Vallée de la Haute-Sûre

Vallée de la Haute-Sûre. 24/03/2003; transboundary Ramsar Site: 29,000 ha Belgium (région Wallone), 16,900 ha Luxembourg; total area: 45,900 ha; 49°53'N 005°51'E; Nature Park (both countries), SPA (Belgium). A complex of forested wetlands, acidic fen and peatlands, wet grasslands, reed beds, springs, rural zones and a barrage with a water storage area of 380 ha in the Luxembourg part. The site supports internationally threatened species, especially the otter Lutra lutra, the bats Plecotus auritus and Pipistrellus Pipistrellus, the badger Meles meles and the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritefera margaritifera. It shows a high biodiversity in both animal and plant species - besides the typical wetland plants such as Comarum palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Eriophorum angustifolium, the rare Epipactis palustris and Pedicularis palustris are present as well. The site is of stopover and nesting importance for many birds, notably the Black Stork, Ciconia nigra. Some 20 species of fish have been identified within the site, and a special construction exists to enable the fish to pass the main barrage. The barrage regulates the rises in water level and provides an important part of Luxembourg's population with drinking water. Pollution from intensive agriculture and the lack of water treatment plants have a significant impact on the water quality of la Sûre and its tributaries. Uncontrolled tourism activities such as water sports, leisure fishing, and cycling cause disturbances to the site. Authorities in both countries are collaborating closely on developing and implementing a joint management plan. Ramsar site no. 1407 (B) and 1408 (L).Most recent RIS information: 2002.

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