Forma de învățământ: Învățământ cu frecvență [308874]

[anonimizat]: Geografie

Programul de studiu: Geografia turismului (în limba engleză)

Forma de învățământ: Învățământ cu frecvență

LUCRARE DE LICENȚĂ

Coordonator științific:

Conf. univ. dr. Marcu Stașac

Absolvent: [anonimizat]

2018

[anonimizat]: Geografie

Programul de studiu: Geografia turismului (în limba engleză)

Forma de învățământ: Învățământ cu frecvență

LUCRARE DE LICENȚĂ

Siturile Natura 2000 din Câmpia Someșului

Coordonator științific:

Conf. univ. dr. Marcu Stașac

Absolvent: [anonimizat]

2018

Introduction

In the bachelor thesis paper "Natura 2000 Sites in Someș Plain" are presented both theoretical aspects and researches on the Natura 2000 ecological system on the Someș Plain.

I chose this theme for the simple fact that Natura 2000 is not a [anonimizat]. Natura 2000 adopts a different perspective by recognizing the importance of man's [anonimizat] a successful partnership between man and nature. [anonimizat]. By actively involving different owners or users of these areas in the Natura 2000 program, [anonimizat]. Natura 2000 is a powerful ally in the maintenance and economic and social development of many rural areas.

The purpose and objectives of this work are: [anonimizat] 2000 [anonimizat], to identify habitats and protected species.

The specialized literature underlying this work has been chosen so as to assist in the best documentation of the present work. In the paper were used information from: [anonimizat], books and specialized projects.

[anonimizat], "The Natura 2000 Ecological Network" and "The Framework for the Natura 2000 Network in the Someș Plain", [anonimizat], "The Analysis of the Natura 2000 Sites in Someș Plain" represents the research carried out on the Someș Plain sites.

The first chapter, "The Natura 2000 Ecological Network", contains theoretical aspects regarding the formation of the Natura 2000 [anonimizat], the legislative basis.

The second chapter, "The framework for the realization of the Natura 2000 network in Someș Plain", contains a [anonimizat], preservation, management measures of a site, [anonimizat], goals, objectives, within a Natura site 2000.

[anonimizat], is the case study, "Analysis of Natura 2000 sites in Somes Plain", it contains a [anonimizat], [anonimizat], flora, fauna, as well as habitat analysis.

Natura 2000 ecological network

Natura 2000

The European Natura 2000 network is a network of different protected natural areas, including a diversity of wild species and natural habitats of community interest. This network has been set up to protect nature as well as to preserve these natural resources for as long as possible. Since 1992, the European Union has been promoting the development of this network of Natura 2000 protected areas, covering both EU and candidate countries.

The establishment of the Natura 2000 network is based on two European Union Directives, namely: the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, regulating the way of selecting and designating sites and protecting them. By the end of 2007, some 26,000 sites had been declared at the EU level, which at that time represented one fifth of the EU's surface area.

1.2.The evolution of the Natura 2000 network

In the beginning, the directives were created: the Birds Directive establishes Special Areas for the Protection of Birds (1979) and the Habitats Directive establishing the Natura 2000 network (1992), and the latter requires all Member States to mark their special conservation areas.

The network has evolved continuously: Sweden and Finland are joining Sweden in 1995 in Gothenburg, following a decision by the European Union that an agreement is being made to halt the loss of biodiversity in the European Union by 2010. Year 2001 continues with some revisions, neIn 2002, El Teide stated that Member States are committed to disseminating information on Natura 2000. The year 2004 has made an important contribution: Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have enriched the network with the Pannonian region. In 2007, Romania and Bulgaria expanded the Natura 2000 network with steppe regions as well as the Black Sea region, helping to make the network more diversified. The last country to join the system was Croatia in 2013.w sites from biogeographical regions across the EU are added to the Natura 2000 network.

1.3.Natura 2000 in Roumania

A total of nine biogeographical regions have been identified on the territory of the European Union, of which Romania has the largest biogeographical diversity through the existence of five regions (Fig. 1): the first is the continental, which is actually the most common region, the second region is the alpine, it is found in the mountains with a mountainous area, the third is the panonic region, the fourth is the Pontic region, and the last region that is found in Romania is the steppe, the latter being only found in Our country.

Fig. 1. Biogeographical Regions of Romania

Source:http://www.anpm.ro/upload/12561_Anexa2_harta_regbiogeografice.pdf

The Carpathian Mountains on the Romanian territory are one of the most important ecoregions on the global level, almost half of Europe's carnivorous population (bears, wolves, lynx) has these habitats. Another very important region on the Romanian territory is the Danube Delta, this being the most important wetland in Europe that houses pelican colonies and other hundreds of bird species.

Fig. 2. The natura 2000 and the Emerald networks

Source: http://www.ceeweb.org/work-areas/working-groups/natura-2000/resources/site-designation/

1.4.Short History of Protected Areas in Romania

Protecting the environment in Romania began in the XIV century:

1467 is the documentary year of the forest given by Mircea the Elder to the Cozia Monastery, the forest is a reserved place that was first established approximately in the 14th century; in this place no one was allowed to carry out works for agricultural, forestry or hunting.

1904 appeared the first natural reservation on Romanian plains, which is: the secular Codura Slătioara.

1928-1944 represents the pioneering period of nature conservation and protected areas in Romania. The first step was made in 1928 when the first naturalistic congress in Romania took place in Cluj, where a decision on the drafting of the law on nature protection in Romania was adopted at the proposal of Emil Racoviță.

