The activities under the BatsConserve project can be divided into 4 major groups:
1. Management and coordination activities – ensure the effective implementation of the project.
2. Communication and dissemination activities.
- Online tools – project website, interactive webmap (SDI), E-publication on project results.
- Printed material – banner, project leaflet in English, Bulgarian, and Greek, pens, notepads, folders.
- Public events – final Conference and six trainings.
- Publications in media.
The public promotional events of the BatsConserve project fall into two types:
- Trainings – in Greece and in Bulgaria, targeted to farmers, forestries, local people (students) and people with disabilities.
- Final conference – directed towards experts in bats protection.
3. Collection of database on bats biodiversity.
The Collection of data available on bats diversity in the project area will be implemented by the Lead Beneficiary and will include both desk studies and field work aimed at collecting the necessary additional information for defining favourable conservation status. Field work will include research on bats diversity and their habitats (total area, structure, function); connectivity for old growth forests; degree of fragmentation; old trees; qualities of deadwood. Such information is necessary for further assessment on bat habitats and their hunting areas.
The Aristotle University will carry out research on correlation between the populations of bats and mosquitoes. This task will be based on estimation of the mosquitoes population through CDC light traps, as well as installment of shelters for bats at different distance from them – 2,5; 5; 10 and 20 km.
Another goal of the activities under this work package is the identification of potential threats and factors affecting bat populations within the project area. the lead partner is also responsible for mapping bat habitats and bat distribution within the project area and development of database.
Deliverables from WP 3:
D 3.1. Collected all of the available information on bats diversity;
D 3.2. Capitalized information on bats diversity;
D 3.3. Research on correlation between bats and mosquitoes;
D 3.4. Identified threats for bats.
D 3.5. Maps and database.
4. Genetic research on bat populations from both sides of the border.
This activity is very important for proving the project significance and need for cross border cooperation in case that this research proves parentage between bats from both sides of the border. It includes:
- Defining appropriate bat populations for such genetic research.
- Recruitment of genetic material.
- Research on parentage between bats from both sides of the border based on molecular genetics.
All the activities in this group will be implemented by the Aristotly University in Thessaloniki, Grece.
5.Assesments
This activity includes 2 tasks based on 2 assessments on species diversity, activity, habitats of bats and potential threats and on favourable conservation status.
6. Taking conservation measures.
The conservation measures will be based on an integrated approach for protection of shelters, food habitats and flight corridors. It includes the following specific actions:
- Interventional measures (placing bat shelters);
- Methodological measures (development of three Guidelines for bat conservation – in agro lands, forests and urban areas);
- Trainings for awareness among people (six trainings (3 in each country) – for land owners, land managers and their advisors; for foresters; for students and for people with disabilities.
The Deliverables from this work package are: D 6.1. Placed bat shelters. D 6.2. Three Guidelines for bat conservation. D 6.3. Conducted trainings for awareness among local people.
These activities will be implemented by both project partners.