no 1. Technical Report with Expenditure summary from Project start date.

31 July 2011

Mid-term Report with payment request (may replace Progress Report 2)

31 July 2012

Final Report 31 September 2013


TIMETABLE

Action 2010 2011 2012 2013

Number/name I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or action plans :

A1/Develop long-term strategy

x

x x x x x x x x x x x

A2/Update EU Species Action Plan

x x x x

A3/Prepared National Action Plan

x x x x x x x x x x

A4/Develop management plan

x x x x x x x x x x

A5/Lobby for financial support

x x x x x x x x x x x x

A6/ Feasibility study for mowing arrangements

x x x x x x

A7/ Protect old growth forests

x x x x x x x x x x x x X

A8/ Lobby for NATURA compensation

x x x x x x x x x x x X

A9/ Lobby for forest compensation

x x x x x x x X x x x X

A10/ DNA analysis

x x x x x x x x X x x

A11/ Feasibility study of purchase

x x x x

A12/ Water valuation of Biebrza basin

x x x x x x x x X x x

A13/ Key habitat research

x x x x x x x x x X x x

A14/ GPS-Satellite-Telemetry research

x x x x x x x x x X x x

A15/ Hydrological expertise

x x x x

A16/ Botanical expertise

x x x x x

A17/ outer habitat expertise

x x x x

A18/ AQC Data base x x x x x x x x x X x x x x

A19/ Bid documentation x x x

A20/ AQC networking initiatives

x x x x x x x x x X x x x x

A21/ Weirs technical project

x x x

A22/ AQC office adaptation

x


Action 2010 2011 2012 2013

Number/name I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

B. Purchase/lease of land and/or rights : N/A

C. Concrete conservation actions :

C1/ Hunting sites resto. x x x x x

C2/ Building of weirs x x x

C3/ Build artificial nests x x

C4/ Nest protection x x x x x X

C5/ CCTV nest control x x x x X x x X

C6/ Meadows mowing x x x x x x x

D. Public awareness and dissemination of results :

D1/ Internat. exchange x x X x

D2/ Conference x

D3/ Life info. signs x x x X

D4/ AQC web site x x x x x x x x x X x x x X

D5/ Branding creation x x x X

D6/ Media releases x x x x x x x x X x x x

D7/ PR&info. mat. prod. x x x x x x x x X x x x

D8/ Scientific papers x x x

D9/ Seminars for locals x x X

D10/ Stakeholders lobbing&briefing

x x x x x x x x X x x x

D11/ School PR&com. x x X

D12/ AQC (CC)TV x x x x X x x x

D13/ Foresters PR&info. x x x x x x x x x x x x x

D14/ rangers training x x x

D15/ Tourism facilities x

D16/ Layman’s report x x x

E. Overall project operation and monitoring:

E1/ Project admin. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

E2/ SteeringG meetings x x x x x

E3/ Technical reports x x x x

E4/ Staff training x x x

E5/ AQC project effects monitoring

x x x x x x x x x x x x

E6/ Project monit.&rep. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

E7/After-LIFE CP x

LIFE +

Nature and Biodiversity

Environmental Policy and Governance

Information and Communication

FINANCIAL APPLICATION FORMS

Proposal acronym: AQC Plan

NOTES:

Please refer to guidelines for applicants when filling in this form

LIFE+ 2008- Financial Forms

FORM FABudget breakdown categories Total cost in € Eligible Cost in € % of total eligible

costs

1. Personnel 25,13%

2. Travel and subsistence 6,76%

3. External assistance 35,16%

Infrastructure 368 550 368 550 16,68%

Equipment 168 605 168 605 7,63%

Prototype 0 0 0,00%

5. Land purchase / long-term lease 0,00%

6. Consumables 1,39%

7. Other Costs 6,75%

8. Overheads 0,49%

TOTAL 2 209 411 2 209 411 100%

#REF!

Contribution breakdown In € % of TOTAL % total eligible

costs

Requested Community contribution 1 649 104 74,64% 74,64%

Coordinating Beneficiary's contribution 46 097 2,09%

Associated Beneficiaries' contribution 74 537 3,37%

Co-financers contribution 439 673 19,90%

TOTAL 2 209 411 100,00%

30 775

149 222

10 800

Important note: If the overheads cell appears in red, this means that the budgeted amount is above the

maximum permited 7% of the total eligible direct costs excluding land purchase and the overhead costs

themselves.

