Monitoring für die Ufervegetation bei Flussrevitalisierungen: Entwicklung eines Konzepts

Numerous restoration measures have been initiated in order to meet the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive and to counteract the ecological degradation of European rivers. However, currently little is known about the success and the sustainability of the different restoration measures, and there has been a lack of standardized monitoring programmes. Against this background the study suggests a practical guideline for the evaluation of riparian vegetation following scientific standards including a cost-benefit assessment. The recommended approach comprises three steps: (1) Identifying the restoration aims, (2) selecting indicators to verify the aims identified, and (3) developing a monitoring scheme adapted to the selected indicators and the local spatial patterns. For the survey of floodplain areas the study suggests a monitoring at two spatio-temporal scales: (1) The floristic and abiotic parameters should be recorded in the field following disturbance events, whilst (2) changes of habitat types can be monitored by regular analysis of aerial photographs.