Measurement of bog water. © Dmitry Grummo.

Bog Morochno is the most unique and oldest peatland in Belarus, and the largest bog in Belarusian Polesie remained after the large-scale drainage in 20th century. Peatland is important for biodiversity and habitats conservation as it is a key ornithological territory of international importance, the potential transboundary Ramsar area, an important ecological corridor for migratory birds, and refugium for boreal floristic and faunal complexes. Bog has high water-regulating value.

The main objective of the project is preserving the unique peatland "Morochno" by the organization of nature reserve within its boundaries, and introduction the international conservation status.

This objective will be achieved through the following steps:

1/ protected area creation within peatland “Morochno”;

2/ development and implementation of the effective protection regime and plan of sustainable use of natural ecosystems;

3/ development and approval of the reserve management plan;

4/ declaration the peatland as Ramsar site.

Project plan including:

1. Inventory of biological and landscape diversity of the peatland "Morochno" (based on field research). Works will be carried out for the preparation of scientific and economic justification of natural reserve creation, and management plan development. Research will cover the following questions: physical and geographical conditions, climate, hydrology, peat deposits stratigraphy, flora, vegetation, fauna, human impact, socio-economic potential. Mapping of the environment will be conducted (vegetation mapping, maps of biological diversity, location of rare plant and animal species, rare habitats).

2. Preparation of scientific, technical and economic justification for creation of natural reserve of national importance. Coordination of protection regime and borders of specially protected natural area "Morochno" with land-users. Announcement of application for the natural reserve of national importance establishment of the reserve in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

3. Development of management plan for the reserve of national importance "Morochno". Preparation of nomination application for introduction of Ramsar site conservation status within the peatland area.