Please refer to the relevant instructions given in the explanatory notes for filling in these forms

Please fill in the forms FC to F7 first. In these forms you are allowed to add lines but you cannot alter the

formulae. In this form you are only requested to fill in the amount of the overheads

4. Durable goods

0


555 320

149 297

776 842

LIFE+ 2008 - Financial Forms

FORM FB

A1 Develop long-term strategy 16 000972

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 972

A2 Update EU Species Action Plan 5 0000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 000

A3 Prepared National Action Plan 25 3000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 300

A4 Develop management plan 33 0000

29 770 0 0 0 0 4 171 0 66 941

A5 Lobby for financial support 5 0000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 000

A6 Feasibility study for mowing 7 5000

0 0 0 0 0 0 3 218 10 718

A7 Protect old growth forests 5 0000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 000

A8 Lobby for NATURA

compensation14 000

00 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 000

A9 Lobby for forest compensation 9 0000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 000

A10 DNA analysis 25 0000

38 627 0 0 0 0 0 0 63 627

A11 Feasibility study of purchase 2 0000

35 526 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 526

A12 Water valuation of Biebrza

basin 6 600

00 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 600

A13 Key habitat research 23 600 48 100 0 0 23 824 0 0 1 545 2 090 99 159

A14GPS-Satellite-Telemetry

research 35 500 0 47 404 0 45 488 0 0 0 0 128 392

A15 Hydrological expertise 5 500 0 32 895 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 395

A16 Botanical expertise 3 000 0 1 974 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 974

A17 outer habitat expertise 3 500 0 3 758 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 258

A18 AQC Data base 10 000 0 15 789 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 789

A19 Bid documentation 6 900 0 1 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 900

A20 AQC networking initiatives 9 050 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 050

A21 Wires technical project 3 000 0 88 684 0 0 0 0 0 0 91 684

A22 AQC office adaptation 1 000 0 0 55 263 0 0 0 0 0 56 263

C1 Hunting grounds restoration 13 200 6 410 66 309 0 0 0 0 0 0 85 919

C2 Building of weirs 4 000 0 0 313 287 0 0 0 0 0 317 287

C3 Build artificial nests 2 000 0 9 474 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 474

C4 Nest protection 5 900 0 0 0 0 0 0 247 0 6 147

C5 CCTV nest control 3 000 0 0 0 14 389 0 0 0 0 17 389

C6 Meadows mowing 4 200 0 157 895 0 35 290 0 0 0 6 532 203 917

D1 International working exchange 2 000 21 140 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 648 24 788

D2 Conference 2 500 3 708 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 824 9 032

D3 LIFE information signs 300 0 1 931 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 231

D4 AQC web site 500 0 901 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 401

D5 Project branding creation 300 0 5 526 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 826

D6 Media releases 6 800 0 7 894 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 694

D7Project PR&information

materials production 4 000 0 187 932 0 0 0 0 4 832 61 544 258 308

D8 Scientific papers 5 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 014 9 614

D9 Seminars for local people 6 000 2 084 1 772 0 1 599 0 0 3 549 2 500 17 504

D10Key government stakeholders

lobbing&briefing 7 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 600

D11 school PR&communication. 6 000 3 025 6 578 0 7 000 0 0 4 480 0 27 083

D12 AQC (CC)TV 500 0 12 485 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 985

D13 Foresters PR&information 1 260 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 260

D14 BNP rangers training 1 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 000

D15 Tourism facilities 500 0 8 245 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 745

D16 Layman’s report 3 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 000

E1 Project administration 148 160 47 300 0 0 22 738 0 0 4 163 62 484 284 845

E2 Steering group meetings 13 000 15 885 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 368 31 253

E3 Technical reports 9 800 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 800

E4 Staff training 6 750 673 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 423

E5 AQC project effects monitoring 21 500 0 0 0 18 277 0 0 7 788 0 47 565

E6 Project monitoring & raporting 21 500 0 14 473 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 973

E7 After-LIFE Conservation Plan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 555 320 149 297 776 842 368 550 168 605 0 0 30 775 149 222 2 198 611


TOTALAction

number

5.

