Framework for development of adaptive integrated ...

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Considering its ecological importance and cultural heritage, Republic of Macedonia proclaimed Lake Dojran a Monument of. Nature in 2011. Under the authority ...
Results

Traditional fishing

MEASURES

Six defined management measures:

CRITERIA

Restoration of forest belts

Ecotourism

Good Agricultural Practice

Reed management

Constructed wetlands

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Framework for development of adaptive integrated water resource management plan for Dojran Lake

Effectiveness

1. Reviving traditional fishing

Efficiency

2. Ecotourism

Livelihoods

3. Restoration of forest belts for

Conflict resolution

erosion control and regaining scenic landscape

Adaptability

4. Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 5. Wetland restoration through reed

management

6. Wastewater treatment and

improving water quality with constructed wetlands Constructed wetlands

Using a multi-criteria analysis approach, local stakeholders evaluated alternative measures and management approaches to achieve a desirable future plan for development of Dojran Lake. The assessment was relatively uniformed, however, Restoration of forest belts for erosion control scored first in the overall analysis (see below). Results of this participatory assessment helped us understand what are priorities of the local stakeholders when it comes to concrete management solutions. 14.2

17.7

Reed management

18.6

GAP

17.7

15.4

16.2

13.3 17.5

16.6

14.6

18.4

20.6

17.0

19.3

Ecotourism

20.2

17.0

19.1

Traditional fishing

21.1 0

10

Effectiveness

17.0 20

30

Efficiency

12.1 22.0

13.0

16.7

19.5 40

12.6

15.6

Forest belts

50

Livelihoods

This study was conducted by the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC) within the project Integrated Water Resource Management at Dojran Lake, financially supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund1

11.5

12.7

15.9 60

12.9 70

80

Conflict resolution

90

100

Adaptability

Summary Acknowledgements We would like to thank CEPF for its financial support and all the study participants for their fruitful collaboration and valuable inputs.

Recommendations The Dojran Lake Management plan should be in line with the Vardar waterbasin management plan and not limited only to the narrow zone currently under the category Monument of Nature. The management plan should rather refer to the whole Dojran watershed, protecting all the waters that come into the lake.

References Rigorous monitoring of water quality and quantity, biodiversity, weather conditions and climate change, should be regularly performed. A local water monitoring station with a laboratory and trained personnel will be an asset in assuring effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Implications If an adequate management plan with adaptive measures is established in the short-term, it will provide space for rich biodiversity and a place for relaxation and enjoyment for tourists. The local activities, such as production of high-quality food and

other local products, such as olive oil and wine, will improve livelihoods and attract consumers from the whole region, including tourists who make a break from journeys to visit the local Dojran market and experience traditional fishing in mandra.

Bonacci, O, Popovska, C. and Gesovska, V. (2015) Analysis of transboundary Dojran Lake mean annual water level changes, Environmental Earth Sciences (73): 3177-3185 Karanfilovski, A. (2012) Climate Change Scenarios for Macedonia, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Hydrometeorological unite, Skopje. Popovska, C. (2013) Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation on Climate Change in the Sector Water Resources – Third National communication to the UNFCCC, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, The Government of the Republic of Macedonia. Sotiria, K. and Petkovski, S. (2004) Lake Doiran – An overview of the current situation, Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY), Society for the Investigation and Conservation of Biodiversity and the Sustainable Development of Natural Ecosystems (BIOECO). Thermi, Greece.

