H2020 PONDERFUL: The “Fyn” NBS: A Pondscape for Biodiversity, and People

Pond: PAE5
Area characterisation: 

The Fyn Islands pondscape covers Ærø, Avernakø and Birkholm, 3 out of about 55 islands of the South Fyn Archipelago. Ærø is the biggest island of 88 km2 with over 6’000 inhabitants. Avernakø, populated by about 120 people, consists of two islands connected by an artificial dike with a total area of ca. 6 km2. Birkholm is smallest with a total area of nearly 1 km2 and less than 10 people permanently living on it. A hilly moraine landscape covers both Avernakø and Ærø and clay dominates the subsoil. Although Birkholm has the same origin, is very flat, reaching only 2 m over the sea level. Most of the land on islands is agriculturally used.

Objective: 

This pondscape covers Ærø, Avernakø, and Birkholm islands, with over 60 ponds on mostly agricultural land. NBS aims to enhance biodiversity (e.g. amphibians, birds) and promote recreation (e.g. biking, hiking) while encouraging eco-friendly farming and buffer zones around ponds to reduce pollution.

Potential impacts/benefits: 
      1. Encourage Eco-friendly farming
      2. Reduce pollution to the ponds / pond protection
      3. Enhance Biodiversity
      4. Increase Human health and well-being
NbS benefits 
  • Increase Biodiversity
  • Improve water quality
  • Increase awareness of NBS solution & their effectiveness and co benefits
  • Increase social interaction
  • Increase stakeholder awareness & knowledge about NBS
  • Increase well-being
  • Increase willingness to invest in NBS
  • Provision of health benefits
  • Social learning about location & importance of NBS