TASKS OF THE PROJECT FOR 2001-2003

Like in the previous editions of the project, the main task to be performed in 2001-2003 is monitoring of the populations of endangered species of raptors, which comprises:

• annual controls and execution of zone protection of nest-sites of birds of prey (White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Spotted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Red Kite, Black Kite) and the Eagle Owl in the whole territory of Poland; monitoring will cover 1700 nest-sites;
• localization, as a result of the monitoring, of ca 250-300 new nests of raptors, and preparation of protection zones projects in cooperation with Provincial Nature Conservation Officers and the State Forests authorities;
• reconstruction of damaged nests, mainly of the Osprey, Eagle Owl and Golden Eagle.

For the purposes of Provincial Nature Conservators, in 2001-2002 the Committee is going to formulate its opinion about the functioning of zone protection of raptors breeding sites (invalidation of protection zones, corrections to the borders of the existing zones, forest works the State Forests would like to conduct within the protection zones).

Extensive educational activity of the KOO, aimed to enrich the public knowledge in the realm of nature protection, threats to the populations of raptors in particular, would complement the field work conducted. This form of activity will also get the society acquainted with the specificity and results of the many years' programme for conservation of birds of prey.

The undertakings to be fulfilled include:

• publication in 2001-2003 of new educational material (brochures and posters), which will be given free of charge to the State Forests staff, collaborators of the KOO as well as people and institutions interested in and supporting the realization of birds of prey protection in Poland;
• preparation of a website, providing information about various aspects of the KOO's activity, online in the early 2002;
• preparation in 2001-2003 of an educational programme, addressed to students and teachers of primary and secondary schools all over the country. Based on the outlines drawn, the teachers will themselves be able to hold interesting classes devoted to birds of prey and their conservation. Introduction of the educational programme into schools will be executed by local coordinators appointed during workshops;
• annual publication of a scientific report of the KOO (in "Notatki Ornitologiczne" journal), and a bulletin comprising reports, summaries and information about all the tasks assumed within the frames of the project.