The impact of fires, floods and droughts on local animal and plant species in Poland and Greece
Floods
Poland:
Impact on vegetation: Flooding can cause flooding of agricultural land, leading to damage to crops. However, some ecosystems, like wetlands, can benefit from periodic waters, favoring biodiversity.
Impact on animals: Aquatic species, like fish, can benefit from flooding, but others that live on land can struggle to adapt to sudden environmental changes.
Greece:
Impact on vegetation: Flooding can lead to soil erosion and agricultural losses. In mountainous regions, where the soil is vulnerable, there can be major changes in the ecosystem.
Effects on animals: Land animals may lose shelter and food, leading to a decrease in their numbers. However, some species can benefit from new water conditions.
Fires
Poland:
Impact on vegetation: Fires in forests, especially in the Tuchola Forest, can lead to the death of many trees and shrubs, which changes the structures of habitats. However, some plant species are adapted to regenerate after fires.
Impact on animals: Animals are forced to migrate in search of shelter and food. Fires can also lead to the death of many species, especially those that are less mobile.
Greece:
Impact on vegetation: Fires are frequent in Greece, especially in Mediterranean regions. The damage can be enormous, affecting biodiversity. Plant species such as pine trees can be destroyed and the terrain becomes susceptible to erosion.
Impact on animals: Fauna, including endemic species, are losing habitat, which threatens their survival. The outflow of species can lead to the destabilization of ecosystems.
Drought
Poland:
Impact on vegetation: Droughts lead to lower groundwater levels, which negatively affects crops and wildlife. Aquatic species can suffer from water scarcity.
Impact on animals: Animals, particularly those that depend on humid habitats, can have difficulty surviving, leading to changes in population structure.
Greece:
Impact on vegetation: Droughts in Greece, especially in Mediterranean regions, can lead to plant death and an increased risk of fires. Species adapted to dry conditions can dominate, which affects biodiversity.
Impact on animals: Droughts reduce access to water, which threatens many species, especially herbivores. Problems with access to food can affect their populations.
Fire protection Forest management:
Regularly carry out forestry: treatments such as cutting down dead trees and controlling tree density to reduce the risk of fires.
Buffer zones: Creating protection zones around sensitive ecosystems that can act as a barrier against the spread of fire.
Education and awareness: Educational programs for local communities on responsible behavior in forests and avoiding arson
Protection against droughts
Water management: Efficient management of groundwater, including the introduction of irrigation systems and reservoirs.
Agroecology: Promoting agricultural practices that increase plant drought resistance, such as intercropping or the use of organic fertilizers.
Increasing biodiversity: Protecting and promoting drought-tolerant plant species and creating diverse ecosystems that can better survive periods of water scarcity.
Flood protection
Floodplain regeneration: Restoring natural floodplains, allowing for better water absorption and protecting ecosystems.
Construction of retention infrastructure: Retention reservoirs, levees, and other structures can help control water flow.
Monitoring and early warning: River condition monitoring and rainfall forecasting systems that can help you respond quickly to threats.