1930 – the first law for the protection of the "natural monuments" is adopted and the Commission for the Protection of Natural Monuments – CMN is established within the Romanian Academy.

1935 – the first national park, Retezat National Park, is established.

1938 – the total number of protected areas amounts to 30.

1950 – the Nature Conservation Decree was adopted and in 1954 the implementing regulation was drawn up.

1965 – the total number of protected areas reaches 130, with an area of approximately 75,000 ha, plus numerous forest reserves and an important forest area protected by the forestry arrangement (about 64,000 ha in 1955 and over 190,300 ha in 1984 ).

1973 – the first law on the protection of the environment is adopted.

1990 – 13 national parks are established in the forest fund.

1993 – studies to set up national parks are being set up and ARBDD – Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

1995 – a new form of the Environmental Protection Act is adopted.

1999/2000 – the first 3 administrations of national and natural parks are set up for Retezat National Park, Piatra Craiului National Park and Vânători Neamț Natural Park. Their establishment and management activities between 2000 and 2006 were supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank through the Biodiversity Conservation Management Project, co-funded by the Government of Romania and the National Forest Authority.

2000 – Law 5 on the approval of the National Territory Planning Plan – Section III of the Protected Areas, which presents for the first time in a normative act the list of protected areas of national interest existing at that date.

2001 – the first normative act of the protected areas and for the preservation of biodiversity, OUG 236/2000 on the regime of natural protected areas, conservation of natural habitats, wild flora and fauna, approved by Law 462/2001.

2002 – the process of clarifying the limits for the protected areas existing at that time and their materialization in the GIS started as part of the project which allowed the establishment of the first administrations and the elaboration of the first law of the protected areas.

2003 – Normative acts specific to the protected areas are adopted, which regulate their limits, make particulars regarding the internal zoning and special management measures and establish the procedure of entrusting the administration. These are Government Decision 230, Ministerial Order 552, Order of Minister 850.

2004 – the conclusion of management contracts between the Ministry of Environment and Water Management for 16 national and natural parks with the National Forest Administration – Romsilva and the Ceahlău National Park with the Neamț County Council.  2005 – GH no.1581 Gulf Defile of the National Park, 3 natural reserves and first bird protection area, Ciuasului Forest, totaling 11,324 ha.

2005 – giving in administration by the Ministry of Environment and Water Management of the Buila Vânturarița National Park and 4 other natural parks of the National Forestry Directorate – Romsilva of the Geopark of the Dinosaurs Country of Hațeg of Bucharest University and Geopark Mehedinți Plateau Mehedinți County Council and of the Lunca Natural Park Lower Prut Lower Environmental Protection Agency Galati.

2006 – se pune în discuție pentru prima dată înființarea Agenției Naționale de Arii Protejate.

2006 – for the first time, the establishment of the National Agency for Protected Areas is under discussion.

2006 – designation of the Lunca Muresului Natural Park as a RAMSAR site as wetland of International Importance.

2007 – special areas of avifaunistic importance (SPA) are designated by GD no.1284 / 2007 regarding the declaration of the special protection areas of avifauna as an integral part of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Romania.

2007 – Sites of Community Importance (SCI) are designated by Order of the Minister No.1964 / 2007 on establishing the protected natural habitat regime of sites of Community importance as an integral part of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Romania.

2008 – The National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) is established by Government Decision. At the time of publication of this paper, ANAP is not yet operational. At the beginning of 2007, Romania included approx. 8% of the country's surface in protected areas. Most of the surface is in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (560,000 ha), in the 13 national parks (315,000 ha) and 14 natural parks (756,000 ha).

1.5.Introductory notices on sites

Sites may be defined as terrestrial, aquatic or underground areas with a statutory perimeter, with a special conservation and conservation regime, including various wild and wild species, biogeographical, landscape, geological, paleontological, speleological elements and formations or of any other nature of ecological, scientific or cultural value, having a special protection and conservation regime established in accordance with certain legal provisions.

According to the Explanatory Dictionary of the Romanian language, the site represents a proper configuration of a given territory, preserved in its natural form, these are of two types: Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) according to the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Birds.

The establishment of sites does not aim at strict protection by prohibiting human activity, in some cases human activity in these protected areas has contributed to the survival of habitats and species, due in particular to traditional agricultural activities, which contributed to good forest management, pastures and meadows.

Sites of Community Importance (SCI)

Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) are designated to protect biodiversity and maintain spontaneous flora and wildlife. Their designation is carried out in accordance with the "Habitats" Directive in several stages.

The first stage, carried out at national level on the assessment of habitats and species, presents the analysis of the following aspects, for habitats a research is carried out on: the degree of representativeness of each habitat in a site, the area on which the habitat compares with its surface at national level, the conservation status of habitat structures and functions and the global assessment of the importance of that area; for species: determine the size and density of the populations of the species present in the respective area, the conservation status of the species habitats and the overall assessment of the importance of the site for the conservation of the species.

The second stage involves assessing the Community importance of the sites found in the national lists, both at the level of the region and at EU level. The sites identified in the first phase by the Member States will be designated sites of Community importance. The second stage assessment is based on the following criteria: determination of the relative site value at national level, geographic location of the site, number of habitats and species present, global and regional biogeographic importance.

When a SCI has been adopted, owned by the state in which it is located, it must within six years establish conservation measures for species and habitats to designate it as SAC. In Romania, SCIs cover 16.76% of the country's surface (Fig.2), with a number of 383 SCIs being approved at present.

