Wge CONVENTION ON LONG-RANGE TRANSBOUNDARY AIR POLLUTION

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1 Wge CONVENTION ON LONG-RANGE TRANSBOUNDARY AIR POLLUTION International Cooperative Programme on Modelling and Mapping of Critical Loads and Levels and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends DRAFT CHAIR s REPORT of 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the Programme Task Force 8th-11th April 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark During session 4, a tour de table had been planned to offer each National Focal Centre (NFC) the opportunity to rapidly present activities in their country. Due to longer discussions than planned on previous issues, it was agreed that written contributions to the Tour de Table would be compiled in an annex to the meetings reports. NFCs have therefore provided the following text with their highlights (compiled here with only limited editing from the Chair). Austria In order to adequately respond to the CCE call for data, the NFC of Austria will receive additional funding through the Austrian Climate Research Programme until In the course of the project Adaptation to Interactive Impacts of Climate Change and Nitrogen Deposition on Biodiversity (CCN-Adapt) dynamic soil-vegetation models will be applied to about 50 sites (ICP IM and ICP Forests sites and grassland, approx. 50% will be finished for the CCE data call) in Austria. Experts for habitats and species conservation are cooperating with the NFC linking air pollution work with the relevant biodiversity policies (CBD, EU FFH, EU Biodiversity Strategy, etc.). With regard to modelling, we see the need for further harmonisation between countries (particularly the plant species parameterisation). We have no cooperation with EECCA countries. Canada A new five-year programme focusing on critical load determination and mapping in northern Alberta, Saskatchewan and North Western Territories was established under the joint Canada- Alberta Plan for Oil sands monitoring. The activities will primarily focus on steady-state acidification and eutrophication methodologies but will also explore the application of dynamic soil (and vegetation) models. The programme further provides scope for continued update of national critical load estimates and involvement in international agreements. While the current work programme cannot meet the 2014 call for data, the programme is committed to continued involvement and discussion with respect to the development of modelling tools for dynamic soil-vegetation modelling. 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the ICP M&M Task Force Annex 2: Tour de table - 1 -

2 Finland Finland reported continuing efforts on improving contacts to habitats experts and increasing activity to assess ecosystem services. Finland has not yet decided upon the extent on which to respond to the 2014 call for data. With the limited resources available it is necessary to focus on core tasks needed to fulfil legally binding agreements. France The French NFC is particularly involved in coupled biogeochemical-ecological dynamic modelling to evaluate nitrogen critical loads in forests and grasslands under various conditions. Climate change and nitrogen deposition scenarios are considered in combination. In addition to a strong investment in biogeochemical model calibration and validation (using ForSAFE model), a significant work on ecological modelling is in progress by validating and improving the parameterisation of the Veg table using French vegetation relevés from the EcoPlant database and the ICP Forests network. A new way of evaluating vegetation output changes is investigated by testing the response of ecological functional groups. Based on ICP Forests sites relevés, several indices of No Net Loss of Biodiversity are experienced on vegetation EUNIS classes. We underlined the difficulty to change from site to country scale with EUNIS classification. Nitrogen deposition and climate change experiments are undergoing on grasslands in a Pyrenees mountainous site and should allow validation/development of ForSAFE-Veg and VSD+-Veg models applied to grasslands. Alike for forests, a grassland Veg table is under development. A strong collaboration exists with the French ICP Forests. NFC wonders about future financial support, which determines the extent of the French answer to the next calls for data. Germany The NFC works in close cooperation with the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA). UBA coordinates and strengthens national activities under the CLRTAP by organising annual meetings of all national working groups for the ICPs/TF Health. A joint brochure of environmental achievements in Germany between 1990 and 2010 through the implementation of the Gothenburg Protocol is currently being elaborated. Furthermore UBA runs several research projects to improve and consolidate effects based knowledge and current assessment approaches, such as methods to evaluate ecosystem integrity, approaches for effects assessment for ozone on a national scale, literature and experimental research to support empirical critical load knowledge and the modelling of high resolution deposition estimates. The NFC has started scientific work for the Call for data 2014 with selected Natura 2000 areas. From about 140 EUNIS level III classes in Germany the most important will be selected. At these sites an assessment of geochemical changes (VSD+ model) and biodiversity effects (BERN model) is planned. As useful effects indicators (biological endpoints) critical load exceedances and similarity indices (Czekanowski index) are suggested. A remaining problem is the definition of ecological protection targets (reference ecosystems). A possible solution to this problem is to choose the pristine plant communities in correspondence with the habitat type description. A Project of the Federal Highway Research Institute was finished. It aimed at quantifying sensitivity of designated features of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) against nitrogen deposition more specifically. Critical loads for most of the Natura 2000 habitat types and annex II species combined with their typical site conditions in Germany have been calculated for both acidic and eutrophying effects. Within this project a combination of the largely 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the ICP M&M Task Force Annex 2: Tour de table - 2 -