Dojran Lake contains important ecosystems that support local economy and provide valuable habitats to many bird and endemic aquatic species. This shallow, eutrophic lake is, however, very sensitive to external stresses, such as water extraction for irrigation, expected temperature increase due to climate change, and waste water discharge. Dojran Lake thus needs management approach that would improve water quality and enhance resilience of the lake to current and future threats. Proclaimed a Monument of Nature in 2011, this significant site in Macedonia should be managed in the way to both assure healthy ecosystems and protect rich biodiversity, while at the same time support local livelihoods and maintain particular and culturally rich traditions. Integrated Water Resource Management principles are taken as guidelines for proposing alternative, sustainable management measures for Dojran Lake. Proposed measures include: Reviving traditional fishing, Ecotourism, Restoring forest belts for erosion control and regaining scenic landscape, Good Agricultural Practice, Wetland restoration through reed management, and Wastewater treatment to improve water quality with constructed wetlands. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

1

Monument of Nature Considering its ecological importance and cultural heritage, Republic of Macedonia proclaimed Lake Dojran a Monument of Nature in 2011. Under the authority of the Dojran municipality, this Monument of Nature covers the lake and its shore, including the riparian zone and reedbeds. As established by Law, this protected area should be governed according to a developed management plan and annual programmes, containing measures and activities for protection of the site.

International importance Its exceptional natural characteristics included Lake Dojran in: Catalogue of Wetlands, National Emerald Network, Corine biotope site, List of Important Plant Areas in Macedonia, Important Bird Area in Macedonia, Balkan Green Belt and the World Ramsar List.

Introduction Dojran Lake is a significant biodiversity site and also hydrological resource for the surrounding settlements and agricultural land, a fishery site, and a popular tourism destination in Macedonia. The lake’s eutrophic character and maximum water depth of only 10 m makes it particularly sensitive to water level and quality changes. Frequent prolonged drought periods and excessive water use, together with the temperature increase trend at the end of the XX century resulted in drastic water level drop with severe consequences for the water Climate Change quality and capacity of the related habitats and services. The Southeastern part of Macedonia, where Although a hydro-engineering system, pumping water Lake Dojran is situated, is identified as the from nearby aquifers back to the lake, managed to region most vulnerable to climate change recover the water level, management activities in the country. By 2050, a significant that would improve water quality are a demand temperature increase of 30C [1.6-4.8]0C is in order for the Dojran socio-ecological system expected in summer periods, while the average temperature increase is expected to to be fully recovered. Moreover, climate be 8% (Popovska, 2013). change consequences are expected to significantly affect this part of Macedonia, Annual precipitation decrease of 10% [-6/-14]% is estimated by 2050, although with estimated summer temperature precipitation decrease of even 28% is increase and precipitation decrease. projected for the summer months, with At the same time, increasing numbers the large uncertainty interval [-14/-53]% of tourists, recorded in the recent (Karanfiolovsk, 2012). years, on one side, and inadequate wastewater treatment, on the other, together with changes in agricultural practice, all present challenges for the lake management. The proposed management measures are expected to inform design of the management plan of the lake that should be developed in the near future.

Approach Dojran Lake can be classified as highly sensitive to climate and other changes and it is thus realistic to expect more challenges for the water resource management in the future. The new management plan for Dojran Lake should consider best practices that will improve water quality and increase lake’s resilience to adapt it to the future environmental, societal and economic changes, while at the same time provide livelihoods to the local community whose economy heavily depends on the lake. In participatory activities with the local community and the authority, including two workshops and interviews, we explored vital elements of the Dojran socio-ecological system and defined most important aspects for natural resource Biodiversity management. In interviews, national experts – including The rich biodiversity of Dojran Lake contains Mediterranean, Northern policy-makers, academia and the NGO sector – and Eastern floral and faunal elements, but also endemic flora and fauna. conveyed their visions of possible future sustainable Literature cites 9 to 12 endemic species present in Dojran Lake. Profound development paths for Dojran Lake. research is however needed to confirm whether some of the listed endemic species, such as Dojran endemic snail – Graecanatolica macedonica, are still present.

These visions were clustered in four alternative, but also complementary storylines:

Endemic Dojran sponge Spongilla carteri dojranensis – not recorded in any other biotope on Earth – lived in the shallow littoral zone, which experienced drastic changes in the late XX century. It is estimated that, although seriously affected by the catastrophe, the species managed to adapt to the altered circumstances of the lake’s ecosystem.

