ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION 1996 Bratislava 1997 The nymph Daphne was chased by the god Apollo. She changed herself to a beautiful bush with nice smelling flowers. Is there a place where the endemic plant Daphne arbuscula, which is only found on Muránska planina Mts., could hide? What will other threatened plants and animals change into order to survive? MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION In December 1996 we completed the third year of operation of the DAPHNE Foundation. Over the last year our organisation definitely confirmed its viability and capability to survive also in the unfavourable conditions. While many NGOs are decreasing the scope of their activities as a result of restricted domestic and foreign funds, the DAPHNE Foundation worked three times more intensively compared to year 1995, judging from the budget at least. During the last year the DAPHNE Foundation definitely evolved into an expert environmental organisation, which develops its projects in the following three directions: 1) applied ecology, 2) promoting the public awareness, 3) development of conception studies In the framework of applied ecology, the research into the restoration and management of wet meadows in the Morava river floodplain area continued, which was sponsored by the DAPHNE Foundation and a small financial contribution from SAŽP. The most important factor was the international co-operation with WWF-Austria, who succeeded in including the project of "Restoration of Floodplain Meadows" prepared in 1995 into the implementation phase of the Danube environmental programme. The project was connected with the Czech project "Restoration of forest in the Morava and Dyje rivers floodplains" and, although in a tough competition with dozens of other projects, it a was recommended as the first for PHARE funding in the first phase. The research and field work on the project of restoration of the Abrod wetlands continued for the third year, the vegetation mapping was finished and regular monitoring was done. But, the most important achievement we consider solving the problem of weirs, both of which have been in operation since September 1996. In 1996 the co-operation with the Slovenský raj National Park continued for the second year and the focus of the projects shifted from rocky biotopes into meadows rich in biodiversity. We worked out a management plan for meadows including the analysis of their vegetation diversity. We also prepared a methodology of monitoring of the influence of artificial snowing on the vegetation located on ski trail Jasna in the Lower Tatras National Park including the establishment of monitoring spots. As one of the last running GEF projects is the project of "Protection of plant species Lindernia procumbens in the Morava floodplain". The SAŽP asked us to prepare a methodology for wetlands vegetation monitoring and that was finished in the end of the last year. Speaking about the projects focused on increasing of the environmental awareness, the most successful project was the establishment of an information pathway in the Morava river floodplain which was greatly appreciated by the public. At present there is a considerable chance to fund its maintenance with the help of neighbouring municipalities. As a result of close co-operation with the local community of Devínska Nová Ves we agreed on the establishment of an information centre. Probably the most important project in this sphere was the preparation of information campaign "Wetlands for Life". In the framework of the project we prepared and published 7000 issues of a publication and a poster with the same title. The publication was supported by many funds and institutions - NPOA, USIS, the Slovak Ministry of Environment of the SR, WWF. In addition, with the help of NGO CEPA we issued a leaflet "Not this way..." about the public involvement in the EIA process. In 1996 we were the main organiser of the second tri-lateral conference "Sustainable agriculture in the Morava river floodplain area", which took place in Stupava and met with a good response. The conference was supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy through the Matra-Kap program. The annually organised tri-lateral conference is an achievement of the intensive international co-operation we have had with the WWF Austria, the association Distelverein from Austria and the Czech NGO "Unie pro øeku Moravu". However, this is not the complete list of international contacts of the DAPHNE Foundation. In the fall of 1996 employees and colleagues of DAPHNE spent 10 days in Cuyahoga National Recreational Area and National Park Service in Ohio. Their stay was supported by the Environmental Partnership, Charta 77 and the Open Society Fund. As a very important project from the point of the future orientation of our organisation was a preparation of the publication "Framework for the national biodiversity strategy in the Slovak Republic" financially supported by UNEP through the Ministry of Environment. The result was an English version published in Switzerland and a Slovak version that was approved by the Government in April 1997. As far as the projects of conception character are concerned, we participated in the preparation of the "Strategy of sustainable development of the Morava river floodplain" in the framework of GEF. In every DAPHNE project dozens of specialists and students took part, and they mostly worked as volunteers or for minimal pay. I would like to conclude by thanking them all as well as to colleagues and supporters of DAPHNE for their enthusiasm and help in the past year and I do hope we will not disappoint them this year either. MISSION