Biodiversity Potential of Wetlands in Germany

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Jul 19, 2017 - Figure 6: Natura 2000 sites under Planning (Government, 2013). ... Figure 10: Human activities in wetlands Source: Ramsar, 2017 ... Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”.
Biodiversity Potential of Wetlands in Germany 19.07.2017

Last name, first name:Lesly Vadgasen, Asif Mohammad Faisal, Mostofa Amir Faisal, Md Al Amin Registrationnumber:386903, 378514, 3845540,378509 Title of the Project:„Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?” Task number: 02

Table of Contents

1. Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 3. Methodology.............................................................................................................................. 2 3.1 Wetland location ..................................................................................................................... 2 3.2 Protected wetlands ............................................................................................................. 2 3.3 Data Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 3 4. Biophysical Attributes of Protected Areas in Germany ......................................................... 3 4.1 Importance of Natura 2000 Sites ........................................................................................ 3 4.2 Uses of Ramsar Sites in Germany ..................................................................................... 4 5. Inland Wetland distribution ratio in Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites ...................................... 4 5.1 Inland Wetland distribution in Natura 2000 sites and Ramsar sites .................................... 5 6. Designation of Wetlands .......................................................................................................... 9 6.1 National Designation .......................................................................................................... 9 6.2 Regional/ International Designation .................................................................................. 10 6.3 Existing Protection Status of the wetlands ........................................................................ 11 7. Human Activities and Threats ................................................................................................ 14 8. Results ..................................................................................................................................... 17 9. Discussion............................................................................................................................... 18 10. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 19 11. References ............................................................................................................................ 20 Appendices 1 .............................................................................................................................. 22

Maps Map 1: Inland waterbodies in Germany (author generated,2017) ................................................... 6 Map 2: Location of Natura 2000 sites in inland water bodies (author generated,2017) .................... 7 Map 3: Location of Ramsar sites in Germany (author generated,2017) ........................................... 8

Figures Figure 1: Uses of Ramsar Wetlands in Germany (Compiled by authors, 2017) .............................. 4 Figure 2: Ratio of wetlands in Natura 2000 network and Ramsar sites (Author generated,2017) .... 5

Figure 3: Statewise distribution of Ramsar sites (Source: Ramsar, 2017 Compiled by authors, 2017) .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Figure 4:National Designation of ramsar wetlands in Germany. Source: Ramsar, 2017 (Compiled by authors, 2017) .......................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 5: Regional/International Designation of Ramsar wetlands in Germany Source: Ramsar, 2017 (Compiled by authors, 2017). ............................................................................................... 11 Figure 6: Natura 2000 sites under Planning (Government, 2013). ................................................. 12 Figure 7: Conservation status of habitats and species (Government, 2013). ................................. 13 Figure 8: conservation trend of bird (Goverment, 2014). ............................................................... 14 Figure 9: Ramsar sites and management plans condition. (Compiled by authors, 2017)............... 14 Figure 10: Human activities in wetlands Source: Ramsar, 2017 (Compiled by author, 2017) ........ 15 Figure 11: Threats on Natura 2000 Habitats (Government, 2013). ................................................ 16 Figure 12 : Threats on Natura 2000 species (Government, 2013). ................................................ 16 Figure 14: Threats on Natura 2000 bird species (Goverment, 2014). ........................................... 17 Figure 15: threats on Ramsar site (Compiled by author, 2017). .................................................... 17

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1. Abstract Wetlands are biologically important elements of landscape and acknowledging their importance, a wide range of conservation framework are incorporated in wetland management. In Germany, there are 905 inland water bodies (without rivers) were analysed. This paper analysis the wetlands under the Natura 2000 sites and those of the Ramsar located in Germany focusing on the spatial pattern of wetlands of Germany, conservation status, biophysical attributes and anthropogenic disturbance affecting these sites. Among all the water bodies, some are protected under different types of conservation areas. In this paper, we only focus on two conservation areas: such as Natura 2000 sites and Ramsar sites. We located 34 Ramsar sites and 594 Natura 2000 sites in wetlands. We assessed all the protected wetlands to get their biophysical attributes and the pattern of distribution to identify the factors affecting the conservation status. We found that conservation designation depends on ecological characters and biophysical attributes of the wetlands. Among all the Ramsar sites 16 are protected, 12 are under preparation for the protection and six sites have no conservation plan. Despite the comprehensive site management plan, some designated sites are still facing disturbance especially agriculture, transportation, human intrusions and climate change. In terms of the distribution of protected wetlands 94% are Natura 2000 and 4% are Ramsar sites and 2% are common sites. Considering the importance of wetlands, a wide range of management plansbest help protect our biodiversity.

