At the end of September, the annual Science and Ecology Conference was held in Israel. At the conference, the REST-COAST partners and leaders of the Israeli Pilot Site presented the contribution of a baseline survey to planning, based on their experience in Nahal Dalia pilot.
A crucial condition for the success of ecological restoration projects is a deep understanding of the baseline status through surveys, field measurements, and monitoring alongside a review of relevant literature—summed up as a baseline survey. A thorough and detailed assessment of the current (and past) state of the restoration environment provides insights that support the project's success and guide decision-making throughout its lifecycle. A comprehensive baseline survey helps to set clear goals and objectives by thoroughly understanding the environmental challenges and opportunities present in the field. These surveys integrate a variety of data sources, from ecological indicators to socio-economic measures, enabling a holistic approach to project planning and execution.
Despite the importance of conducting baseline surveys before initiating a project, integrating this process in the early stages often lacks a clear standard, particularly in aquatic habitats known for their high ecological sensitivity. These habitats require special attention due to the challenges in understanding their natural dynamics and the difficulties associated with their restoration within a project framework.
The Difleh Nature Reserve - Dalia River Estuary Restoration Project, led by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, is part of a European consortium that provides clear tools for restoration activities in sensitive aquatic habitats, including a comprehensive baseline survey conducted by the planning team. In the initial stage, background materials covering the existing conditions were compiled from data collected over the two decades preceding the monitoring. In the second stage, 11 professional surveys were conducted, examining habitat functionality, water quality, water regime, soil conditions, and local fauna, supplemented by a historical survey assessing changes in biotic and abiotic components, including historical aerial photography and satellite imagery. The third stage integrated findings from all surveys into an assessment of primary stressors and disturbances. Finally, practical recommendations for the ecological restoration of wetland habitats were proposed, tailored to the habitat characteristics and the actions necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. This survey is unique in its scope and integration across its components, and its findings serve to identify viable restoration pathways for the wetland habitat.
Research Contribution:
A well-executed, comprehensive baseline survey enables data-driven decision-making, the setting of achievable project goals, and an understanding of the ecological restoration potential. The survey provides a foundation for future monitoring and informs management strategies, offering flexibility to adapt to environmental changes and set implementation priorities. The insights from this survey establish a knowledge base for conducting similar surveys that will support wetland restoration efforts in Israel.