3 standardized SMB model (ICP M&M) and the BERN model (OEKO-DATA) considering responses of vegetation respectively species to changes in site conditions was deployed. Ireland The Irish NFC has continued to engage national habitats experts in discussion with respect to the potential impacts of nitrogen deposition on protected habitats. There is growing consensus on the issue. The Irish NFC will respond to the 2014 call for data with input from National habitats experts (the National Parks and Wildlfie Service, NPWS). However, it is noted that the NPWS have significant resource limitations. It is tentatively planned to provide model simulations for several Natura 2000 Annex 1 habitats (woodlands [91A0], heathlands [4010, 4030 and 4060] and grasslands [6230 and 6410]). However, the exact modelling tools have not been finalised (or required multiple tools to meet the range of habitats) and there is uncertainty on the appropriate indicators. These will be the challenges in meeting the call. Italy Italy is committed in running VSD+veg in ICP forest level II sites and in evaluating correlation between biodiversity indicators and nitrogen deposition. We are using different statistical linear or non-linear approaches to verify and evaluate the influence of nitrogen deposition and different environmental parameters on several biodiversity indices and trying to find correlation between nitrogen exceedances and biodiversity loss. A new biodiversity indicator has been developed and tested in the ICP Forests level II plots. It is based not only on the species abundance, but on the coverage percentage area as well. However, we have encountered some problems when VSD+veg has been applied. It was difficult to understand which parameters were required by the model, and which parameters were calculated by the other accessory models (Methyd, Growthup, etc.). Furthermore, problems derived by difficulties in searching for chemical soil parameters to be used to calibrate the model. Certainly a manual of application with step by step explanation about model usage, parameter to be used, and observations needed, could be helpful. At the moment no real collaborations with other conventions are effective but we are working in that direction. Norway Acidification of surface waters is still an important environmental problem in Norway. In 2012 exceedances of critical loads were updated based on atmospheric deposition data for the period Other main activities have been the contribution to further development of the nitrogen dynamics in the MAGIC model, assessment of the critical limit criterion used in Norway (ANC limit ) in comparison of the delta-ph approach applied in Sweden and general communication to policy makers and other stakeholders about the results from mapping and modelling of effects of long range transported air pollutants. A new activity is the exploration of biodiversity indicators for surface waters impacted simultaneously by acid deposition and nutrients and linking such indicators to dynamic modelling of surface water chemistry. Some persons involved in the NFC exchange with groups under other Conventions (especially the Stockholm Convention on POPs and the new Minamata Convention on mercury). Republic of Moldova Activities undertaken under the LRTAP Convention, including the effect oriented under the WGE, are coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment/ National Focal Point of the 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the ICP M&M Task Force Annex 2: Tour de table - 3 -

4 Convention. The different Convention protocols and their requirements (especially the Gothenburg Protocol) have no legislative, normative and institutional coverage in Moldova. In the frame of several projects, major constraints have been identified hindering the fulfilment of the obligations assumed under Convention. The existing national monitoring and modelling activities, and available databases do not meet the Convention and its protocols requirements for reporting (e.g. there are no sites of integrated monitoring in the country, the monitoring of the ICP Forests Level 1 plots is incomplete and does not provide data on soil chemistry, etc). Concerning the research and scientific networks at the national level it can be noted that there is no a systematic scientific cooperation in the field of biodiversity, nitrogen fluxes, climate change and air pollution impact on human health and the environment. Despite the efforts made at national level there is still a low participation in EU relevant projects. With regards to the endpoints to be used in dynamic modelling the following statements can be made in this context: national indicators and indices of biodiversity are unidentified, but will be discussed during Based on the provisions of the 10 th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity - CBD, held in Nagoya, Japan (2010), the Republic of Moldova began the process of drafting a new National Strategy and Action Plan for the conservation of biological diversity for the period The national biodiversity targets will be developed in response to the global Aichi Targets. In spite of the fact that investigations/research works are carried out by different institutions and compiling such data is very difficult, the Republic of Moldova made some efforts to integrate environmental data and information stored at different institutions for calculation of critical loads for acidification and eutrophication. The preliminary critical loads for terrestrial ecosystems have been calculated, following the methods described in the Mapping Manual. Moldova makes efforts to extend the M&M database with the data from the ICP Forest Level 1 plots. Foreseen activities (in case of support from national authorities or external funding): update critical loads on 5 km x 5 km EMEP grid, preparation of information and input data for dynamic modelling (VSD+). In order to intensify activities on effect-based assessment and modelling and mapping of critical load and levels, assistance is requested for the following issues: legal and institutional arrangements at national level; implementation of guidelines and methodologies for establishment of Modelling and Mapping methods in the Republic of Moldova; organization of capacity-building workshops by addressing specific topics of the Convention, effect-based integrated assessment, etc; Support national experts for attending and participation in the prioritized programme activities (ICPs/TFs), like ICP Vegetation, ICP Forests, ICP Modelling and Mapping, TF on Reactive Nitrogen, TF IAM. Translation of documentation/materials into Russian (updated version of the mapping manual, guidelines for reporting on the monitoring and modelling of air pollution effects). 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the ICP M&M Task Force Annex 2: Tour de table - 4 -