2.Introduction Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth (Ghermandi et al., 2008) and provide a wide range of ecosystem services to human society. Wetlands are also considered as ecologically sensitive and adaptive systems (Turner et al., 2000). Despite international recognition that wetland is very important for biodiversity, ecosystem health and human wellbeing, they continue to be degraded and destroyed faster than other terrestrial ecosystems. About half of the total wetlands worldwide have been lost, converted or degraded in the twentieth century (World Resource Institute, 2005). Many causal factors have been associated with wetland loss and degradation including vegetation clearing and drainage for agriculture, infrastructure expansion, invasive species, pollution and climate change (Daniels and Cumming, 2008; Foote et al., 1996). Globally the estimated extent of wetland ecosystems ranges from 917 million hectares (Lehner and Doll, 2004) to more than 1275 million hectares (Finlayson and Spiers, 1999) with an estimated economic value of about US$ 15 trillion a year (MEA 2005). One of the first widely used wetland classification systems (devised by Cowardinet et al., 1979) categorized wetlands into marine (coastal wetlands), estuarine (including deltas, tidal marshes and mangrove swamps), lacustrine (lakes), riverine (along rivers and streams), and palustrine (marshy, marshes, swamps and bogs) based on their hydrological, ecological and geological characteristics. However, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which is an international treaty signed in 1971 for national action and international cooperation for conservation for wetlands and their resources, defines wetlands 1

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(article 1.1) as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing fresh brackish or salt including areas or marine water at the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters(Ramsar Secretariat 2013).. Overall 1052 sites in Europe; 289 sites in Asia; 359 sites in Africa; 175 sites in South America; 211 sites in North America and 79 sites in Oceania regions have been identified as Ramsar sites or wetlands of international importance (Ramsar Secretariat 2013). According to the Ramsar Convention most of the natural water bodies such as lakes, coastal lagoons, peat lands, marshes, swamps, and bogs in Germany constitute the wetland ecosystem which need to be protected. Amongst 905 inland water bodies except rivers. Most of the protected areas are designated based on the Birds Directive or Habitats Directive which provide the legal binding framework for all member states, the protection of wild birds and their habitats in the Europen Union. Here we examined the factors associated with the conservation status of wetlands.

3.Methodology 3.1Wetland location Wetlands can develop under various landscapes, depending on topography and dominant water sources, such as from riverine flooding, landscape depressions, non-permeable edaphic features and estuaries or lake fringes (Gosselink and Turner 1978). For the purpose of this paper we defined wetlands as all the water bodies except rivers. For example, we considered marsh, bog, fen, swamp and lagoon, characterized by soils, flora and fauna whose distributions are diterminent by permanent or frequent inundation. We located wetlands based on open street map of Germany having all the inland water bodies (diva-gis.org). Wetland delineation was based on the identification of hydro soils, hydro plants and the presence of permanent standing water or seasonal water. Hydric soils are saturated during the plant-growing season and develop anaerobic conditions that favour the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation (Sprecher, 2001). We encompass around 905 inland water bodies or wetlands to identify structural and biophysical attributes for each wetland.

3.2 Protected wetlands In Germany, there are 594 Natura 2000 sites and 34 Ramsar sites being protected among 900 inland water bodies. All the protected sites are designated based on their ecological character. According to Ramsar handbook, ecological character is the combination of ecosystem components, process and benefits that characterize the wetland at a given point of time. There are a lot of policies dealing with wetland conservation including Ramsar, Natura 2000, EU Birds Directive, EU Habitats Directive, MedWet, and Communication on wise use and conservation of wetlands (Life and Europe’s Wetlands 2007) in this paper, we only consider Ramsar and Natura 2

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2000 sites and their existing plan for conservation. Some sites overlap between Ramsar and Natura 2000.