Purchase or

lease of land

Short name of action

4.a

Infrastructure

4.b

Equipmen

t

6.

Consumables

4.c

Prototype


Breakdown of costs for Actions in Euro (excluding overhead costs)1.

Personnel

2.

Travel and

subsistence

7.

Other

costs

3.

External

assistance


FORM FC

Country code Beneficiary n° Beneficiary short

name

Total costs of the

actions in €

Beneficiary's own

contribution in €

Amount of EC

contribution

requested in €

PL 1 Polish Birds 789 861 46 097 595 092

Country code Beneficiary n° Beneficiary short

name

Total costs of the

actions in €

Associated

beneficiary's own

contribution in €

Amount of EC

contribution

requested in €

PL 2 BNP 805 335 37 268 672 395

PL 3 KOO 614 215 37 268 381 617

1 419 550 74 537 1 054 012

Amount of co-

financing in €

439 673

439 673



Associated Beneficiaries' contribution

Coordinating Beneficiary's contribution

TOTAL

TOTAL

Co-financers contribution

Co-financer's name

Narodowy Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej


FORM F1

A B C =

B/Product

ive days

per month

A X B

Ben

efi

cia

ry n

um

be

r

Acti

on

nu

mb

er

Ty

pe

of

co

ntr

ac

t

Cate

go

ry/R

ole

in

th

e

pro

ject

Dail

y r

ate

(ro

un

de

d

to t

he

neare

st

€)

Nu

mb

er

of

pe

rso

n.d

ays

Nu

mb

er

of

pe

rso

n.m

on

ths

Dir

ect

pe

rso

nn

el

co

sts

% o

f to

tal

dir

ect

pe

rso

nn

el

co

sts

fo

r th

e

pro

ject

1 A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,

A8, A9, A18, A20,

A22, C1, C6, D1, D2,

D3, D4, D5, D6, D7,

D9, D10, D11, D12,

D13, D14, D15, D16,

E1, E2, E3, E4, E5,

E6

temporary, full-time Project Manager 120 648 36 77 760 14,00%

3 A1, A2, A3, A4, A7,

A10, A13, A14, A15,

A16, A17, A18, A19,

A21, C1, C3, C4, C5,

C6, D1, D2, D3, D4,

D5, D8, D12, D14,

D15, E2, E3, E5, E6

temporary, full-time Science&Research

Project Specialist

77 648 36 49 800 8,97%

1 A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,

A8, A9, A18, A20,

A22, C1, C6, D1, D2,

D3, D4, D5, D6, D7,

D9, D10, D11, D12,

D13, D14, D15, D16,

E1, E2, E3, E4, E5,

E6

temporary, full-time Communication&PR

Project Specialist

100 648 36 64 800 11,67%

1 A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,

A8, A9, A18, A20,

A22, C1, C6, D1, D2,

D3, D4, D5, D6, D7,

D9, D10, D11, D12,

D13, D14, D15, D16,

E1, E2, E3, E4, E5,

E6

temporary, part-time Project (Administration)

Assistant 1

80 324 18 25 920 4,67%

2 A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,

A6, A7, A8, A9, A12,

A13, A20, A22, C1,

C2, C3, D1, D2, D8,

D9, D11, D16, E2,

E3, E5, E6


Assistant 2

80 324 18 25 920 4,67%

3 A1, A2, A3, A4, A7,

A10, A13, A14, A15,

A16, A17, A18, A19,

A21, C1, C3, C4, C5,

C6, D1, D2, D3, D4,

D5, D8, D12, D14,

D15, E2, E3, E5, E6


Assistant 3

80 324 18 25 920 4,67%

Calculation =>

Direct Personnel costs



FORM F1

A B C =

B/Product

ive days

per month

A X B

Ben

efi

cia

ry n

um

be

r

Acti

on

nu

mb

er

Ty

pe

of

co

ntr

ac

t

Cate

go

ry/R

ole

in

th

e

pro

ject

Dail

y r

ate

(ro

un

de

d

to t

he

neare

st

€)