(1) Improving fish stock and reviving traditional fishing, (2) Alternative tourism, (3) Local production – sustainable agriculture, (4) Improving water quality and protecting biodiversity. Based on the findings, the CMCC team proposed six concrete management measures within these storylines.

Dojran Lake’s ecological catastrophe and recovery Water loss that occurred in the late XX century had dramatic consequences for the lake. In the period 1988-2002 the average water level decrease was 34 cm annually. In 2002 the water loss was almost 80% compared to the 1956 maximum volume. In this period area of the lake decreased from about 41.8 to 29.5 km2 (Bonacci et al., 2015), resulting in significant habitats and biodiversity loss. This sudden drop in water level accelerated the lake towards a greater eutrophic state (Sotiria&Petkovski, 2004). From 2003, the water level in the lake has started to increase, mainly due to the construction of Djavoto canal system, but also because of more favourable pluvial regime. The lake depth reached 6.7 m in 2010 and continued to rise in the past six years. The extent to which this ecological catastrophe affected valuable biodiversity at Dojran is still not completely comprehended.

Dojran is a transboundary, tectonic lake, shared between Macedonia and Greece. The water surface of the lake, at the elevation of 147.37 m is 42.2 km2 out of which 64 % belongs to Macedonia, while one third of its 276.3 km2 catchment area is on the Macedonian side.

Integrated Water Resource Management The European Water Framework Directive The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a prominent example of integrated water policy at the EU level, based on river basin management approach. Republic of Macedonia transposed WFD into the Law on Waters, but the WFD implementation is still under way. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning works on preparation of the Vardar riverbasin management plan. A management plan for Dojran Lake watershed – the Vardar river sub-basin – should be developed in accordance with the Vardar riverbasin management plan.

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles are taken as guidelines for proposing alternative, sustainable management measures for Dojran Lake. The Global Water Partnership defines IWRM as “a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital systems.” Main IWRM strategic objectives are:

„„ Efficiency to make water resources last as long as possible

„„ Equity in the allocation of water „„ Environmental sustainability to protect water resources and associated ecosystems.

Introduction Dojran Lake is a significant biodiversity site and also hydrological resource for the surrounding settlements and agricultural land, a fishery site, and a popular tourism destination in Macedonia. The lake’s eutrophic character and maximum water depth of only 10 m makes it particularly sensitive to water level and quality changes. Frequent prolonged drought periods and excessive water use, together with the temperature increase trend at the end of the XX century resulted in drastic water level drop with severe consequences for the water Climate Change quality and capacity of the related habitats and services. The Southeastern part of Macedonia, where Although a hydro-engineering system, pumping water Lake Dojran is situated, is identified as the from nearby aquifers back to the lake, managed to region most vulnerable to climate change recover the water level, management activities in the country. By 2050, a significant that would improve water quality are a demand temperature increase of 30C [1.6-4.8]0C is in order for the Dojran socio-ecological system expected in summer periods, while the average temperature increase is expected to to be fully recovered. Moreover, climate be 8% (Popovska, 2013). change consequences are expected to significantly affect this part of Macedonia, Annual precipitation decrease of 10% [-6/-14]% is estimated by 2050, although with estimated summer temperature precipitation decrease of even 28% is increase and precipitation decrease. projected for the summer months, with At the same time, increasing numbers the large uncertainty interval [-14/-53]% of tourists, recorded in the recent (Karanfiolovsk, 2012). years, on one side, and inadequate wastewater treatment, on the other, together with changes in agricultural practice, all present challenges for the lake management. The proposed management measures are expected to inform design of the management plan of the lake that should be developed in the near future.

