Dariia Shyriaieva
In this project, we plan to conduct research of rare plants and habitats on the territory of the National Nature Park “Buzkyi Gard”. In addition to our ongoing scientific investigation of plant species and vegetation diversity, we will make habitat catalogue and habitat mapping, create research plots for measuring anthropogenic and management influence, prepare management plans for different habitat types and make assessment of the impact of possible hydropower development to protect value areas. Also we plan to spread the information about the nature of the region among the locals, about main methodology aspects of the project - among professionals.
Moehringia hypanica Grynj et Klokov - endemic for National park “Buzkyi Gard” species, which exists only in two localities around the world.
National Nature Park and Emerald Site “Buzkyi Gard” is located in the south-west part of Ukraine, on the southern edge of the Ukrainian Crystalline Massif. The Southern Bug River flows here between the steep rocky shores, forming a narrow canyon-shaped valley with majestic granite rocks, cliffs, dry grassland slopes, river rapids and unique granitic islands.
Territory of the “Buzkyi Gard” presents high level of endemic biodiversity due to unique geological history of its territory and microclimate features. A 3, 5 billion-year-old rocky outcrops are presented in the Southern Bug river valley. Endemic and relict plant species often are associated with granitic outcrops, rocks and islands between river rapids – Dianthus hypanicus, Moehringia hypanica, Silene hypanica, Stachys angustifolia etc.
Previous studies, including ours, showed great conservation potential of this unique and diverse natural object. But environmental research and conservation actions are still at early stage in this region. On the other hand, there is a real threat to one of the most valuable areas in Southern Bug river valley by hydropower development and traditional management changes.
We will conduct a detailed study of distribution of plant species from IUCN Red List, Resolution 6 of Bern Convention, Red Data Book of Ukraine on the territory of the National Nature Park and surrounding areas, make a habitat mapping for the habitats from Resolution 4 of Bern Convention. Habitat mapping will be arranged with using GIS systems and open source remote-sensing data. Also we plan to establish permanent plots for measuring anthropogenic and management influence, where specific types of habitats will be carefully examined for establishing their conservation management plans. The data obtained during the project will become the base for future monitoring system the National Nature Park. Besides, collected data will be used to make a letter of request to Ukrainian government and Bern convention to halt the plan to flood value areas in Southern Bug valley.
In education activities we plan to develop a table game “Buzkyi Gard” for locals, especially young people. It will contain information about nature and historical value of the region, main ecological routes. Also we plan to prepare and publish book “National Nature Park “Buzkyi Gard” as object of the Emerald network” with information about rare species, habitat catalogue and management planning; and small booklet about rare plant species. We plan to distribute the book and booklet among the locals through National Nature Park, schools, local organizations and professionals in Ukraine.