situation problem
In November 2004, a wind storm swept through the Tatra National Park. It not only left significant material damage, but also uprooted several hectares of forest. The ecosystem was significantly disturbed and damaged.
Goal of the Project
Together, we brainstormed solutions to help and repair the damage effectively. This is where the idea of using rainwater to restore the new forest was born. After the timber has been removed, it would be possible to use the remaining waste wood to build water retention measures, the so-called water-holdings. Once removed, nature would be left to develop and recover on its own.
Solution
The waterholdings help to retain the aforementioned rainwater and thus create the right moisture conditions for the optimal growth of new vegetation. All rainwater remains in the damaged landscape. So the idea was simple: we retain rainwater in the ecosystem and thus strengthen the recovery process. The innovative solution was named Water Forest and work on the project could begin.
Implementation
The implementation of the project took place in the summer period. It involved up to 140 volunteers from 26 countries around the world.
Waterholdings
Seedlings
Hectares
Results
The Water Forest Project has significantly helped the storm-ravaged forest. The planted trees are thriving and the local vegetation is highly diversified thanks to the restoration. The monitoring of the restoration processes shows that it is currently the most vital restoring part of the Tatra nature.
Forest Before Revitalization
Forest After Revitalization
Other Implementations
Slovak landscape and Watershed Restoration (2010-2012)
Slovak Integrated Landscape and Watershed Restoration 2010-2012 by Richard Widows The article was originally published in 2015 by Jan Lambert in the Valley Green Journal Special Book Edition...
Revitalisation of Dúbrava village
The village of Dúbrava in the Spiš region (Slovakia) suffered from the siltation of sediments from water erosion, which resulted in deteriorated hydrology of small watercourses in the cadastre of...
Flood Protection System in Hlohovec
In the town of Hlohovec (Slovakia) there were regular floods due to improper ploughing of agricultural land. The town requested a project aimed at reducing erosion directly on agricultural land and...
Tatras Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the Tatras High Mountain Flora in Tatranská Lomnica (Slovakia) suffered from artificially planted high mountain Tatra flora, which could not develop sufficiently due to the...
Dykes in Jarovnice
The village of Jarovnice in eastern Slovakia was hit by catastrophic floods. In 1998, they claimed the lives of 49 children. The state subsequently invested more than EUR 4 million in regulating the...
Biodiversity Restoration in Rajec
In Slovakia, the structure of the agricultural landscape changed significantly in the second half of the last century. Industrial agricultural production took off, drying out farmland over a period...
Contact us
Send us a message and we will get back to you