3.3 Data Analysis We examined wetlands distribution across the country at different spatial scales by collecting shape files of Ramsar sites and Natura 2000 site of Germany from an online database (divagis.org), using the arcGis software the shape files were analysed. Firstly, we located all the inland water bodies using GIS database and then identified all the protected wetlands either Ramsar or Natura 2000 sites. Secondly, we reviewed the existing conservation plan for the designated areas based on the report of the National Summary of article 12 & 17 the German government thus present to the EU-Commission after every six years and we examine the basis of protection plan for each site. Thirdly we make a comparison between Natura 2000 and Ramsar site on the basis of their conservation status from the changes which has been reported by states between different periods of sites evaluation.

4. Biophysical Attributes of Protected Areas in Germany The importance of wetlands in Germany is discussed below under two broad categories, inland wetlands of Natura 2000 and Ramsar wetlands.

4.1 Importance of Natura 2000 Sites Our study area considered 594 inland wetlands of Germany. In general, importance of wetlands is mentioned below: ‘’Wetlands function like natural tubs or sponges, storing water and slowly releasing it. This process slows the water’s momentum and erosive potential, reduces flood heights, and allows for ground water recharge, which contributes to base flow to surface water systems during dry periods. Although a small wetland might not store much water, a network of many small wetlands can store an enormous amount of water. The ability of wetlands to store floodwaters reduces the risk of costly property damage and loss of life’’(Agency, 2001).Wetland store carbon in soil, that keeps the atmosphere free from carbon dioxide. This improves biodiversity(International, Phys.org, 2017)Many wetlands return over two-thirds of their annual water inputs to the atmosphere through evapo-transpiration.Thus, the temperature of any area might also be restrained by the presence of wetlands(Sudip Mitra, 2003). Some threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands or nearly half of them use wetlands at some point in their lives. These species would become extinct if wetlands are destroyed. Some of the bird population – nest and raise their young in wetlands. Wetland loss will be a threat to these bird population.(Agency, 2017).‘’Abundant vegetation and shallow water provide diverse habitats for fish and wildlife. Aquatic plant life flourishes in the nutrient-rich environment, and energy converted by the plants is passed up the food chain to fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife and to us as well’’(Agency, 2001).

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4.2 Uses of Ramsar Sites in Germany Among the thirty-four Ramsar sites identified in Germany, each and every site is performing for conserving the biodiversity. Majority of the sites are contributing to conservation in more than one ways. For instance, a Ramsar site named Rieselfelder Münster is performing as the breeding and staging ground of waterbirds as well as the breeding ground of butterflies.

Figure 1: Uses of Ramsar Wetlands in Germany (Compiled by authors, 2017) as the ground for breeding, passage, staging and wintering the various types of waterbirds. Four sites are hosting the endemic and notable plants, two are the ground for crab breeding and three are important for spawning. Moreover 16 sites are hosting for other various types of ecological activities which include: supporting reedbeds, supporting the breeding of some endangered species of birds like Sterna, wintering of raptors, breeding of butterflies, hosting flora and fauna, hosting orchid and gentian population, supporting relict, and biomass production (Ramsar, 2017).

5. Inland Wetland distribution ratio in Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites To understand the type of protection for wetlands in Germany, a comparison of Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites was carried out. All Ramsar sites and inland wetland-type Natura 2000 sites were considered for this analysis. Figure 2 shows the percentages of Ramsar sites and inland wetland sites of Natura 2000 network. It also shows the common sites that belong to both Natura network and Ramsar.