Nu

mb

er

of

pe

rso

n.d

ays

Nu

mb

er

of

pe

rso

n.m

on

ths

Dir

ect

pe

rso

nn

el

co

sts

% o

f to

tal

dir

ect

pe

rso

nn

el

co

sts

fo

r th

e

pro

ject

Calculation =>

Direct Personnel costs


2 A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,

A6, A7, A8, A9, A12,

A13, A20, A22, C1,

C2, C3, D1, D2, D8,

D9, D11, D16, E2,

E3, E5, E6

temporary, part-time Science Assistant 1 96,91 324 18 31 400 5,65%

3 A4, A15, A16, A17,

A18, A21, C1, C3, D1,

D2, D3, D8, D12, D14,

E5

temporary, part-time Science Assistant 2 100 324 18 32 400 5,83%

3 A1, A2, A3, A4, A7,

A10, A13, A14, A15,

A16, A17, A18, A19,

A21, C1, C3, C4, C5,

C6, D1, D2, D3, D4,

D5, D8, D12, D14,

D15, E2, E3, E5, E6

temporary, full-time Science Assistant 3 100 648 36 64 800 11,67%

3 A13, A14, A17, C1,

C3, C4, C5, D15, E3,

E5

short term contract Technician 60 1350 75 81 000 14,59%

3 A1, A2, A3, A4, A15,

A19, A20, A21, D1,

D2, E4, E6

short term contract Advisory Staff 100 324 18 32 400 5,83%

1 A1, A2, A3, A5, A8,

A9, A20, D16, E2, E5

short term contract Steering Group Member 120 360 20 43 200 7,78%

6246 347 555 320 100%


TOTAL =>


FORM F2

A B A + B

Be

ne

fic

iary

nu

mb

er

Ac

tio

n n

um

be

r

De

sti

na

tio

n

(Fro

m /

To

)

Ou

tsid

e E

U (

YE

S

/ N

O)

Pu

rpo

se

of

tra

ve

l/n

um

be

r o

f

trip

s a

nd

pe

rso

ns

tra

ve

llin

g,

du

rati

on

of

trip

(in

da

ys

)

Tra

ve

l c

os

ts

Su

bs

iste

nc

e

co

sts

To

tal

tra

ve

l a

nd

su

bs

iste

nc

e

co

sts

% o

f to

tal

tra

ve

l

an

d s

ub

sis

ten

ce

co

sts

1 E2 Within project site NO Travel / subs. for Steering Group 2 595 2 595 5 190 3,48%

Meetings (10 people, 2 per year) 0 0,00%

1 A1 Within project site NO Travel / subs. for strategy

meetings

486 486 972 0,65%

(10 people attending 6 meetings) 0 0,00%

3 D1 Within project site NO Travel / subs. for exchange visit

guests

3 708 3 708 7 416 4,97%

(4 in total, c.10 guests per visit) 0 0,00%

1 D2 Within project site NO Travel / subs. for

workshops/conferences

1 854 1 854 3 708 2,48%

(2 in total, number of guests

unknown)

0 0,00%

2 D9 Within project site NO Trip expenses for lectures /

seminars

1 042 1 042 2 084 1,40%

(60 people per year for 3 years) 0 0,00%

3 A14 Within project site NO Research, supervision and

marking of hunting

7 700 6 410 14 110 9,45%

and nesting grounds/sites (c.

75,000km)

0 0,00%

2 D11 Osowiec to local schools NO Transport to workshops (40 trips) 3 025 0 3 025 2,03%

3 A14 Poznań - Biebrza NO Car travel to/from and within

project site

31 900 8 500 40 400 27,06%

during monitoring work (145,000

km)

0 0,00%

1 D1 Belarus, Estonia, Ukraine YES Flights / subsistence for project

staff

7 871 5 871 13 742 9,20%

on exchange visits with AQC

projects

0 0,00%

3 E2 Berlin - Project Area NO Travel expenses for WWGBP

Steering Group member attend

meetings

9 270 180 9 450 6,33%

1 E1,

A3,4,

5,8,9

Within project site NO General car travel at site (c.

75,000km)

11 000 0 11 000 7,37%

1 E1,

A3,4,

5,8,9

Within project site + all

country

NO General car travel off the site e.g.