Fig. 3. Sites of Community Importance in Romania

Source: http://romaniaperpetua.ro/arii-protejate/

Special Protection Areas(SPA)

Due to the negative impact of intensive agriculture, the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, wetland deserts, water courses, hunting, are factors that have helped to establish nature protection methods. Established in 1979, the Birds Directive refers to birds living in natural areas.

Spa protection extends to nests and eggs of protected species, it is forbidden to capture, possess or kill deliberately, disturb or sell birds. Species accepted for hunting may only be hunted during certain periods of the year, and migratory birds are required to protect their habitats.

As the areas where birds live, there are other species of fauna and natural habitats of community interest, most of them SPAs in Romania (Fig. 3) overlap with SCIs, and their management must or an integrated one, taking into account the objectives of both categories of sites.

Fig. 4. Special Protection Areas in Romania

Source: http://romaniaperpetua.ro/arii-protejate/

1.8.Birds Directive

Member States designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in accordance with scientific criteria such as" 1% of the population of vulnerable species listed" or "wetlands of international importance for migratory waterbirds". Although Member States may choose the most appropriate criteria, they must ensure that all the "most suitable territories" are designated, both in number and in the area. Site-specific data is transmitted to the Commission using standard data forms. Fig. 4 represent one of the protected birds icluded in the Birds Directive.

On the basis of the information provided by the Member States, the European Commission determines if designated sites are sufficient to form a coherent network for the protection of these vulnerable and migratory species. These sites become an integral part of the Natura 2000 network.

Fig. 5. Protected birds icluded in the Birds Directive

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/efe/themes/nature-and-biodiversity/fitness-check-shows-eu-nature-laws-are-fit-purpose_en

1.9.Habitats Directive

The choice of sites is based on the scientific criteria specified in the Directive in order to ensure that the natural habitat types listed in Annex I of the Directive and the habitats of the species listed in Annex II are maintained or restored to a favorable conservation status in their natural range.

First, Member States carry out comprehensive assessments of each habitat type and of the species present on their territory. They then submit lists of proposed sites of Community Importance (SCI). Site-specific data is transmitted to the Commission using standard Data Forms and must include information such as site size and location as well as species and / or habitat types found on this site that justify its selection.

On the basis of the proposals provided by the Member States, scientific seminars are organized for each biogeographical region. With the support of the European Environment Agency, these biogeographical expert seminars aim to determine whether each Member State has proposed sufficient high quality sites.

Fig. 6. Protected habitats icluded in the Habitats Directive

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/efe/themes/nature-and-biodiversity/fitness-check-shows-eu-nature-laws-are-fit-purpose_en

Once the lists of sites of Community Importance (SIC) have been adopted, Member States have to designate them as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as soon as possible and no later than six years. They should give priority to sites that are most threatened and / or most important for conservation and take the necessary management or restoration measures to ensure favorable conservation status of sites during this period. The Commission updates the Union lists of SCIs each year to ensure that any new sites proposed by the Member States have a legal status.

2. The framerwork of realizing the Natura 2000 network in Someș Plain

2.1.Declaration of a Natura 2000 site

The declaration of Natura 2000 sites can be done in two ways: single-stage or three-stage.

Special Avifaunistic Protection Areas (SPAs) can be declared in one step in correspondence with the Birds Directive, declaring them and identifying them at national level, and then forwarding them to the European Commission.

The Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) follow three stages with the purpose of declaring them: it is determined by each State on the basis of certain common criteria through a scientific evaluation, its species and habitats and is to be transmitted to the European Commission. In the second phase, the European Commission, together with states and scientific experts, approves sites of Community importance for European biogeographical regions. Due to the fact that a biogeographical region can spread across several countries, no administrative boundaries are taken into account when declaring a site. In the third stage, the sites reach the second stage of selection, it assumes that they are part of the Natura 2000 network. Member States have a period of six years to confirm that they are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

Are areas that can have a dual status, not only Special Areas of Conservation, but also Special Areas of Avifaunistic Protection (SPA).

2.2.Activities that are allowed in Natura 2000 sites

In the Natura 2000 sites, traditional agricultural activities such as: the cultivation of organic products such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products, fruit juices, fishing and hunting activities can be carried out on the sole condition that these activities do not harm the ecological network. Agricultural land belonging to the Natura 2000 network shall be exploited in such a way that it does not lead to the degradation or destruction of habitats and of plant and animal species of Community interest. Site exploitation must be carried out in such a way as to meet certain criteria such as:

– breeding, nesting, resting and wintering periods,

– the wood is planted according to the habitat or species for which the site was declared as a Natura 2000 site,

– constructions can be made from traditional materials according to the area architecture,

– enhance ecotourism

2.3.Restriction on Natura 2000 sites

Protected areas will not allow constructions and infrastructure that have harmful effects on habitats and species for which the site has been declared a Natura 2000 site, exceptions can only be made in two cases, namely: the first exception is to carry out work on human safety, and the second exception is to carry out certain works for national security. The legislation in force requires that the activities to be carried out within the Natura 2000 sites are subject to environmental impact assessment processes in order not to affect the habitats or species in those areas, but this assessment is not carried out for the activities daily.

The property right is not affected by the fact that the area is declared a Natura 2000 site and if there are annuity activities that owners, farmers or concessionaires can no longer carry out in those areas, they will receive compensatory payments.