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4%2%

94%

Ramsar

common

Natura

Figure 2: Ratio of wetlands in Natura 2000 network and Ramsar sites (Author generated,2017)

5.1 Inland Wetland distribution in Natura 2000 sites and Ramsar sites Wetland distribution in Natura and Ramsar has some differences. There are a total 5206 Natura sites in Germany(Agency, 2016).Our study only covers Inland waterbody in Germany. According to our database, we have 905 inland water bodies in Germany. We tried to find the associated Natura 2000 sites with these wetlands. We found that there are 594 wetlands associated with Natura 2000 sites and at this moment, there are 34 sites in Germany which are designated as Wetlands having the international importance (Ramsar sites). Ramsar sites cover an area of 868,226 hectares (Ramsar, 2017). Map -3 represents the Ramsar sites in Germany. Ramsar sites are scattered all over the country. Among the sites, the most are situated in federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) and Bayern. Each state has eight sites each.

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Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Map 1: Inland waterbodies in Germany (author generated,2017)

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Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

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Map 2: Location of Natura 2000 sites in inland water bodies (author generated,2017)

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Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Map 3: Location of Ramsar sites in Germany (author generated,2017)

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Figure 3: Statewise distribution of Ramsar sites (Source: Ramsar, 2017 Compiled by authors, 2017) Federal state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has four sites, when North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has three. Federal states Brandenburg, Hamburg and Baden- Wurttemberg contain two sites each. Rest ofthesitesaresituated in the Hassen, Brandenburg- Sachsen Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Sachsen and Thüringen- Sachsen Anhalt (Appendix- I).

6. Designation of Wetlands Designation of wetlands of Ramsar sites are presented in two categories naming: National designation and Regional/ International Designation.

6.1 National Designation Among the 34 Ramsar sites, a total of 31 sites are designated for their ecological value to the nature. Some of them are designated in more than one category. The twenty-six sites are designated as nature reserve, which is the highest number in terms of designation types. The lowest number of sites are designated as forest reserve, flora- fauna habitat (8336-471.01) bird sanctuary and special conservation area (DE 8336-471). Each type has one site. A total 8 sites are designated as natural park and 5 are designated as landscape conservation area.

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Figure 4:National Designation of ramsar wetlands in Germany. Source: Ramsar, 2017 (Compiled by authors, 2017)

6.2 Regional/ International Designation Among the 34 Ramsar sites in Germany, 20 of them are Natura 2000 sites and 7 are designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Sites as Wattenmeer, Jadebusen&westlicheWesermündung, Elbe-Weser-Dreieck, HamburgischesWattenmeer, OstfriesischesWattenmeer&Dollart are designated as both Natura 2000 sites and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Figure 5: Regional/International Designation of Ramsar wetlands in Germany Source: Ramsar, 2017 (Compiled by authors, 2017).

6.3Existing Protection Status of the wetlands According to National summary of article 17 - Germany, there are 1740 sites which have comprehensive management plan and 591 sites under management plan according to Habitat directive. According to National Summary for Article 12 number of Special protection areas (SPAs) having comprehensive management plan and under management plan are accordingly 143 and 158. From this, we can say that under Habitat directive and Bird directive still there are 2,226 and 441 sites without protection plan.

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Figure 6: Natura 2000 sites under Planning(Government, 2013). It is difficult to find relevant literature to know about the conservation status of Germany’s Natura 2000 wetland sites. So, we considered taking help from German National report about the conservation status of sites. It is necessary to mention that this report covers the habitats and species in the whole territorynot only the Natura 2000 sites(Diversity, 2017). This report also presents conservation status comparison between 2007 and 2013. According to this report, the assessment is made based on information on status and trend of species population or habitats on information on main pressure and threats.

