Project name: Development of a monitoring protocol and conservation status assessment of vegetation habitat types, including preparation of technical project documentation
Client: Mljet National Park
Period: 1/2025 – 6/2025
Location: Mljet National Park, Croatia
The project is divided into three sub-projects (hereinafter: components):
Component 1 – Habitat condition assessment, monitoring, and restoration plan for Embryonic shifting dunes in the Saplunara area
The aim of this component was to thoroughly investigate the current condition of the target habitat type 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes – the initial stage of dune formation, to identify the causes of its degradation, develop a restoration plan, and establish a system for long-term monitoring of the habitat status and the effectiveness of implemented restoration measures.
As part of the activities, two extensive field surveys were conducted at known locations of the target habitat type on the island of Mljet. Based on the collected data, a comprehensive report was produced, including information on habitat area, structure, and function, an analysis of degradation drivers, and specific recommendations for their mitigation or elimination.
In addition, a monitoring protocol was developed, clearly defining the geodetic and ecological monitoring methodology for each of the three analysed sites. This protocol ensures systematic and consistent tracking of habitat changes.
Based on the research results, a habitat restoration project was also developed. The project compiles all relevant information on the importance of preserving this habitat, its ecological features, and current condition, and includes spatial planning elements as well as an analysis of land ownership. Restoration activities were detailed separately for each site, and a cost estimate for their implementation was provided.
Finally, for all three sites, precise geodetic base maps of the broader area were created, which will serve as a technical basis for further restoration activities.
To strengthen capacity and raise awareness of the importance of conserving the target habitat type, three educational workshops were organised and conducted for the staff of Mljet National Park. One of the workshops was also open to interested residents, thus further contributing to community engagement.
Component 2 – Analysis of current successional stages and Vegetation Removal Plan to maintain the favourable conservation status of the terrestrial tortoise habitat in Kneže polje
The goal of this component was to analyse the condition of the habitat and the present successional stages in the Kneže polje area, one of the key habitats for the terrestrial tortoise within Mljet National Park.
The activities included an analysis of successional stages based on LiDAR data, which was validated through field surveys. In two field research cycles, data were collected on the present flora in Kneže polje and other factors influencing the quality of the terrestrial tortoise habitat, including food plants, succession-driving species, invasive species, and the presence or absence of anthropogenic influences.
The area was also surveyed using a drone to obtain a recent orthomosaic of the study site.
Based on the collected data, a report on successional stage analysis was produced, including a description of the current habitat condition, physical characteristics of the area, dominant vegetation types, and main drivers of succession. A key outcome of this analysis was the identification of intervention zones, i.e., parts of Kneže polje requiring vegetation removal to reduce the negative impacts of succession.
Based on the findings, a Vegetation Removal Plan was developed. This plan contains detailed guidelines for implementing interventions (removal patterns, species to be removed or preserved, optimal timing, and removal methods) and includes a monitoring protocol for tracking habitat condition and a protocol for evaluating the effectiveness of implemented measures.
To familiarise NP staff with the plan and its implementation, and to inform the local community about the importance of preserving the tortoise habitat, two educational workshops were held – one of which was open to local landowners and other interested island residents.
Component 3 – Determination of actual surface area and conservation status of habitat type 3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Characeae in Blatina near Blato, Blatina near Sobra, and Blatina near Prožura
This component aimed to thoroughly assess the current condition of the target habitat type 3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Characeae, identify the causes of its degradation, develop a restoration plan, and establish a system for long-term monitoring of the habitat status and effectiveness of restoration measures.
As part of the activities, two comprehensive field surveys were conducted at known locations of the target habitat type on the island of Mljet. Based on the collected data, a detailed report was compiled, including information on habitat surface area, structure, and function, an analysis of degradation causes, and specific recommendations for their elimination or mitigation.
Additionally, a monitoring protocol was developed, clearly defining the methodology for tracking changes at each of the three analysed sites, ensuring a systematic and consistent approach to habitat monitoring.
Based on the research results, a habitat restoration project was created. This project includes all relevant information on the importance of conserving this habitat type, its ecological characteristics, and current status, along with spatial planning elements and a land ownership analysis. Restoration activities were specifically detailed for each site, with an accompanying cost estimate for implementation.
Finally, for all three locations, precise geodetic base maps of the broader areas were produced, serving as a technical foundation for future restoration work.
To build capacity and raise awareness about the importance of this habitat type, two educational workshops were organised for Mljet National Park staff. One workshop was open to interested residents, contributing to increased local involvement.
Implementation of this Project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