2.4.Conservation of biodiversity

According to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, Biodiversity is defined as "the variability of living organisms of all origins, understanding all terrestrial, marine ecosystems and other ecological ecosystems ecological systems of which they are part. These include diversity across species and between species and ecosystems." Biodiversity is represented by the genes, microorganisms and ecosystems existing on Earth.

Biodiversity is the name given to the diversity of ecosystems (natural capital), species and genes in the world or in a particular habitat. It is essential for human well-being, as it provides services that support our economies and societies. Biodiversity is also crucial for ecosystem services – services that nature provides – such as pollination, climate regulation, flood protection, soil fertility, and food, fuel, fiber and medicine production.

However, we present a steady loss of biodiversity, which has profound consequences on the natural world and on human welfare. The main causes of this loss are changes to natural habitats due to intensive farming systems; construction; careers; overexploitation of forests, oceans, rivers, lakes and soils; invasive alien species; pollution and, increasingly, global climate change. The huge role of biodiversity in the viability of our world and our lives makes its loss even more disturbing.

High energy consumption per person and waste production means that our impact on ecosystems extends far beyond our continent. The European lifestyle is largely based on the import of resources and goods from all over the world, which often encourages the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources outside Europe.

Conservation of biodiversity is achieved through certain regulations, such as: without the authorization of the authorities it is not allowed to burn vegetation, the hunting and collection of the protected vegetation species is strictly forbidden, the use of mountain pastures is prohibited without the administration of the protected area.

2.5.Purposes and objectives of the Natura 2000 network

Natura 2000 is not a system of strictly protected natural areas, it is a key element in halting the decline of biodiversity by providing support for the development of socio-economic systems, it offers the possibility to stimulate rural development in the context of Romania's integration into the European Union, durable. The aim of the network is to establish a coherent European network comprising a representative sample of wild species and natural habitats of Community interest in order to ensure their long-term viability as support systems for the socio-economic development.

The objectives of the Natura 2000 ecological network are first and foremost the long-term conservation of natural species and habitats of Community interest and, where appropriate, the restoration of favorable conservation status. Many of the Natura 2000 sites exist precisely because of how they have been farmed so far and it is important that most of these activities continue in the future for species / habitat maintenance.

2.6. Advantages and opportunities

Romania has a great variety of landscapes both in terms of geographic characteristics and cultural characteristics, but due to the economic and social changes in recent years have had direct consequences on agricultural, forestry and other activities in rural areas, with the effect of changing the traditional landscape.

At European Union level, the sustainable use of natural resources and their conservation imply specific measures for wild species, including the establishment and management of the network. Concerning agri-biodiversity, Romania is one of the few European countries where traditional agro-systems are significant reservoirs of genetic diversity of crop plants and animals that have been preserved at the place of training and development.

Maintaining species diversity and genetic diversity at the level of individual households is one of the key elements for sustainable agriculture. Regarding the relationship between forests and biodiversity management, Romania is one of the few European countries that still have virgin forests – about 300,000 ha, mostly present in the mountainous area.

2.7.Management measures of the Natura 2000 ecosystem

Management measures taken for agricultural areas: leaving uncultivated and non-fertilized land strips at the edge of agricultural land or along rivers, land that can serve as a haven for small mammals, the practice of mowing, to protect the species of wild flowers, the gradual ban on pesticides and fertilizers, avoiding plowing or harvesting in times when some species grow their babys, rotation of cultures, no intervention on stubble, the removal of large areas of the crop and compensation for their owners.

Appropriate management measures for forests are the following: leaving wood dead in the forest as habitat for some species of birds and birds, maintaining the health of the ecosystems of the ponds by avoiding oil leakage during forest operations or non-regulatory waste disposal, maintaining the productive functions of the forest, preserving and expanding biological diversity in the forest ecosystem, improving protection and forest management.

Soil protection and its management is achieved through the imposition of standards such as: banning agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes without the consent of the inspection staff, any soil pollution should be reported, prohibiting the use of untreated waste water, prohibiting the storage of waste, soil used without affecting it negative way.

Case study: Analysis of Natura 2000 sites in Someș Plain

3.1 Introduction

In the following case study we conducted a survey of Natura 2000 sites and nature reserves in Somes Plain, mainly with regard to their location, size, access routes, custody, SCIs and SPAs.

On the territory under consideration, the plain of northwestern Romania, which is part of the Western Plain, Someș Plain, has two types of site, namely: Sites of Community Importance (SCI), as well a special avifaunistic protection area (SPA). The sites in the Somes Plain were declared as sites in 2007, the year of joining the European Union. The Site of Community Importance (SCI) was declared by Ord. 1964/2007, and the special avifaunistic protection area (SPA) was declared by H.G. Nr. 1284/2007.

Some fields are included in the Somes Plain, including the following sites: Ierului Plain, Nirului Plain, Ierului valey, Careiui Plain, Lower Plain of Tur.

3.2. Someș Plain

The Someș Plain has an area of 3600 km², it is located in northwestern Romania and is located in the north of the Western Plain. The boundaries of the Somes Plain are the following: in the west and northwest the boundaries of the Somes Plain are the border with Hungary respectively Ukraine; in the south it is limited by the Crișurilor Plain through the localities Urziceni, Carei, Căuaș and Țășnad, to the east are the Oas Mountains and the Silvaniei Hills,Seini, Pomi, Crucișor, Sâi, Tătărăști, Viile Satu Mare, Ardud, Rătești, Beltiug, Săcășeni and Tășnad, in the northOașului Hills, marked by the localities: Halmeu Vii, Turnulung Vii, Prilog Vii, Medieș Vii, Orașul Nou Vii, Racșa Vii, Seini.