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Figure 7: Conservation status of habitats and species (Government, 2013). The assessment describe status as being either ‘favourable’, ‘unfavourable-inadequate’ and ‘unfavourable-bad’. and among this status ‘favourable’ means the sites are not environmentally threatened but the ‘unfavourable-bad’ means environmentally threatened. There is also an ‘Unknown’ class which can be used where there is insufficient information available to allow an assessment. If we go through the diagram we can see that the is a shrinkage of unknown status in years. we had many sites as unknown but in 2013 we have few unknown sites and it is same for status of habitats and species. This is a positive incident for sites. But at the same time, we have some negative incidents. For example, we have shrinkage of favourable status also in years. most alarming is that we have increased number of unfavourable bad site status, shown with read color. We also went through the status of bird species according to bird directive. This report also covers bird species of whole Germany not only Natura 2000 wetland sites(Goverment, 2014). This report present information about short-term term period(2001-2012)and long-term period(19802012.)(Commission, 2015).Breeding Bird Surveys are normally conducted during the peak of the nesting season, primarily in June(Sauer, 2017). Breeding season is March to September inclusive (Phys.org, 2017). If we look at the diagram we see that, percentage of decreasing breeding taxa (red color) has increased in short term population trend. this is a positive incident. But, in case of wintering taxa the percentage decreased. it can be considered as negative incident. In case of Ramsar, we found that most of the Ramsar sites already have comprehensivemanagement plans and some are under preparation of management plan and few do not have any management plan.

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Figure 8: conservation trend of bird (Goverment, 2014).

Figure 9: Ramsar sites and management plans condition. (Compiled by authors, 2017)

7. Human Activities and Threats 14

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Human activity in the wetlands is an important consideration in terms of biodiversity. It has both positive and negative impact on the sites. Activities like commercial boating, extensive fishing, excessive water sports, extraction and hiking may be harmful. On the other hand, activities like biological and geological research increase the value of the sites to contribute more to the ecology. Among the 34 Ramsar sites in Germany, 31 sites have human activities.

Figure 10: Human activities in wetlands Source: Ramsar, 2017 (Compiled by author, 2017)

Among them, 10 are used for tourism and recreation purposes, 8 sites are popular for fishing and hunting, 6 are used for agriculture, and peat and gravel are extracted from 5 sites. 4 wetlands are popular for water sports and the rest 4 are used for educational purposes (one has a research centre and others are used as biological and geological research). To properly conservethe habitats and species of wetlands, it is necessary to know the threats they face. Diagram 11 and 12 show us an overview of threats in Natura 2000 sites. It is worth mentioning that these are all Natura 2000 sites not only Natura wetland sites. According to this diagram the major threats in habits are agriculture, natural system modification. Natural system modification means changing water flow patterns from their natural range of variation either deliberately or because of other activities. Some of the exaples are dam construction, artificial lakes etc. In case of species the dominant threats are also agriculture and natural system modification.

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Figure 11: Threats on Natura 2000 Habitats (Government, 2013).

Figure 12: Threats on Natura 2000 species (Government, 2013).

In case of bird species according to bird directive, showed in figure the most influential reasons are agriculture, natural system modification. It is worth mentioning that after comparing the diagram of threats we can say that bird species are less threatened than habitats and other species.

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Figure 13: Threats on Natura 2000 bird species (Goverment, 2014). Threats in Ramsar sites: Different type of threats were reported in Ramsar sites. Here the dominant threat is pollution and human intrusion and disturbance.

Figure 14: threats on Ramsar site (Compiled by author, 2017).

8. Results Germany has a series of existing wetlands around the country but our interest was focused on inland waters such as fern, bogs, and marshes which harbors a variety of species of birds and fish. as already mentioned, this wetlandfalls under Ramsar sites or Natura 2000 notwithstanding there 17

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are some which are common to both sites. A large portion of the area is covered by 94% Natura 2000 wetlands, 4% are Ramsar wetlands and 2% are wetlands with common characteristics providing an increase in the level of species which had first been noticed to have a decline in the population but with designation of sites as protected areas has help in the conservation of some species from the growing threats from external factors. The level of protection of wetlands in Germany has increased as many sites were designated for inclusion in the Natura 2000 programme. The wetlands of Germany are predominantly protected for wild birds as SPAs according to the bird’s directive of European Union. In terms of ecological attributes wetlands as breeding ground has higher priority and fish, endemic and notable plants, crab breeding are also considered for the designation. Most of the wetlands are protected based on nature reserve but Natural Park, Landscape conservation area, forest reserve, bird sanctuary, special conservation area, flora-fauna, habitat is also considered for the designation of wetlands. Despite national and international recognition some wetlands have no management plan, for instance there are six Ramsar sites without management plan. Some protected areas are facing a lot of human disturbance such as agriculture, forestry, mining, transportation, urbanization, pollution, natural system modification and climate change.

