📍Lake Fertö, Hungary & Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, Austria
Co-creation on floodplain
Challenges: This shallow endorheic lake has slightly saline and basic water, as well as pronounced water fluctuations. It is surrounded by a reed (Phragmites australis) belt spanning ~180 km2. Artificial channels and a lock restrict water fluctuations. In some parts of the reed belt, fen peat has accumulated and CH4 is produced. Management measures have included the construction of small channels to enhance water exchange with the lake’s open water, fire, and cutting reed. On the Hungarian side of the reed belt, channels were reopened and reconnected to open water, but on the Austrian side, some former channels remain closed. Burning is currently forbidden by law. Some large natural fires over the last ~20 years allow studies on their impact on reed stand and regrowth, CO2 and CH4 emission, and biodiversity recovery (focus on reed birds).
Solutions: Comparison of reed areas with reopened channels vs. overgrown, silted channels. Comparison of reed areas of different age and structure and areas which burned down ~20 years ago and in 2020. Data can be collected without the need for specific restoration measures. Evaluation of some biodiversity and other ecosystem service values of the area. Co-creation on future management regimes will be conducted with local stakeholders.
Outcomes: A common understanding among stakeholders of the best possible wetland management method will be reached.
Type of wetland:
Floodplain