Warsaw, Poznań, Białystok (c.

250,000km)

33 000 3 300 36 300 24,31%

114 771 34 526 149 297 100%


TOTAL =>

1 E4 Warsaw - Biebrza valley NO Car travel&accomodation of

OTOP training staff

1 E2 1 227 0,82%Car travel&accomodation of

OTOP Steering Group memeber

Travel and subsistence costs

Warsaw - Biebrza valley NO 792 435


Calculation =>

528 145 673 0,45%


FORM F3B

en

efi

cia

ry

nu

mb

er

Ac

tio

n n

um

be

r

Pro

ce

du

re

De

sc

rip

tio

n

Co

sts

(€

)

% o

f to

tal

ex

tern

al

as

sis

tan

ce

co

sts

1 E6 tender, lowest quote External audit 14 473 1,86%

1 D4 competitive bidding Consultant to design website 901 0,12%

1 D5 competitive bidding Artist to design project branding materials 5 526 0,71%

1 D7 competitive bidding Production of TV feature / full length documentary film 174 810 22,50%

2 A4 competitive bidding Consultant trainer for land management workshops 4 697 0,60%

1 D7 single source procurement Authors team to prepare AQC monograph 13 158 1,69%

3 A4 single source procurement Consultance team to prepare management plans for AQC

hunting/nesting sites

25 073 3,23%

3 A19 tender, lowest quote IT specialist to design and set up AQC Data Base 15 789 2,03%

2 A12 tender, lowest quote Contractor to prepare feasibility study of land purchase 35 526 4,57%

2 C6 tender, lowest quote Contractor to mow c. 1,000 ha at project site 157 895 20,33%

2 C1 tender, lowest quote Contractor for mechanical removal of bushes (350ha) 63 091 8,12%

2 C1 single source procurement Contractor for hand removal of bushes (50ha) 3 218 0,41%

2 A16 competitive bidding Consultant to prepare hydrological expertise 32 895 4,23%

1 D3 single source procurement Contractor to prepare and mount 3 information boards 1 931 0,25%

2 D16 competitive bidding Design and construction of observation platform 1 772 0,23%

2 D16 competitive bidding Design and construction of new tower in O.O. Kapice 6 437 0,83%

3 A10 competitive bidding Scientist to analyse and report DNA material 38 627 4,97%

3 A15 competitive bidding Consultant-Advisor to evaluate telemetry data 5 378 0,69%

2 A22 tender, lowest quote Contractor/Engineer to prepare 4 weir projects 88 684 11,42%

3 A17 single source procurement Specialist to prepare botanical expertise 1 974 0,25%

3 A18 single source procurement Specialist to prepare outer AQC habitat expertise 3 758 0,48%

3 A15 Lowest quote Argos' satellite data transmissions (gathering data during

the project period of 3 years; 12 birds fitted with

teletransmitters, purchase access to satellite data

transmissions, equipment to catch adult Aquila clanga ,

two computer sets and specialised software - GIS)

42 026 5,41%

1 D6 Lowest quote Press and TV releases (2 media releases per year

produced in Poland. 2 central press conferences in

Warsaw or Osowiec (BNP), 2 press trips to the project

site for the national and international press organized. At

least 5 articles annually in Polish newspapers, features in

TV3, radio and in internal BirdLife publications

7 894 1,02%

1 D11 competitive bidding Lessons scenarios creation ( 3 packages of educational

materials/lessons conspectus, 40 workshops run for at

least 1500 school children within the Project duration)

6 578 0,85%

3 D9 single source procurement Guest lecturers for project seminar (in total 24 workshops

for up to 300 people during three years)

1 772 0,23%

1 D12 competitive bidding CCTV installation/operation for 5 months/year to monitor 2

nest sites (the technical installation and the website

design and maintenance; nests will be shown “live” in the

BNP education centre and AQC Office and on the Project

web site)

12 485 1,61%

3 C3 single source procurement Contractor to build and erect 30 artificial nests (indication

of specific trees, construction, transport and installation of

platforms)