5 Russia SRI "Atmosphere" is Russian technical coordinator of all practice connected with LRTAP Convention. At the present time we are waiting for official confirmation of our status as NFC of modeling and mapping from Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology. The Ministry does not allocate financial funding for our scientific activity, connected with critical loads, that slows down the development of this scientific area in Russia: this is the main difficulty that we have in our work. We carried out a calculation of critical loads of S and N compounds for a small territory (14 types of ecosystems of Pasvik nature reserve). Now we are trying to start collaboration with Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science of RAS (Puschino, Moscow), and use experience and efforts of our both institutes in Modelling and Mapping scientific area. Our institute is official coordinator of works with EECCA countries. We have official collaboration with Kazakhstan Scientific Research Institute of Ecology and Climate; Swedish IVL; IIA CNR, Italy; Russian State Hydrometeorological University (climate, water, atmospheric researches) and with other organizations. Also our institute is a participant of ICP Materials. Sweden In 2012/13 Swedish NFC continued work on calculating critical loads for acidity on lakes to harmonize the critical loads calculations with Swedish national acidification assessment criteria for waters. Work continued on updating vegetation parameterisation table for use with Veg module. Outcomes of these efforts were reported to CCE in March 2012 in response to the Call for contribution. Work on both these issues continues on national level. Swedish NFC organised together with CEH in UK 13th Joint Expert group meeting on Dynamic modelling in October Call for contribution issued by CCE in 2012 has resulted in discussions between the research groups involved in the work of NFC and Swedish EPA. There has not been a decision yet in which way Sweden will respond to the call. Switzerland Main topics addressed are: Nitrogen addition experiments in alpine ecosystems carried out over several years addressing effects on ecosystem structure and function including changes in biodiversity. Analysis of relations between nitrogen deposition and effects on biodiversity of seminatural ecosystems and landscapes using the data from the gridded biodiversity monitoring in Switzerland. Soil solution monitoring at numerous sites of the Intercantonal Long-term Forest Observation Programme and at Level II sites of ICP Forests to enable the analysis of evolutions of acidification and effects of eutrophication and to allow for comparison with results of dynamic modeling. Research on effects of ozone on forest trees to contribute to tree-specific ozone flux parameterization. Regular updating of deposition and critical loads exceedance modeling using the most recent emission data. 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the ICP M&M Task Force Annex 2: Tour de table - 5 -

6 Collaboration with ICP Vegetation (focus on ozone, nitrogen and heavy metals), ICP Forests (Level I and Level II sites), ICP Waters (focus on alpine lakes) and ICP Materials (Switzerland acts as sub-centre for zinc). The Netherlands The NFC is planning to respond to the call for data. For several different habitat types VSD+ and Props will be used. The approach has been successfully tested last year. Together with habitat experts a report was published on critical loads for Dutch habitat types. The report will be used for reporting on article 17 of the Habitat Directive and the process of making management plans for Natura 2000 sites. NFC s of neighbouring countries will be asked to comment on the critical loads. Ukraine During last year Critical Loads for Nitrogen and Sulphur were calculated for territory of Crimea peninsula for grid cell 5x5 km 2. In accordance with the request of the 2014 Call for data, a collection of input data has started. As well the experimental sites for field observations and further modelling are selected on reserved and anthropogenic territories. Realisation of these investigations occurs with assistance of Russian colleagues and the support of the Crimea Republic Committee of ecology. Crimea scientific group has a good potential to develop investigations in this direction. Common difficulty of EECCA countries is absence of enough financial and consultative support. Interaction with eastern and western colleagues and, in particular, involving in common scientific projects is needed to achieve significant progress in this sphere. United Kingdom The UK NFC has recently received a new contract from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) providing funding for the NFC activities until May However, research and modelling activities required to respond to the 2014 Call for Data are subject to additional funding being made available; assuming this proceeds, the UK expects to respond to this call. The NFC continues to collaborate with UK conservation bodies to advise on the use of critical loads and exceedances for Article 17 reporting under the Habitats Directive. 23 rd CCE Workshop and the 29 th meeting of the ICP M&M Task Force Annex 2: Tour de table - 6 -