AND GOALS OF THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION The non-governmental organisation Daphne was founded in 1993 by a group of young environmentalists and scientists. The motivation for starting this organisation was their commitment to solving environmental problems by increasing active public participation and applying scientific knowledge and experience to solving practical problems such as wetlands management and restoration according to the organisation's mission statement: "The Daphne Foundation shall stimulate public interest in the support of protection, conservation, sustainable development, and enhancement of natural, cultural, and recreational values of the natural environment of Slovakia so that they can be utilised and enjoyed also by future generations." The Daphne Foundation seeks to fulfil this mission through: Designing and implementing projects that directly improve environmental conditions. Working towards "conflict resolution" through co-operation with other interest groups to find alternative methods and techniques for sustainable utilisation of resources. Involving the public in the decision making process through presentations, publications, leaflets and brochures on the values of natural resources and their importance for permanently sustainable life as well as on the necessity of publicly voiced opinions during decision-making. Helping to meet the needs of local communities through meetings and seminars with government and business officials to enhance the quality of life in sensitive natural resource areas. Promoting and developing public awareness and educational programs which interpret the natural, cultural, recreational and economic values of the sensitive natural resource areas. INITIATIVES Tri-lateral cooperation. The tri-lateral cooperation is a joint effort of NGOs from Austria, the Czech and Slovak Republic to protect the Morava river. The members include: World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF-Austria), Distelverein (Austria), Union for the Morava river (the Czech Republic), DAPHNE Foundation (the Slovak Republic).The common goal is to increase international and national communication and co-operation to enhance public awareness and influence decisions made at a local level. Initiating the co-operation among state, private and non-governmental organisations in the Morava river floodplain region. The goal of co-operation is to contribute together to solving cross-boundary environmental problems in the region. One of the first results of the joined effort was a project of the Morava River Information Pathway realised together with eight other agencies. Co-operation with local farmers to find solutions for sustainable agriculture in the Lower Morava region. Working together with farmers we prepared a methodology for conversion of arable land to permanent meadows in the floodplain area and a strategy for securing the sustainable management of floodplain meadows. Increasing the awareness among the local population of the need for protection of the nature and sustainable life. The activities include printing of brochures and leaflets, community presentations and programmes, information pathways, newspaper articles and public opinion surveys. Developing soft eco-tourism in the region Small villages in the region are economically depressed. This puts more pressure on the natural resources for immediate economic gain. We are working on a project aiming at development of soft eco-tourism as a means of generating income for people in the region in an effort to relieve some of the pressure from immediate economic gain from resources. Eco-tourism efforts will also be aimed at informing visitors on the cultural and natural history of the region and the need for its protection and preservation. PROJECTS OF THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION "Optimisation of Water Regime Abrod" (1994-96) The project aimed at the renewal and maintenance of biodiversity in the national natural reserve Abrod. Funding: Open Society Fund, Slovak Agency for the Environment "Management and Restoration of Meadows in the Morava River Floodplain Region" (1994-96) The floodplain alluvial meadows are unique in their area and quality throughout Central Europe. Despite this fact a large part of them was damaged by ploughing and fertilising. The project is divided into two sub-projects: 1. Optimal management in relation to intensity of mowing and fertilisation. 2. Transformation of arable fields to meadows. Funding: Slovak Agency for the Environment - PLA of Záhorie. "Wetlands for Life" (1996-97) An information campaign was launched in response to continued degradation of wetlands caused by artificial river regulation and construction of dams. The project was prepared in co-operation with the Ramsar Committee and included the preparation of materials about wetlands, their values, functions and mainly about negative influence of irresponsible human activity. The second part of the project included an information campaign containing lectures on wetlands for local community, articles in numerous newspapers and magazines, and a press conference. Funding: WWF International, Foundation for Support of Civil Activities (NPOA) - PHARE Program, United States Information Service (USIS), the Ministry of Environment of the SR - Ramsar Committee "Sustainable Agriculture in the Morava and Dyje Rivers Floodplains" (1996-97) The Daphne Foundation was a main organiser and co-ordinator of the second annual tri-lateral conference held in Stupava, Slovak Republic (May, 1996). This conference was organised in co-operation with our tri-lateral partners. The activities of Daphne aimed at the