Restoration of Damaged Ecosystem Services on Wetlands in Northern Part of the Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain (Russia)

摘要

Due to the regulation of the river Volgaflow, expanding of the territories intended for construction and development ofagriculture wetlands Volga-Akhtuba floodplain are being significantlytransformed and are losing many of their qualities. Non-regulated loads lead tothe break of natural physical and chemical characteristics of water bodies,loss of biodiversity, degradation of structure and functions of biologicalcommunities and, as a result, to decreasing of potential ecosystem services. Restorationof the lost qualities of water ecosystems is a key factor in increasingsustainability of reclaimed landscapes and creating comfortable conditions forliving of locals and their economic activity. On the territory of the biospherereserve “Nature park” “Volga-Akhtuba floodplain” a number of model sites weredefined in order for research projects and practical work on restoration ofdegraded landscapes to be executed. The widest range of the lost ecosystemqualities is being restored during work on Lake Zapornoye. Restoration ofecosystem functions is being implemented according to the main economicactivities carried out in this area. Ecosystem services of the area are specifiedin accordance with its functional purpose. The existing landscape and ecologyconditions have been studied and estimated to see if the planned ecosystemservices can be provided. The project suggests the following activities: restorationof hydro-morphological characteristics, reconstruction of habitats forbiodiversity and their ecosystem services, improvement to restore and preserverecreational qualities of landscape. The project includes the monitoring theeffectiveness of restoration. Monitoring program is based on indices ofenvironmental assessment.