Hydrologic Restoration

Kemeri National Park (KNP) incorporates an astonishing variety of wetlands – such as raised bogs, fens, swamps forests, coastal lakes and floodplains and preserves nature treasures of national and international importance. Unique nature values and specific ecological and geological processes occur in wetlands whose functioning and wellbeing is dependent on stable hydrological regime. Unfortunately, because of intense and rapid drainage during the last century the amount of water resources within KNP was significantly reduced.

1.image. The drainage system within Kemeri National Park.

The Aims

1. To elaborate  the hydrological restoration programme for priority areas within Ķemeri National Park, serving as an example for hydrological modelling in the region;
2. To implement the hydrology restoration measures aiming at improvement of conservation status of bog woodland and swamp forest habitats, raised bogs and riparian meadow habitats.
3. To adapt the airborne remote sensing data interpretation methods for hydrological modelling, habitat conservation status assessment and hydrological restoration planning, and distribution of know-how to the other countries.
4. To raise awareness and change attitude of the local community about hydrological restoration targeted towardsig the habitats of EU importance.

Our Role

The main task for IES was to adapt the advanced remote sensing data interpretation methods for hydrological modelling, habitat conservation status assessment and hydrological restoration planning. On the basis of airborne remote sensing data IES specialists assessed the functionality of drainage system of the project teritory and elaborated  3D digital terrain models (DTM) and digital surface models (DSM) of the drainage systems and the habitats within the project area. To collect objective and detailed  data, IES staff applied both conventional field survey methods and the analysis of airborne hyperspectral and laser scanning data. On the basis of IES’s models and maps, complex evaluation of conservation status of the habitats of EU importance was carried out and the hydrological restoration programme for the priority areas was elaborated.

2.image. The scheme of habitat restoration plan for the Skudrupīte River within the Ķemeri National Park

Results

The project resulted with:

• the detailed assessment of the current condition of the drainage system within the project area;
• the assessment of the biological diversity in the project areas (raised bog, floodplain meadows, bog woodland and swamp forests);
• regular measurements of groundwater level;
• 3D maps of the project territories derived from the airborne hyperspectral and LiDAR data;
• and calculations and modeling of hydrological regime on the basis of high resolution digital terrain models and digital surface models generated from the airborne remote sensing data.

3.image. The scheme of the hydrological restoration programme for the Ķemeri National Park.

Project Brochure

Project duration: 21.09.2011 – 31.08.2016

Project Manager: Gints Starts, Nature Conservation Agency

IES project coordinator: Rūta Abaja, ruta.abaja@videsinstituts.lv, Mob.tel. +371 27818676

Project financed by: European Union LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity Programme

Co-funding: Latvian Environment Protection Fund Administration

Beneficiary:

Coordinating Beneficiary: Nature Conservation Agency

Associated Beneficiary: Latvian Fund of Nature, ELM Media, Institute for Environmental Solutions

More information about the project