Relief of the Somes Plain is made up of two relief steps, namely: high plains and low plains. The average altitude is about 130 m at Sai, the maximum altitude is 171 m at the mountain, and the minimum is 105 m in the Ierului Plain. The high plains are represented by Ardud Plain, Tășnad Plain, Sălacea-Roșiori Plain, these have an altitude of 130 to 170 m. The low plains are: Someș Plain, Carei Plain and Ierului Plain. These are subsistence fields that do not exceed 130 m, with a smooth relief with low slopes.

Fig. 2. Image from the Someș Plain

Source: https://sites.google.com/site/descoperaeuropa/about-us/relieful-campiei-de-vest-si-a-dealurilor-de-vest

Fig. 1. Someș Plain

Source:http://www.4bac.ro/geografia-romaniei-relieful-campia-de-vest/

The waters of the Somes Plain fall into two categories: surface waters and groundwater. Surface waters are the main river collector of the Somes river, being part of the Someș-Tisa hydrographic system. The main flowing waters are: Someș, Tur, Homorod, Crasna and Ier. There are also lakes of accumulation and water retention: Călinești-Oaș built on the river Tur, Andrid, Vasad, Galospetru and Șimian on Ier, Medișa and Hodișa on Homorod.Underground waters can be divided into two categories: deep water and groundwater. Deep waters are highly mineralized with depths ranging from 4 m to 25 m. Thermomineral waters with a depth of more than 2000 m can be found, with a slight mineralization, the temperature being between 50 ° C and 80 ° C at the surface, and at a depth of 120 ° -140 ° C. Groundwater is present in low plains, creating marshy and floodable regions.

The Somes Plain overlaps over a crystalline – mesozoic carpathian – panonic base.It has major carpato and panonic fractures and occurs in the form of submerged blocks ranging from 1500 m in the east to 3000 m in the west (the horst and grab system).In the West Hills region, these horrors appear on the surface as assemblages made of hard rocks (Carpathian crystalline).

A series of deposits with different thicknesses have accumulated over this foundation (in the grabbing region the thickness is higher than in the horticultural region): clays, conglomerates, sandstones, marne; the thickest deposits are those during the mio – pliocene (over 1000 m thick). They include intersections of sand and volcanic tuffs (reflecting successive eruptive activity in the nearby volcanic mountains – the northern group of the Eastern Carpathians).

3.3. Ierului Plain- Site code ROSCI0021

The Ierului Plain has a total area of approximately 21,785.0 ha. It is located on the territory of two counties: Bihor County, where the total area of the plain is 64% and the county of Satu Mare, whose territory is 36% of the plain.The area was declared a site of community importance through the Order of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development No. 1964 of 13 December 2007 (establishing the protected natural habitat regime of sites of Community importance as an integral part of the Natura 2000 European ecological network in Romania). Access roads are: DN19 National Road on the route Oradea – Biharia – Tamasheu – Roșiori – Ianca – Diosig – Săcuieni – Tarcea.

The Ierland Plain is a site of Community Importance (SCI) designated to protect biodiversity and preserve a favorable conservation status of spontaneous flora and fauna, as well as natural habitats of community interest within the protected area of the plain.

Its geographic coordinates are: 47 ° 17 '- 47 ° 38' north latitude and 21 ° 54' -22 ° 43 'eastern longitude. It is bordered by the Crasnei Plain to the east and the northeast, the Carei Plain to the northwest, the Nirului Plain to the West, the Santaului Plain, and the Sălacea Hills to the east, but the great morphological and morphometric similarity with the neighboring units makes its net geographical demarcation difficult.

Fig.2. Ierului Plain- localization

Source:http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/Natura2000/SDF.aspx?site=ROSCI0021#7

The Ierului Plainwas formed over time on the territory of a tectonic groove, but after some landslides in 1968 and 1980, the region gained another aspect, on the site of marshes and ponds formerly lands lands for agricultural exploitation. As a result of these changes was the radicular modification of the flora and fauna of the region, nowadays this ecosystem is only present in some areas such as: the Vargat lake from Săcuieni, the Dindești marsh, the Hotoan salvation, the marsh from the Sălăcea-Galoșpetru-Tarcea area, Lake Fazan, the Diosig alderlands, the swamp from Andrid.

The Ierului Valley possesses remnants of the former marshlands, within it there are numerous natural and semi-natural habitats: meadows, shrubs, pastures, deciduous forests, numerous arable lands, reservoirs, ponds, marshlands

There are 6 habitats of community interest: "peri-panonic sub-continental hedges" and "panonic steppe grasslands", 2 species of mafias: Lutra and Spermophylus citellus, 4 species of amphibians and reptiles: Bombina, B. variegata, Triturus cristatus and Emys orbicularis, 5 species of fish: Cobitis taenia, Gobio alpinnatus, Misgurnus fossilis, Rhodeus sericeus amarus, Umbra krameri, 4 insect species: Colias myrmidone, Euphrydias maturna, Leptidea morsei, Lycaena disappear, Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Carex acute, Cirsium brachycephalum, Eleocharis carnicola, Marsilea quadrifolia of community conservative interest.

