Research on the ecological restoration of degraded lands in the Ostrovul Moldova Veche rehabilitation area

Abstract

The paper presents research conducted on the ecological reconstruction of degraded lands within the Ostrovul Moldova Veche rehabilitation perimeter, located on the Danube River, downstream from the locality of Moldova Veche, Caraș-Severin County. The island, covering an area of approximately 345 hectares, is part of the Iron Gates Natural Park — a protected area classified as Category V by the IUCN — and holds significant ecological, landscape, and cultural value. The study is based on a complex analysis of geomorphological, geological, hydrological, and climatic conditions, highlighting the impact of degradation processes such as deflation, waterlogging, and bank erosion on ecosystem productivity and soil stability.The research findings indicate that the island’s lands, significantly affected by multiple forms of degradation, require ecological reconstruction interventions based on forestry technologies adapted to local conditions. In this context, the use of native forest species, particularly Salix alba, is proposed to restore the hydrological balance and stabilize the sandy and rocky soils. The reconstruction project aligns with the general objectives of the Iron Gates Natural Park, focusing on landscape conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development through environmentally compatible traditional activities.The study provides a solid scientific foundation for developing management plans and technical rehabilitation measures, contributing to the conservation of natural heritage and the restoration of ecological functions within the wetland ecosystems of Ostrovul Moldova Veche.