Approach Dojran Lake can be classified as highly sensitive to climate and other changes and it is thus realistic to expect more challenges for the water resource management in the future. The new management plan for Dojran Lake should consider best practices that will improve water quality and increase lake’s resilience to adapt it to the future environmental, societal and economic changes, while at the same time provide livelihoods to the local community whose economy heavily depends on the lake. In participatory activities with the local community and the authority, including two workshops and interviews, we explored vital elements of the Dojran socio-ecological system and defined most important aspects for natural resource Biodiversity management. In interviews, national experts – including The rich biodiversity of Dojran Lake contains Mediterranean, Northern policy-makers, academia and the NGO sector – and Eastern floral and faunal elements, but also endemic flora and fauna. conveyed their visions of possible future sustainable Literature cites 9 to 12 endemic species present in Dojran Lake. Profound development paths for Dojran Lake. research is however needed to confirm whether some of the listed endemic species, such as Dojran endemic snail – Graecanatolica macedonica, are still present.

These visions were clustered in four alternative, but also complementary storylines:

Endemic Dojran sponge Spongilla carteri dojranensis – not recorded in any other biotope on Earth – lived in the shallow littoral zone, which experienced drastic changes in the late XX century. It is estimated that, although seriously affected by the catastrophe, the species managed to adapt to the altered circumstances of the lake’s ecosystem.

(1) Improving fish stock and reviving traditional fishing, (2) Alternative tourism, (3) Local production – sustainable agriculture, (4) Improving water quality and protecting biodiversity. Based on the findings, the CMCC team proposed six concrete management measures within these storylines.

Dojran Lake’s ecological catastrophe and recovery Water loss that occurred in the late XX century had dramatic consequences for the lake. In the period 1988-2002 the average water level decrease was 34 cm annually. In 2002 the water loss was almost 80% compared to the 1956 maximum volume. In this period area of the lake decreased from about 41.8 to 29.5 km2 (Bonacci et al., 2015), resulting in significant habitats and biodiversity loss. This sudden drop in water level accelerated the lake towards a greater eutrophic state (Sotiria&Petkovski, 2004). From 2003, the water level in the lake has started to increase, mainly due to the construction of Djavoto canal system, but also because of more favourable pluvial regime. The lake depth reached 6.7 m in 2010 and continued to rise in the past six years. The extent to which this ecological catastrophe affected valuable biodiversity at Dojran is still not completely comprehended.

Dojran is a transboundary, tectonic lake, shared between Macedonia and Greece. The water surface of the lake, at the elevation of 147.37 m is 42.2 km2 out of which 64 % belongs to Macedonia, while one third of its 276.3 km2 catchment area is on the Macedonian side.

Integrated Water Resource Management The European Water Framework Directive The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a prominent example of integrated water policy at the EU level, based on river basin management approach. Republic of Macedonia transposed WFD into the Law on Waters, but the WFD implementation is still under way. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning works on preparation of the Vardar riverbasin management plan. A management plan for Dojran Lake watershed – the Vardar river sub-basin – should be developed in accordance with the Vardar riverbasin management plan.

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles are taken as guidelines for proposing alternative, sustainable management measures for Dojran Lake. The Global Water Partnership defines IWRM as “a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital systems.” Main IWRM strategic objectives are:

„„ Efficiency to make water resources last as long as possible

„„ Equity in the allocation of water „„ Environmental sustainability to protect water resources and associated ecosystems.

Results

Traditional fishing

MEASURES

Six defined management measures:

CRITERIA

Restoration of forest belts

Ecotourism

Good Agricultural Practice

Reed management

Constructed wetlands

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Framework for development of adaptive integrated water resource management plan for Dojran Lake

Effectiveness

1. Reviving traditional fishing

Efficiency

2. Ecotourism

Livelihoods

3. Restoration of forest belts for

Conflict resolution

erosion control and regaining scenic landscape

Adaptability

4. Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 5. Wetland restoration through reed

management

6. Wastewater treatment and

improving water quality with constructed wetlands Constructed wetlands

Using a multi-criteria analysis approach, local stakeholders evaluated alternative measures and management approaches to achieve a desirable future plan for development of Dojran Lake. The assessment was relatively uniformed, however, Restoration of forest belts for erosion control scored first in the overall analysis (see below). Results of this participatory assessment helped us understand what are priorities of the local stakeholders when it comes to concrete management solutions. 14.2