9. Discussion Germany is a signatory to the Ramsar convention on wetlands and has drafted wetland rules (water framework, BD/HD) with significant progress been made on the conservation and wise use of wetlands, although some wetlands still need a management framework, research emphasis on the physical, socio-economic factors influencing conditions of wetlands and their use is required in order to arrive at a better and comprehensive management strategies for these wetlands and those facing growing stress from a variety of anthropogenic pressures and threats. the importance of wetland resources, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance has been instrumental in action at governmental level for conservation and wise use of wetlands. The Ramsar Convention has played an important role in promoting awareness of wetlands and providing technical support to governments for conservation and management of these ecosystems on a sound ecological basis. By implementing the Strategic Plan adopted by the 6th Conference of Contracting Parties, the Ramsar Convention's work will become more closely related to the broader concerns of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (Halls, A.J. et al, 1997). From the study on the Ramsar sites it was noted that some of the sites have no management process taking place for example sites like Starnberger See, Dümmer, UntererNiederrhein have been designated but with no official management scheme. In addition to the Natura 2000 network, the German protected areas system includes further sites which have been designated at the initiative of the federal states themselves (in accordance with their responsibilities under the federal system), following their own analyses and priorities and taking into account habitats of regional or local significance as well. 18

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10. Conclusion Wetlands are considered not only be a part of hydrological cycle but also highly productive ecosystem especially in their natural forms. Wetlands do not only support large biological diversity but also provide a wide array of ecosystem goods and services (wetlands Rules, 2010). In Germany wetlands play an important role including fresh water fisheries, habitat for birds, plants and organisms. They also play key role in groundwater recharge, flood control and carbon sequestration and pollution abatement. The conservation of wetlands in Germany is occurring for a number of reasons including their perceived economic value, adequate regulations designed to protect wetlands and comprehensive nature conservation plan. The type of wetlands found in Germany is ranked among the most species diverse habitats in the country. Endangered orchids and rare birds such as common snipes, curlews and corn Crakes make their homes here (Kim Bode et al). Wetlands vary in species composition, depth of water and topography. Our location analysis identified a range of wetlands vegetation types with species associations indicative of different environmental conditions. From our analysis, there exist a great potential of biodiversity in the wetlands of Germany of which conservation actions thus give this site a wise use of it resources for a sustainable future. In conclusion, comparing the Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites it should be noted that both sites are priority areas of protection in Germany for their diverse potentials in biodiversity.

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11.References Ramsar, 2017 The Importance of Wetlands [Online] http://www.ramsar.org/about/the-importanceof-wetlands, (Accessed on 05/07/2017)

Ramsar, 2017 Ramsar Sites Information Service [Online] https://rsis.ramsar.org/rissearch/?f[0]=regionCountry_en_ss%3AGermany&pagetab=1, (Accessed on 28/06/2017).

DoE, Washington 2017 Functions and Values of Wetlands [Online] http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/wetlands/functions.html, (Accessed on 09/07/2017).

German Wetlands Are Increasingly Yielding to Agriculturehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/corn-vs-marshes-german-wetlands-areincreasingly-yielding-to-agriculture-a-726580.html

Halls, A.J. (ed.), 1997. Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention: The Role of the Convention on Wetlands in the Conservation and Wise Use of Biodiversity. Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland, Switzerland. Flade, M., C. Grüneberg, C, Sudfeldt& J. Wahl (2008): Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target.DDA, NABU, DRV, DO-G, Münster.