Tabel 1.Mentioned species on 4 articol from Directiva 2009/147/CE,from Ierului Plain

Fig. 3. Ierului Plain

Source: http://biodiversitate.mmediu.ro/photos/campia-careiului

The site was proposed by Carpatin Ardelean Society Satu Mare (EKE). In the county of Satu Mare, the Polder from Andrid (706 ha: 340,76 ha of arable land, 61,58 ha of meadows, 215,86 ha of pasture land and 87,78 ha of non-agricultural property – public and private property) and Piru Nou Mine (250 ha – private property) are being proposed as protected areas of county interest.

3.4. Nirului Plain-Ierului Valey-Site code ROSPA0016

The Nirului-Ierului Plain has a total area of approximately 38,335.15 ha. It is located in the territory of two counties: Bihor County, where the total area of the plain is 39.6% and the county of Satu Mare, whose territory is 60.4% of the plain. Access roads are: DN19 National Road on the route Oradea – Biharia – Tamasheu – Roșiori – Ianca – Diosig – Săcuieni – Tarcea.

Fig. 4.Nirului Plain-Ierului Valey-localization

Source: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/Natura2000/SDF.aspx?site=ROSPA0016

The sands of the Nirului Plain extend along the north-western border of Romania, holding one third of the total area of the sands in our country. This geomorphologic unit is situated in the western part of the Satu Mare and Bihor counties.To the north it is bordered by the Ecedea Plain, to the west of Carei Plain, to the south of Ierul Valley and to the west of Romania's border with Hungary.At the edge of the Nirului Plain, there are a number of localities, some of which have the center at a short distance from the periphery of the sands or even on these: Urziceni, Urziceni-Pădure, Foieni, Ciumești, Sanislău, Pișcolt, Resighea, Curtuiuseni, Valea lui Mihai and Șimian.Within the Nirului Plain are located the localities: Viișoara, Horea, Scărișoara Nouă and Voivozi.

The relief of the Nirului Plain is characterized by the presence of sand dunes, alternating with low interdunar land, somewhere waxed.The hydrographic network is centrifugal and inconsistent.The main watercourses are: Berea brooks, Black valley, Horea, Ganaș and Mouca.On the territory of the sand there are also some lakes and ponds, but with limited areas: Șimian (artificial), Resighea, Urziceni, Foieni, Sanislău and Scărișoara Nouă.Among the most extensive marshes are: Sanislau (Vermeș, 80 ha), Ciumești, Urziceni, Foieni, Scărișoara Nouă and Curtuiuseni.

Nirului Plain includes 5 separate sites: Nirului Plain, starting from Șimian (S) to Urziceni (N), including oak forests (Foeni, Urziceni) and acacia plantations, sand dunes (Șimian, Curtuișeni, Scărișoara Nouă,Urziceni), interdunar marshes (Scărișoara Nouă, Sanislău), pastures on sandy soil (Șimian, Sanislău, Urziceni).Valea Ierului: Accumulation of Albiș, Moftinu Mic Fishing, Lake Cicoș and the Oaks Forest from Sacuieni.

The Plain of Nirului-Ierului Plain is characterized by a variety of semi-natural habitats, meadows, pastures, hedges, extensive arable land, deciduous forests, reservoirs, ponds.Three species of global conservative interest can be found here, of which Dumbraveanca and Vanturelul falcons nest in the clusters of trees on the pasture.

In the sandy areas of the Nirului Plain, we find the only significant population of the bird of the western Romania.The wetlands included in the site host major species of three species (erete de stuf,starc rosu,buhai de balta), and two others depend on the existence of wetlands and meadows – surreal erects and white storks.The area is extremely important for the White Stork population, which is probably the largest in the country.

Fig.5.Nirului Plane-Ierului Valey

Source: http://apmsm-old.anpm.ro/pages/printeaza/7104

Tabel 2.Mentioned species at article 4 from Directica 2009/147/CE from Nisului Plain-Ierului Valey

3.5. Careiului plane-Site code ROSPA0016

The Carei Plain is a site of Community importance (SCI) designated to protect biodiversity and maintain a favorable conservation status of wild flora and fauna as well as habitats of community interest within the protected area, area with a total ofapproximately 23,630.81 ha, it is situated in the territory of two counties: Bihor County, where the total area of the plain is 38% and the county of Satu Mare, whose territory is 62% of the plain.Access roads are: DN19 National Road on the route Oradea – Biharia – Tamaseu – Roșiori – Ianca – Diosig – Săcuieni – Tarcea.

The area was declared a site of community importance through the Order of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development No. 1964 of 13 December 2007 (establishing the protected natural habitat regime of sites of Community importance as an integral part of the Natura 2000 European ecological network in Romania). The protected area overlaps mostly with the Ierului Plain and includes the natural reserves: Foieni Sand Dunes, VermusSwamp and Urziceni Forest.

Fig.6.Careiului Plain-localization

Source: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/Natura2000/SDF.aspx?site=ROSCI0020

Fig.6.Careiului Plain-image

Source: http://campiacareiului.ro/media.html

The Careiului Plain site, on an area of approximately 14,000 ha, hosts a number of 10 natural habitat types whose conservation requires the declaration of special areas of conservation.In these habitats a number of 32 plant associations important from the phytosociological point of view were identified.

Table 2. SCI from Careiului Plane ROSPA0016

Fig. 3. The area of sites of community importance in Careiului Plain

Tabel 3.Species mentioned on the article 4 from Directiva 2009/147 /CE,from Careiului Plain

A number of 843 species of cormorants and animals have been identified. In addition, 41 species are strictly protected by European legislation, and 77 species are strictly protected by national legislation

Careiului Plain site is of special importance for amphibian species, 19 species live in Romania, and 13 species in the Careia Plain, 9 of which are strictly protected.Their populations are well represented wetlands (swamps), which have large areas here, offering optimal conditions for these categories of living. Populations of amphibian species are extremely numerous.

