Project goal

The conservation status of coastal dune habitats on the southern Baltic coast, as well as within the continental and boreal biogeographical region, is poor (U2) and continues to deteriorate. Due to increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change, this status is expected to continue to deteriorate. Considering the above factors, as well as observing the spread of geographically alien plant species that are changing the structure of white and gray dune communities, there are serious concerns that the resources of these habitats will be severely limited in the future.

The main objective of the LIFE for Dunes PL project is to prevent the loss of biodiversity typical of coastal areas, mainly on selected sections of the coast protected under the Natura 2000 program in Poland, Germany, and Lithuania. This objective will be achieved by improving the conservation status of five natural habitat types: 2110 Initial stages of coastal white dunes, 2120 Coastal white dunes (Elymo–Ammophiletum), 2130* Coastal gray dunes, 2140* Coastal heath moors, 2190 Humid interdune depressions (*priority habitats).

The project involves the use of renaturation measures based on the results of geomorphological and biological analyses. These analyses will enable the planning and implementation of effective active nature conservation measures. The results of the project will be widely disseminated among those responsible for coastal zone management, as well as among the general public, in order to raise awareness of the specific characteristics, threats, and methods of protecting coastal dune habitats. To this end, educational and informational activities aimed at residents and tourists are planned. In addition, the project will develop tools for monitoring the condition of coastal dune habitats using unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with software for analyzing aerial imagery.