The research into the life forms of springs in Berchtesgaden looks back over 80 years. At the point of intersection between ground and surface water an interesting world of organisms awaits us, which makes the research all the more interesting.
The primary task is to confirm the condition of the spring. With this information it is possible to manage the springs for example creating strategies for the protection of the springs.
The National park Adamello-Brenta is, with a area of 620.5 km², the largest of the protected areas in Trentin, and includes the mountain groups Adamellen and Brent which are separated by the Rendena valley, as well as the valleys Täler, Non, Sole and Giudicarie.
A diploma research project from the FH Eberswalde (D) was carried out with the support of the University of Basel (CH) in Swiss canton of Graubünden. In the summer of 2004 49 springs were surveyed in this area.
Why do we need spring research and project regions?
Next to the protection of natural habitats and the effective use of public relations, is this form of research the best way to improve the current pool of scientific knowledge. These Project regions (Protected areas) are the best places to research the natural occurrence of these habitats. This knowledge can then be used as a yard stick for Europe’s cultivated landscape, in such places which are partially or completely unprotected.
The interest in such research is mirrored by the variety of scientists that come to work in this project: students working on their diploma, doctoral students, freelance biologists, University lecturers and employees of natural history museums from throughout Europe.
The need for research into springs was really first recognised in the last decade. As most groundwater sources in the Alpine region have in some form been manipulated by mankind, for example through drainage, creation of pastoral land, addition of drinking water collection stations, lowering of the water table, or direct or indirect pollution, there is an urgent need for a basic knowledge of these habitats.
From this knowledge a basic concept can be formed of how best to save and care for these often oasis-like island habitats.
Mapserver Technology was used for the creation of the Project area map. With this programme you can view the results of many years of spring research.
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