protection of the Morava River floodplain are realised through the appropriate management style, co-operation with local farmers and advocacy of legislation. Finanèná podpora: Matra-Kap program - Ve¾vyslanectvo Holandského krá¾ovstva, Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Funding: The MATRA-KAP program - The Netherlands Embassy; Global Environmental Facility. "Public Involvement into the Conservation Process" (1996). The project aimed at involvement of rural communities and their inhabitants into a decision making process in the nature conservation. To increase the public awareness, publications were issued and lectures given informing the citizens how to take an active part in decision-making. The second part of the project aimed at providing the citizens with information on unique value of natural resources of the region and possibilities of involvement in the EIA process. At the same time we surveyed the number of visitors of the Information Pathway in the Morava river floodplain and conducted a public opinion poll. Funding: United States Information Service (USIS). "Morava River Information Pathway" (1995-96) The aim of the information pathway, which is the result of a successful co-operative effort of the DAPHNE Foundation, which was a leading and the manager of the project, the organisation of the Protected Landscape Area of Záhorie, mayors from the municipalities of Devínska Nová Ves, Zohor, Vysoká pri Morave, Stupava, Devín and the international NGO WWF-Austria, was to inform the local citizens and tourists about unique natural values of the Morava river floodplain region. It was the first example of co-operation among state and private organisations concerning a cross-boundary environmental issue. It resulted into 20 information tables on natural, cultural and historical values of the region in three languages. Funding: The Peace Corps of the United States of America - Small Projects Assistance Program. Local fund-raising efforts and other sponsor contributions. "Preservation of Lindernia procumbens ex-situ" (1995-97) The only locality of this plant species in the Morava river floodplain area was the reason for implementation of this project. The project goal is to preserve and spread this species to other localities. Funding: Global Environment Facility (GEF) "Green Danube - Central Danube Slovak Project" (1995-96) DAPHNE is the Slovak partner organisation of WWF in the Green Danube Programme whose goal is to promote trans-border protection of this large and relatively undisturbed area of floodplains. The aim of this particular project is to analyse the information about possibilities of spreading the ecological agriculture on the Záhorie lowland territory and compare it with the situation in Europe. Funding: WWF-International Application of Optimal Management Regime in the Morava River Floodplain Region (1995-1996) The project was focused on the application of the developed management regime into practice through the involvement of land owners and land users. The second goal was to enhance the tri-lateral co-operation for protection and maintenance of biodiversity of the Morava river floodplain as well as to use the international pressure in order to influence decision-making for the benefit of preserving the area. DAPHNE is the 1996 Partnership Award winner for the best project in Slovakia. Funding: EPCE Organisation of a Regional Meeting of Member Countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Central and Eastern Europe (30 September - 2 October 1996) The topic of the meeting was the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the preparation of the third meeting of the member countries. The DAPHNE Foundation organised the whole meeting and published the proceedings. Funding: UNEP through the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic Monitoring of the Influence of Artificial Snow Coverage of the Down-Hill Ski Trail Jasná on Its Vegetation (1996-97) In co-operation with the administration of the Low Tatras National Park we established permanent monitoring plots and noted down the zero state of the trail, where they started with artificial snowing in winter 1996. The aim of monitoring is to detect the influence of artificial snowing on vegetation types. Funding: The Ministry of Environment of the SR through the administration of the Low Tatras National Park Assessment of Meadow Diversity and Proposal on Managerial Measures in the Slovenský Raj National Park (1996) In co-operation with the administration of the Slovenský raj National Park we conducted a field research into the meadows in the Kopanec-Javorina region which are rich in a variety of plant species. We proposed management measures aimed at their preservation and we set up permanent spots for monitoring of successive changes. Funding: The Ministry of Environment through the administration of the Slovenský raj National Park "Framework for the National Biodiversity Strategy in the Slovak Republic" (1996). Preparation of the document in co-operation with experts from different sectors involved into biodiversity protection. The document will be used during the implementation of the „Convention on Biological Diversity" which is to be signed by the government of the Slovak Republic in April 1997. Funding: The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). Design of an Information Brochure "In Kvaèianska and Prosiecka Valleys" 91996-970 In co-operation with the foundation Fund for Public Benefit, Daphne conducted a field research in the Kvaèianska and Prosiecka Valleys and prepared a brochure whose aim is to inform the public about natural values and beauty of the valleys located in the mountain range Choèské