RESTORATION POSSIBILITIES OF VALUABLE NATURAL HABITATS

Abstract

Restoration is a well-known and commonly used active and/or passive protection procedure that is aimed at restoring the original habitat conditions. The choice of restoration methods is closely related to the properties and conditions in a given habitat. The scope of activities carried out as part of the restoration procedure is selected in such a way so as to intervene in the natural environment as little as possible and bring the best results. Such activities are commonly considered difficult to implement and burdened with significant costs, while their usefulness is low. However, practice shows that it is possible to undertake restoration activities at low costs and with positive effects that are visible in a relatively short time. The restoration of valuable hydrogenic habitats, such as the mountain fens of the Caltho-Alnetum community in the Babia Góra massif is a great example here. The performed restoration activities proved that with minimal intervention in the environment, with the use of natural local
materials or the application of extensive forms of utilisation, the condition of these habitats was improved, the degradation processes were stopped and their natural functioning was restored.