Fig.7.Careiului Plain

Source: http://campiacareiului.ro/specii-protejate.html

A number of 32 species of birds, out of the 151 identified, require the declaration of special areas of conservation. Besides these, another 82 species are strictly protected by law. Extensive forest areas as well as swampy areas offer optimal living conditions (food and shelter).

Although on the surface of the site only 8 plant species are strictly protected from the 240 identified, we consider this site to be particularly important from botanical and phytogeographical point of view, for phytocoenoses on sands that are extremely rare in Romania.

The limitation to the south of the site at the border of Satu Mare County was made taking into account that, to the south, natural phytocoenoses were replaced mostly by agricultural crops and acacia forests, which led to a drastic reduction of biodiversity.

Tabel 4.Natural areas protected by national interest in Satu Mare County

3.6. Natural Reserve – Foieni–Sand Dunes

Foieni Sand dunes are on important national interest, protected by Law no. 5/2000 regarding the approval of the National Territory Arrangement Plan – Section III – protected areas, code 2.677, botanical reservation with an area of 10.0 ha. She is in custody of the Freies Europa Weltanschauung Foundation.

The sand dunes near Foieni are located in the Nirului Plain, which is an integral part of the Western Plain. The sand of the Nirului Plain comes from alluvial material deposited by the Tisa, Somes and Crasna rivers. Later the relief was modeled by winds. The dunes combine an impressive number of southern, Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pontic elements. The non-cohesive sands forming the dune body are fixed by intravascular thermophilic vegetation (Festuca vaginata and Corynephorus canescens).

Elements rarely found in the country's flora and found in this area are: Minuartia viscoza, Spargula pentandra, Dianthus gigantiformis, Polygonum arenarium, Pulsatilla pratensis sp. hungary, Leontum saxatili. A tourist attraction is the sand cave where the priory (Merops apiaster), the unique bird species at regional level, is one of the most colorful birds in Europe.

Fig. 8. Foieni Sand dunes

Source: http://apmsm-old.anpm.ro/pages/printeaza/7109

3.7. Natural reserve-Vermeș Swamp

Vermes Swamp is a national importance, established by Law no. 5/2000 regarding the approval of the National Territory Arrangement Plan – Section III – protected areas, code 2.679, botanical reservation. It has an area of 10.0 ha, being in custody of the Freies Europa Weltanschauung Foundation.

Vermeș Swamp is an eutrophic marsh created in the intersection area of the Nirului Plain, which represents the northern part of the Western Plain of the country. Nirului Plain, located on the south-western edge of the county, is represented by the sandy relief, shaped from the upper pleistocene. Swamps are breeding places of the protected species Rana arvalis. The wetlands of Bobald was amoung the only places in Romania where the common snout (Gallinago gallinago) and the (Limosa limosa).

Fig.9.Vermes Swamp

Source:http://apmsm-old.anpm.ro/pages/printeaza/7109

Swamps are breeding places of the protected species Rana arvalis. Cu toate că o arie de 45 ha din Mlaștina Vermeș a fost declarată rezervație naturală, în anii 1980 au fost săpate aici două canale care au drenat  zona umedă. Ca urmare suprafața umedă s-a restrâns considerabil, actualmente având cca 10 ha.

Although a 45-hectare area of the Vermeș Swamp was declared a natural reserve, in the 1980s two canals were drained here that drained the wetland. As a result, the wet area has considerably narrowed, currently having about 10 ha.

At present this area has a vegetation fragment that still retains the original floral dowry and the authenticity of the vegetation structure. Its special significance lies in the fact that the marsh preserves some glacial relics: Calamagrostis neglecta, C. canescens, Carex appropinquata. The Vermes Wamp marriage also shelters some rare species in the country's flora: Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Euphorbia lucida, Hypericum tetrapterum, Taraxacum palustrae, Silene multiflora, Hottonia palustris.

From the flora of the marsh, 150 species were recorded; the general floral background is given by Eurasian elements (60 species), representing 40% and European (36 species), representing 24.6%. The presence of circumpolar and boreal species is significantly significant in the planting of phytocenoses (30 species), representing 20%. From this last category we mention: Carex pseudocyperus, C. vesicaria, Galium palustre, Glyceria fluitans, G. plicata, Veronica scutellata.

3.8. Natural Reserve-Urziceni Forest

Urziceni Forest is of national importance, established by Law no. 5/2000 regarding the approval of the National Territory Arrangement Plan – Section III – Protected Areas, Code 2676, Forest Reserve. The relief has an altitude of 125 m, the area is 38 ha, being in custody of the Freies Europa Weltanschauung Foundation.

This resort actually the surface of the past of Ecedea Swamp. The forest is located on the outskirts of the Nirului Plain, stretching over an area of approximately 38 ha. From a geomorphologic point of view, the production unit is situated in the plain area of the Tisa – the plain of the Nirului Plain, the plains and the geosynclinal plains on alluvial and alluvial fluvial-lacquer beds, covered with poorly fragmented dunes (wind deposits) and with micro – alluvial shells and alluvial plains with shallow valleys, deserted whales and buried terraces.