Fennessy, M.S., A.D. Jacobs, and M.E. Kentula. 2004. Review of Rapid Methods for Assessing Wetland Condition. EPA/620/R-04/009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Agency, E.E., 2016. Natura 2000 Barometer. Copenhagen. Agency, U.S.E.P., 2001. Functions and Values of Wetlands. United States of America. Agency, U.S.E.P., 2017. Why are wetlands important? [online]. https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/whyare-wetlands-important [Accessed Access Date 2017]. Commission, E., 2015. The State of Nature in the European Union. Brussels. Diversity, E.T.C.O.B., 2017. Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive (period 20072012) [online]. https://bd.eionet.europa.eu/activities/Reporting/Article_17 [Accessed Access Date 2017]. 20

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Goverment, G., 2014. National Summary for Article 12. Government, G., 2013. National Summary for Article 17 - Germany. Germany. International, W., Why Wetlands Matter [online]. https://europe.wetlands.org/wetlands/whywetlands-matter/ [Accessed Access Date 2017]. Phys.Org,

2017.

Wetlands

play

vital

role

in

carbon

storage,

study

finds

[online].

https://phys.org/news/2017-02-wetlands-vital-role-carbon-storage.html [Accessed Access Date 2017]. Sauer, J.R., J. E. Hines, G. Gough, I. Thomas, and B. G. Peterjohn., 2017. The North American Breeding Bird Survey [online]. https://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/genintro.html [Accessed Access Date 2017]. Sudip Mitra, R.W.a.P.L.G.V., 2003. Global Inventory of Wetlands and their Role in the Carbon Cycle. Bonn: Zentrum für Entwicklungsforschung Center for Development Research.

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Appendices 1 List of Wetlands in Germany Sl Name .

Importance

National Designation

Regional/ Human Internatio Activities nal Designatio n

1

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and adjacent areas

-breeding place of birds -staging more than 2M water birds -70% of European Tadorna come here for molting flocks

-National Park naturschutzge biet

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

-shell fishing -boating -military activities

2

Steinhuder Meer

-important for staging and wintering waterbirds -thought to be fed by springs in its bed

-Nature Reserve

-N2K

-peat extraction water sports -holiday home constructio n

3

PeitzerTeichgebiet

-Fish ponds -breeding and staging area of several bird species

no

N2K

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4

Bodensee

-breeding and staging water birds -endemic and notable plants -no hunting

Nature Reserve

N2K

-research -biological monitoring -agriculture -grazing

5

Niederelbe, BarnkrugOtterndorf

-passage, wintering and breeding waterbirds

-Nature Reserve

N2K

-pollution, heavy boat traffic dredging dyke constructio n

6

Wattenmeer, -include OstfriesischesWattenmeer&Dol extensive lart mudflats and saltmarsh and support vast reedbeds

-Nature Reserve -National Park

-UNESCO Biosphere Reserve -N2K

dyke constructio n, boring for gas

7

KrakowerObersee

no

N2K

commercial trout rearing, agriculture, and limited summer tourism

supports the largest inland colony of Sterna hirundo (200 breeding pairs) in northeastern Germany and four other species of breeding birds

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8

Rieselfelder Münster

-breeding and staging numerous species of waterbirds -raptors wintering -butterflies

no

9

IsmaningerSpeichersee&Fischt eichen

-carp breeding -birds breeding -staging of waterbirds

Nature reserve no

1 0

Elbauen, SchnackenburgLauenburg

-staging Nature reserve N2K waterbirds -breeding place for a few species of birds

recreation and hunting

1 1

Unterer Inn, Haiming-Neuhaus

-breeding, Bird Sanctuary wintering and staging site for various species of waterbirds - rare aquatic and semiaquatic plant species are also present

boating and angling

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no

no

Human recreation and traffic

Seasonal hunting and fishing

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1 2

HelmestauseeBerga-Kelbra

-wintering and staging several species of waterbirds -breeding and roasting for few species

-Landscape conservation area -Nature Reserve

N2K

intensive fishfarming, recreation and nature education

1 3

Starnberger See

-breeding, staging and wintering waterbirds -protected fish spawning areas

-Landscape conservation area -Nature Reserve

no

intensive recreational use and seasonal fishing

1 4

Niederung der Untere Havel / Gülper See / Schollener See

-breeding, staging and wintering area for numerous species of waterbirds -support fisheries