17.7

Reed management

18.6

GAP

17.7

15.4

16.2

13.3 17.5

16.6

14.6

18.4

20.6

17.0

19.3

Ecotourism

20.2

17.0

19.1

Traditional fishing

21.1 0

10

Effectiveness

17.0 20

30

Efficiency

12.1 22.0

13.0

16.7

19.5 40

12.6

15.6

Forest belts

50

Livelihoods

This study was conducted by the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC) within the project Integrated Water Resource Management at Dojran Lake, financially supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund1

11.5

12.7

15.9 60

12.9 70

80

Conflict resolution

90

100

Adaptability

Summary Acknowledgements We would like to thank CEPF for its financial support and all the study participants for their fruitful collaboration and valuable inputs.

Recommendations The Dojran Lake Management plan should be in line with the Vardar waterbasin management plan and not limited only to the narrow zone currently under the category Monument of Nature. The management plan should rather refer to the whole Dojran watershed, protecting all the waters that come into the lake.

References Rigorous monitoring of water quality and quantity, biodiversity, weather conditions and climate change, should be regularly performed. A local water monitoring station with a laboratory and trained personnel will be an asset in assuring effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Implications If an adequate management plan with adaptive measures is established in the short-term, it will provide space for rich biodiversity and a place for relaxation and enjoyment for tourists. The local activities, such as production of high-quality food and

other local products, such as olive oil and wine, will improve livelihoods and attract consumers from the whole region, including tourists who make a break from journeys to visit the local Dojran market and experience traditional fishing in mandra.

Bonacci, O, Popovska, C. and Gesovska, V. (2015) Analysis of transboundary Dojran Lake mean annual water level changes, Environmental Earth Sciences (73): 3177-3185 Karanfilovski, A. (2012) Climate Change Scenarios for Macedonia, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Hydrometeorological unite, Skopje. Popovska, C. (2013) Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation on Climate Change in the Sector Water Resources – Third National communication to the UNFCCC, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, The Government of the Republic of Macedonia. Sotiria, K. and Petkovski, S. (2004) Lake Doiran – An overview of the current situation, Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY), Society for the Investigation and Conservation of Biodiversity and the Sustainable Development of Natural Ecosystems (BIOECO). Thermi, Greece.

Dojran Lake contains important ecosystems that support local economy and provide valuable habitats to many bird and endemic aquatic species. This shallow, eutrophic lake is, however, very sensitive to external stresses, such as water extraction for irrigation, expected temperature increase due to climate change, and waste water discharge. Dojran Lake thus needs management approach that would improve water quality and enhance resilience of the lake to current and future threats. Proclaimed a Monument of Nature in 2011, this significant site in Macedonia should be managed in the way to both assure healthy ecosystems and protect rich biodiversity, while at the same time support local livelihoods and maintain particular and culturally rich traditions. Integrated Water Resource Management principles are taken as guidelines for proposing alternative, sustainable management measures for Dojran Lake. Proposed measures include: Reviving traditional fishing, Ecotourism, Restoring forest belts for erosion control and regaining scenic landscape, Good Agricultural Practice, Wetland restoration through reed management, and Wastewater treatment to improve water quality with constructed wetlands. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

1

Monument of Nature Considering its ecological importance and cultural heritage, Republic of Macedonia proclaimed Lake Dojran a Monument of Nature in 2011. Under the authority of the Dojran municipality, this Monument of Nature covers the lake and its shore, including the riparian zone and reedbeds. As established by Law, this protected area should be governed according to a developed management plan and annual programmes, containing measures and activities for protection of the site.

International importance Its exceptional natural characteristics included Lake Dojran in: Catalogue of Wetlands, National Emerald Network, Corine biotope site, List of Important Plant Areas in Macedonia, Important Bird Area in Macedonia, Balkan Green Belt and the World Ramsar List.