Many populations of migrating waterbirds in Africa and Western Eurasia are in a long-term decline, largely because of the loss of wetlands along their migration routes. Between 1950 and 1985, 63 % of the wetlands in Greece were lost due to human activities. However, humans are also a source of more direct disturbance to birds that may have a negative influence on their fitness. The purpose of this study has been to assess how human disturbance in the form of agriculture, tourism and hunting might affect the birdlife in a coastal lagoon in southwestern Greece, and, if needed, propose measures on how to improve the status of the birdlife. To evaluate this, interviews and studies of monitoring reports and literature have been conducted. The studied area, Gialova lagoon, is the southernmost wetland in the Balkan Peninsula, which makes it especially important for migratory birds. The study shows that the major threats to the lagoon have already been dealt with. However, there are still improvements that can be made. Currently, agriculture seems to have the most negative effect on the concerned area, but since there appears to be an ambition to increase tourism in the area this may change in the future. Disturbance from hunting only plays a minor role in the area around the lagoon. The establishment of an official management body as well as an official management plan would probably be an effective way to continue the conservation work and reduce the disturbance of human activities in Gialova lagoon.

The aim of this study was to examine what impact restored and constructed pounds and wetlands have on waterfowls in the area of Linköping. The birdlife in five constructed wetlands werechosen to investigate if specific factors like age, size and vegetation affected the avian diversity in wetlands. Also, extra focus has been given to the threatened Horned Grebe (Podiceps Auritus), breeding in the studied area. The results showed that the number of species as well as individuals of waterfowl and Horned Grebe changed over time in what might be a result of succession in the wetlands. Comparing the number of birds to the size of the wetlands showed a clear correlation. Larger areas inhabited greater numbers of species and individuals. However, the Horned Grebe showed a reverse result, as they seem to prefer smaller wetlands. Finally, a correlation between the numbers of observed Black-headed gulls and Horned Grebes could be found. When there was a greater number of Horned Grebes observed there was also a greater numbers of gulls present. Possibly the Horned Grebe takes advantage of the Black-headed gull-colony for protection against predators.

Theoretical part of the diploma thesis (review) is focused on historical development of the Common Agricultural Policy (reforms from the years 1999 and 2003 are emphasized) and on the comparison of the agri-environment schemes (AES) of the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Austria. The aim of the review was to summarize the processes, which led to the recent form of AES. In practical part of the thesis measures, which support maintaining and increasing of populations of ground game and birdlife, i.e. measures Catch Crops, Rich Seed Habitat (Biobelt), and Bird Area on Grasslands were evaluated. Data from Paying Agency SZIF were used. The study covers both, the (shortened) programming period 2004-2006 and the programming period 2007 {--} 2013 (years 2004 {--} 2008). Thesis is focused on region NUTS II Southeast. The following indicators were analysed: interest of the farmers in the selected AES measures, area on which the measures were carried out and amount of the financial support spent to support individual measures. Finally, steps to optimize the use of financial resources are suggested. Catch Crops are used as a measure on arable land. The highest interest of the farmers in Catch Crops was observed in the year 2004, when the largest number of the farmers entered this measure. The interest was decreasing in the following years (especially in the years 2007 and 2008, when the endowment was lowered). Catch Crops cover 6 {--} 8 % of the arable land of the region and the area has been increasing in time. Biobelt is only sporadically used measure (probably because of the underestimation of the costs), but interest in it (albeit low) has been increasing during the whole period. Measure Bird Area on Grasslands is restricted to nesting areas of Corncrake (Crex crex) and Waders (Charadrii). In NUTS III South Bohemian Region, the measure was applied on approximately 27 % of the area where it potentially can be used during the whole observed period. In NUTS III Plzeň Region, the area increased from 26% in the years 2004 {--} 2006 to 60 % in the years 2007 and 2008.