9 474 1,22%

2 A20 competitive bidding Specialist to prepare bid documentation 1 000 0,13%

776 842 100%


TOTAL =>

External assistance costs



FORM F4 aB

en

efi

cia

ry

nu

mb

er

Ac

tio

n n

um

be

r

Pro

ce

du

re

De

sc

rip

tio

n

Ac

tua

l c

os

t

De

pre

cia

tio

n

(eli

gib

le c

os

t)

% o

f to

tal

Infr

as

tru

ctu

re

co

sts

0,00%

2 C2 tender, lowest quot hydrotachnical infrastructure: 0,00%

Manual vertical-lift weir (concrete, steel) - 1 Bialogrady 78 322 78 322 21,25%

Manual vertical-lift weir (concrete, steel) - 2 Przechody 78 322 78 322 21,25%

Manual vertical-lift weir (concrete, steel) - Modzelowka 78 322 78 322 21,25%

Manual vertical-lift weir (concrete, steel) - 4 Mogielnica/Jaziewianka 78 322 78 322 21,25%

1 A23 tender, lowest quot adaptation of a AQC office 0,00%

Extension of the office 35 768 35 768 9,71%

Refurbishement of the office 19 495 19 495 5,29%

0,00%

368 550 368 550 100%


TOTAL =>

Durable goods: Infrastructure costs


Please refer to Articles 25.6 to 25.9 of the Common Provisions to see if the infrastructure in question is subject to depreciation and what

depreciation rates should be applied


FORM F4 bB

en

efi

cia

ry

nu

mb

er

Acti

on

nu

mb

er

Pro

ced

ure

Descri

pti

on

Actu

al co

st

Dep

recia

tio

n

(elig

ible

co

st)

% o

f to

tal

Eq

uip

men

t

co

sts

3 C5 Lowest quote 5 Photomodules (120W) 5 150 5 150 3,05%

3 C5 Lowest quote 5 Voltage regulators (15A) 257 257 0,15%

3 C5 Lowest quote 5 Boosters (650W/12V) 1 417 1 417 0,84%

3 C5 Lowest quote 5 Battery points (12V/120Ah) 580 580 0,34%

3 C5 Lowest quote 2 laptops inc. software/internet 5 169 5 169 3,07%

3 C5 Lowest quote 5 Platform monitoring equipment covers 1 546 1 546 0,92%

3 C5 Lowest quote Dummy cameras 64 64 0,04%

1 D9,11 Lowest quote Mulimedia projector 1 213 1 213 0,72%

1 D9,11 Lowest quote Large projection screen 386 386 0,23%

1 E1 Lowest quote 2 laptops including software 3 502 3 502 2,08%

3 C5 Lowest quote 2 batteries for laptops 206 206 0,12%

1 E1,3 Lowest quote 2 Printers 815 815 0,48%

3 E5 Lowest quote 5 binoculars 3 947 3 947 2,34%

3 E5 Lowest quote 2 Telescopes 1 545 1 545 0,92%

3 E5 Lowest quote Tripod 800 206 206 0,12%

3 E5 Lowest quote Bag for optical equipment 77 77 0,05%

3 A14 Lowest quote GPS with palmtop 1 931 1 931 1,15%

3 A14 Lowest quote 2 laptops with system GIS 5 100 5 100 3,02%

2 D11 Lowest quote Birdwatching equipment 7 000 7 000 4,15%

3 A14 Lowest quote Piezometers with d-divers (4 pcs) 4 635 4 635 2,75%

3 E5 Lowest quote Two way radios 494 494 0,29%

3 E5 Lowest quote Photo and camera equipment 10 927 10 927 6,48%

3 A15 Lowest quote Arcview' computer program 4 120 4 120 2,44%

3 A15 Lowest quote 16 radio transmitters 41 368 41 368 24,54%

3 E5 Lowest quote 3 GPS receivers 1 081 1 081 0,64%

3 A14 Lowest quote 1 car: 4x4, second hand 12 158 12 158 7,21%

1 E1 Lowest quote General use car 18 421 18 421 10,93%

1 C6 Lowest quote Tractor 13 500 13 500 8,01%

1 C6 Lowest quote Mower 5 316 5 316 3,15%

1 C6 Lowest quote Press 11 158 11 158 6,62%

1 C6 Lowest quote Trailer 5 316 5 316 3,15%

168 605 168 605 100%


Please refer to articles 25.6 to 25.9 of the Common Provisions to see if the equipment in question is subject to depreciation

and what depreciation rates should be applied

Durable goods: Equipment costs


TOTAL =>

Life+ 2008 - Financial Forms

FORM F4 c

Ben

efi

cia

ry

nu

mb

er

Acti

on

nu

mb

er

Pro

ced

ure

Descri

pti

on

Actu

al C

ost

% o

f to

tal

pro

toty

pe c

osts

N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 #DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!