This excess moisture forest is home to a remarkable flora, with a vegetation of over 150 plant species grouped in three associations, the most common being Fraxineto-Ulmetum Soo. The type of forest is: 6221- Stejareto – normally flattened by the plain. By the provisions of the forestry arrangement, the respective stands are included in functional group I (forests with special protection functions), subgroup 1-5 (forests of scientific interest and protection of the eco-fund and forest genofond).

Among the special species for this reserve, it is noted that Hottonia palustris L identified in the waters of the brook passing through the forest, Trollius europaueus L (glacial relict) in this type of forest reaches one of the northernmost Romania, Leucojum aestivum, Galanthus nivalis, Urtica kiovensis etc. The forest harbors a significant colony of gray hawthorn (Ardea cinerea) and among other species of nesting birds we mention the black stork (Ciconia nigra) and the wilderness (Pernis apivorus) very rare species and protected throughout Europe.

Fig.10. Urziceni Forest

Source:http://apmsm-old.anpm.ro/pages/printeaza/7109

The forest has an Arum-Pulmonaria flora. The forest of Frasini consists mainly of pure ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus angustifolia), in the tree-like layer of oak (Quercus robur) located in brighter and better drained places, the ulmus of the field (Ulmus minor ), Euramerican Poplar (Populus canadensis), White Poplar (Populus alba), Black Poplar (Populus nigra) black alnus (Alnus glutinosa).In the shade of the forest in the bushy and sub-abrasive layer at the edge of the forest, we can see the horsetail (Corylus avellana), Cornus mas, (Ligustrum vulgare) L, Black Sambucus nigra L, Crategus monogyna, (Staphylea pinnata ) and wild vines (Vitis sylvestris) etc. The herbaceous layer is very diversified due to the alternation of the surfaces weighed with saline soils. Viola silvestris, Violet Scilla bifolia, Cynoglossum officinale, Polygonatum latifolium, Convallaria majalis, Lilium martagon and others.

3.9. Site of Community Importance – Valea Rece hydrographic complex

The Valea Rece hydrographical complex is declared a protected natural area of national interest, by Decision no. 251, the status being recognized by HCJ no. 19/1995 according to Law no. 5/2000. It is part of a much wider area of protection, being included in the Natura 2000 Natura Plain – Ierul Valley (ROSPA0016) and in the Natura 2000 Ierului Plain site (Natura 2000: ROSCI0021).

The Valea Rece natural protected area is located on the territory of Sălacea commune, occupying a surface of 2 ha, constituting a remnant of the old marshes occupying a much wider area of the plain of Ierului Plain. The protected natural area is a habitat characterized by a wide variety of flora and fauna, primarily aquatic, some of which are relict species. The protected natural area is part of a much wider area of protection, being included in the Natura 2000 site of the Nirului Plain- Ierului Valey(ROSPA0016) and in the Natura 2000 Ierului Plain site (Natura 2000: ROSCI0021).

Fig.12.Valea Rece Hydrographic Complex

Source: http://geobihor.blogspot.com/2013/11/destinatii-bihorene-salacea.html

Among the typical habitats are the alkaline swamps, the remains of the Euro-Siberian forests with oak forests, somewhat intermittently, the meadows developed on the sands with Corynephorus canescens, which form associations of the type Festuco vaginatae – Corynephoretum, the sands covered by the herons (Pulsatilla pratensis ssp. hungarica), Molinion coeruleae and elm (Fraxino-Ulmetum) forests. Among the plant species found on the Natura 2000 site can be mentioned here Cirsium brachycephalum and a rare specie (Iris humilis ssp. Arenaria).

Among the butterfly species, the red moth butterfly (Lycaena dispar), Euphydryas maturna and Maculinea teleius appear, and among the species of protected fish are the Misgurnus fossilis, the Cobitis taenia and the Umbra krameri.

Among the amphibians are the species: the Triturus dobrogicus, the Bombina bombina, the Pelobates fuscus, and the turtle (Emys orbicularis).

Here are some rare bird species nesting here, such as Ciconia nigra, Coracias garrulus, Falco vespertinus and Falco cherrug. A large herd also has white stork (Ciconia ciconia), the priory (Merops apiaster) and the shoregrass (Riparia riparia). The sands have a large number of poppies (Spermophilus citellus), but also the grass lizard (Podarcis taurica), and in the areas with more pronounced moisture and the lizard lizard (Zootoca vivipara).

Conclusions

BIBLIOGRAFIE

Grigore Vasile Herman: Omul și modificările antropice din Câmpia Someșului [The man and anthropogenic changes in Somes Plain]. Editura Universității din Oradea, Oradea, 2009

http://apmsm-old.anpm.ro

http://bhb-areas.com

http://biodiversitate.mmediu.ro/romanian-biodiversity/despre-arii-protejate/tipuri-de-arii-protejate

http://campiacareiului.ro

http://ec.europa.eu

http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu

http://www.anpm.ro

https://lege5.ro

Home

Mihai D. Cristea, Biodiversitatea, Editura Ceres, București, 2006

Proiect:17609 SMIS-CSNRCampanie națională de conștientizare privind importanța conservării biodiversității prin Rețeaua Natura 2000 în România, Editor: Fundația Centrul Național pentru Dezvoltare Durabilă, 2012

Proiect:17609 SMIS-CSNRCampanie națională de conștientizare privind importanța conservării biodiversității prin Rețeaua Natura 2000 în România, Editor: Fundația Centrul Național pentru Dezvoltare Durabilă, 2013