-Landscape conservation area -Nature Reserve -Natural Park

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

-tourism

1 5

Ammersee

-supports Nature various types Reserve of reeds, moorland areas scrub and meadows - breeding, wintering and staging waterbirds

no

Commercial fishing -Recreation

25

Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Task 2

1 6

UntererNiederrhein

-population of geese overwinter in the area and several species of breeding birds use the site

Nature Reserve

no

Under the threat of encroachm ent

1 7

Chiemsee

-Breeding, staging and wintering area for waterbirds -Notable plant species -Leasure activities and fishing are prohibited

Nature Reserve

no

Nature conservatio n center

1 8

UnteresOdertal, Schwedt

Breeding and spring staging birds

Nature reserve N2K

Agriculture

1 9

Lech-Donau-Winkel

Wintering waterbirds

Nature Reserve

N2K

Agriculture

2 0

Galenbecker See

-Habitat for birds -breeding and passage of birds -diverse invertebrate fauna and otters

Nature Reserve

N2K

- drainage of the peatland intensive agriculture

26

Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Task 2

2 1

Donauauen&Donaumoos

-wintering, breeding and staging various species of waterbirds -important for orchid (Orchidaceae) and gentian (Gentianaceae) populations

Nature Reserve

no

gravel extraction, groundwate r abstraction, waste dumping, recreation, and afforestatio n

2 2

OstuferMüritz

-waterbirds supports a rich marsh flora and a diverse invertebrate fauna

National Park

N2K

-peat extraction drainage

2 3

Rheinauen zwischen Eltville und Bingen

-breeding, wintering and staging waterbirds -rare type vegetation -diverse flora -rare type species

Nature Reserve

no

-fishing seasonally restricted hunting

2 4

Aland-Elbe-Niederung und Elbaue Jerichow

-breeding, resting and wintering waterbirds -grassland habitat

-Nature Reserve -Landscape reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Fishing

27

Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Task 2

2 5

BayerischeWildalm

Endangered plant species

-Special no Protected Area DE 8336-471 -Flora-faunahabitat 8336471.01

no

2 6

Oberrhein / Rhin supérieur

supports an outstanding number of relict, endangered and rare flora and fauna species, of which some cannot be observed anywhere else in Germany

-Forest Reserve -Nature Reserve -Landscape Protection

N2K

-Agriculture -Fishing -Hunting -Water sports

2 7

WeserstaustufeSchlüsselburg

- breeding, Nature staging and Reserve wintering waterbirds -wintering for Bucephalaclang ula -the last remaining breeding site for Ciconiaciconia -the main staging site for Pluvialisapricari a

no

Water Sports

28

Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Task 2

2 8

OstseeboddengewässerWestrü gen-Hiddensee-Zingst

-important -Nature staging area for Reserve waders, ducks -National Park and breeding birds

N2K

-Water sports -Agriculture

2 9

HamburgischesWattenmeer

-biomass production -spawning fish -staging and wintering numerous species of waterbirds - breeding areas for several species of terns

National Park

-UNESCO Biosphere Reserve -N2K

No

3 0

Wattenmeer, Elbe-WeserDreieck

numerous species of wintering and staging waterbirds

-Nature Reserve -National Park

-UNESCO Biosphere Reserve -N2K

Ecological and Geological Research

3 1

Wattenmeer, Numerous Jadebusen&westlicheWesermü species of ndung waterbirds winter, stage and breed in the area

Nature Reserve -National Park

-UNESCO Biosphere Reserve -N2K

Ecological and geological research and monitoring

29

Master Project MEP SoSe „Spot On – How to select sites of importance for biodiversity?”

Task 2

3 2

Mühlenberger Loch

-wintering and staging several species of waterbirds -the most important staging area in Northern Europe for Anas clypeata -endemic plants -breeding for many native fish species

Nature Reserve

N2K

Water sports

3 3

Dümmer

breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds

Nature Reserve

N2K

-drainage cultivation of the peatlands -holiday home constructio n

3 4

DiepholzerMoorniederung

breeding and staging waterbirds

Nature Reserve

N2K

-peat extraction drainage

Source: Compiled by author from Ramsar, 2017

30