Durable goods: Prototype costs

TOTAL (sum above) =>



FORM F5

A B C (A x B) + C

Be

ne

fic

iary

nu

mb

er

Ac

tio

n n

um

be

r

De

sc

rip

tio

n o

f la

nd

pu

rch

as

e / lo

ng

-

term

le

as

e / o

ne

-off

co

mp

en

sa

tio

n

Es

tim

ate

d c

os

t p

er

he

cta

re (

rou

nd

ed

to

the

ne

are

st

€)

Are

a (

he

cta

res

)

As

so

cia

ted

ch

arg

es

(€

)

Ex

pe

cte

d c

os

t (€

)

% o

f to

tal la

nd

pu

rch

as

e/le

as

e

co

sts

N/A N/A N/A 0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 #DIV/0!

0 0 #DIV/0!


Land purchase or long-term lease of land / use rights

Calculation =>

TOTAL =>



FORM F6B

en

efi

cia

ry

nu

mb

er

Ac

tio

n n

um

be

r

Pro

ced

ure

De

sc

rip

tio

n

Co

st

(€)

% o

f to

tal

Co

ns

um

ab

le

co

sts

2 D9 Lowest quote Materials for lectures / seminars 3 549 11,53%

2 A4 Lowest quote Materials for land management workshops 4 171 13,55%

1 E1 Lowest quote Materials for other project meetings 4 163 13,53%

1 D7 Lowest quote Raw materials for awareness raising and dissemination products 4 832 15,70%

2 D11 Lowest quote Materials for presentations at local schools 4 480 14,56%

3 C4 Lowest quote Chemical deterrants 247 0,80%

3 E5 Lowest quote 210 rings for research on population 210 0,68%

3 E5 Lowest quote Bird catching and measuring equipment 7 578 24,62%

3 A14 Lowest quote GPS field equipment 1 545 5,02%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

30 775 100%


TOTAL =>

Consumables



FORM F7

Ben

efi

cia

ry

nu

mb

er

Acti

on

nu

mb

er

Pro

ced

ure

Descri

pti

on

Co

sts

% o

f to

tal

Oth

er

co

sts

1 E1 Lowest quote Bank guarantee 50 255 33,68%

0 0,00%

2 D2 single source procurement Hire of conference room for seminars 2 824 1,89%

2 D1 single source procurement Meeting room hire 1 648 1,10%

2 D8,9 Lowest quote Venue hire 4 014 2,69%

0

0

0

0

3 A14 Lowest quote Car insurance 2 090 1,40%

1 E1 Lowest quote Car insurance 2 090 1,40%

1 C6 Lowest quote Tarctor insurance 1 924 1,29%

1 C6 Lowest quote Mower insurance 1 559 1,04%

1 C6 Lowest quote Press insurance 1 559 1,04%

1 C6 Lowest quote Trailer insurance 1 490 1,00%

2 D9 Lowest quote Catering for lectures / seminars (60 people/y for 3y) 2 500 1,68%

1 E2 Lowest quote Catering for steering group meetings (6 meetings) 2 368 1,59%

1 E1 Lowest quote Catering for other project meetings 10 139 6,79%

2 A6 single source procurement Professional fees for signing agreements with local

farmers

3 218 2,16%

0,00%

1 D7 tender, lowest quote Printing costs for awareness raising materials 19 439 13,03%

1 D7 tender, lowest quote Printing costs for AQC conservation book 42 105 28,22%

0

0

0

0,00%

0,00%

149 222 100%


TOTAL =>

Other costs


Documents

Załącznik nr 4orlikgrubodzioby.org.pl/public/file/article/ogloszenia/1/nr4.pdf · Załącznik nr 4