Introduction

The short intensive course on wetland water management is aiming on description of the natural and man-made processes leading to the creation of the certain type of wetland ecosystems. Special attention is paid to the interplay of soil, water and plant communities.

The teaching method used during this course uses the principle "description follows the experience". As a result of this participants will at first explore the wetlands in every day excursions and have the lectures on related topics in the afternoon; secondly teachers are chosen among the specialists who have a long lasting, practical experience in the research of the described areas.

The venue of the course is Biebrza National Park (60 000 ha area) located in the north-east part of Poland. It belongs to the one of the last European wetlands where along the river and across the valley one can find the habitats in their continuum. This unique feature, gives a rare opportunity to recognized processes, leading to the development of different wetland ecosystems.

This course is mainly addressed to young professionals. Organizers assume the basic knowledge of hydrology, soil science and ecological issues. Course gives an overview of all main types of central and western European fen and marsh ecosystems, explains the main hydrological processes important for wetland creation as floodplain inundation, groundwater seepage, role of the evapotranspiration, water storage in the organic soil, etc. Additionally participants will use the results of already identified in the Centre hydrological models of the area [ description 1 - 2.2 MB ] [ description 2 - 4.4 MB ].

Five days course will be divided on two parts: three days for visiting the Biebrza Wetlands and two days for measurements techniques and theoretical management issues. Participants will be awarded by the certificate of attendance.