vrchy. We prepared a proposal of management measures for sustainable use of meadow and pasture biotopes in the cadastre of the municipality of Ve¾ké Borové. Funding: Fund for Public Benefit through a grant from The Foundation for Civil Society and The Rockefeller Brothers Fund Strategy for Sustainable Development in the Lower Part of the Morava River Region (1996-97) Analyse of the plant and animal production of 7 shareholders cooperatives and 5 private farms located in the Lower Part of the Morava River Region. Strategy proposal for the sustainable agriculture in the area of interest based on the previous analyse. Funding: Global Environmental Facility (GEF) ACTIVITIES The "Daphne" magazine is issued twice a year. This magazine aims at extending discussions among researchers, professional and volunteer environmentalists and NGOs. We have published four issues so far (see the appendix). If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us. Field trips for professionals and students -environmentalists. The trips are oriented towards the optimal management for ecosystem preservation. AWARDS A winner of the award for the best project of the year 1996 as selected by the Environmental Partnership for Central and Eastern Europe. WHO IS WORKING FOR THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION Ján Šeffer, PhD. - president Professional background: Vegetation science, numerical and statistical ecology. Responsibility: Applied ecology research, data processing and evaluation, public opinion surveys. Viera Stanová, MSc. - vice-president Professional background :Botany and ecology. Responsibility: Botanical and ecological research, management of the organisation and international cooperation. Michaela Farkašovská, MSc. - project manager Professional background: Botany and ecology. Responsibility: Management of the organisation, eco-tourism and public involvement in the conservation process. Miroslava Èierna, MSc. - project manager Professional background: Biochemistry, Environmental Planning and Management. Responsibility:: Agriculture in protected areas and public participation in the conservation process. Matej Gedeon, MSc. - part time job Professional background: Hydrogeology Responsibility: groundwater modelling and desktop mapping, graphic design. Andrea Viceníkova, MSc. - part-time job Professional background: Botany and ecology. Responsibility: research in the field of botany and ecology, publishing and education activities. Mária Hajnalová, MSc. - part-time job Professional background: archeobotany - synantropic flora Responsibility: Scientific research in the field of the Environmental archeology. COUNCIL OF THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION Viera Stanová, DAPHNE Foundation Michaela Farkašovská, DAPHNE Foundation Mária Hajnalová, DAPHNE Foundation Katarína Zlochová, Municipality Devínska Nová Ves Róbert Škoda, Radio Regina Tomáš Dražil, National Park Slovenský Raj Andrea Viceníkova, Faculty of Natural Science of the UK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS D o n o r s WWF International Environmental Partnership for Central and Eastern Europe Foundation for Support of Civil Activities (Program PHARE) Ministry of Environment in of the SR GEF Biodiversity Program Ministry of Environment The Royal Netherlands Embassy United States Information Service Peace Corps - Small Projects Assistance Program Slovak Agency for the Environment Open Society Fund P a r t n e r s Administration of Protected Landscape Area Záhorie WWF Austria Distelverein Union for the Morava River Municipality of Devínska Nová Ves Fund for Public Benefit/A-Project Administration of National Park of Slovenský Raj Administration of Low Tatras National Park CEPA Local contributions: Municipality of Devínska Nová Ves Municipality of Vysoká pri Morave Municipality of Devín Municipality of Velké Leváre Special thanks to: Calestus Juma Charles Merill Branislav Hanáèek STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES IN 1996 Revenues in 1996: Environmental Partnership for Central and Eastern Europe 89 165 Sk Foundation for Support of Civil Activities (Programme PHARE) 160 000 Sk Ministry of Environment in GEF Biodiversity Program 441 233 Sk Ministry of Environment through grant from UNEP 760 533 Sk Ministry of Environment 100 000 Sk WWF International 249 565 Sk A-Project (Slovak NGO) 72 000 Sk Netherlands Embassy through MATRA-KAP 243 000 Sk United States Information Service 417 825 Sk Peace Corps - Small Projects Assistance Program 170 416 Sk Slovak Agency for Environment 163 000 Sk Local contributions and donations 89 116 Sk Balance from the year 1995 59 115 Sk Interest 7 548 Sk Total Revenues 1996 2 963 401 Sk - 98 780 USD Expenses in 1996: Supplies and Equipment 256 408 Sk Car maintenance and insurance 90 609 Sk Travel expenses 330 395 Sk Travel expenses - official car 22 398 Sk Other (Conference) 172 677 Sk External services 871 980 Sk Leasing 138 984 Sk Salaries and benefits of the DAPHNE staff 212 396 Sk Consultants 831 541 Sk Total expenses in 1996 2 964 734 Sk- 98 812 USD PUBLICATIONS OF THE DAPHNE FOUNDATION Brochure "Through the Morava River Floodplain Area" 30 Sk Magazine "Daphne" 20 Sk "Public opinion research in the Morava River Floodplain Area" 40 Sk Report from the conference "Revitalisation of the Morava and Dyje Rivers Floodplain Area" 50 Sk Report from the conference "Sustainable Agriculture in the Morava River Floodplain Area" (in Slovak and German languages) 70 Sk "Ramsar Conception of the Morava and Dyje Rivers Floodplain Areas" 100 Sk Brochure "Wetlands for Life" (including poster) 30 Sk Leaflet "Not this way" .free charge

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