Albertov slopes – the support of biodiversity and ecosystem services ****************************************************************************************** * ****************************************************************************************** Albertov slopes is a unique green space in the very center of Prague, located on the premi University between the buildings of the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Mathematics and First Faculty of Medicine. This approximately 1,2-hectare site has long served not only as area, but also has extraordinary ecological and educational potential. Therefore, a revita is underway here in 2025–2026, aimed at supporting biodiversity, strengthening ecosystem s creating a high-quality educational space. Historical appearance of the Albertov slopes ****************************************************************************************** * Project background and objectives ****************************************************************************************** In recent decades, the Albertov slopes have been burdened by the gradual occupation of inv species, which has led to significant shading of the area, loss of the herbaceous layer an decrease in biodiversity. However, a field survey at the beginning of 2025 confirmed that condition, the site has retained significant natural potential and forms an important part green belt in the Albertov area of ??Prague. The main objective of the project, implemented by the project team and the Čmeláci PLUS z. in cooperation and with the support of the CU Sustainable Development Department, is the r development of biologically valuable biotopes, support for the occurrence of endangered an species of organisms, while at the same time preserving the recreational and social functi The project is based on the belief that nature conservation in the urban environment does its use by people, but on the contrary can significantly contribute to the quality of life environmental education. Plan of the Albertov slopes after the revitalization ****************************************************************************************** * Implemented measures ****************************************************************************************** The revitalization was based on the sensitive regulation of natural processes and the rest traditional forms of agricultural practices. It was not about creating an artificial park, supporting a colorful mosaic of the environment, which is the basis of high biodiversity. In this location, selected non-native and invasive woody plants were removed, the vegetati and meadow and steppe habitats were restored. A mosaic of open areas, shrubs, solitary tre filled forests was created. Shrub islands were left to serve as shelter and nesting ground and small mammals, and space was created for the development of herbaceous layers and ligh species. The measure also includes the restoration of traditional management methods, such as stump (removing a tree just above the ground, from which new shoots grow) and pollarding (regula tree crowns above a certain height), which contribute to greater structural diversity of t trees were planted and conditions were created for saproxylic insects by leaving sun-expos Selected parts of the area were left without intervention to provide rest zones for animal An integral part of the project is biological monitoring, which takes place before, during the interventions. Special attention is paid to semi-parasitic plants, indicator insect sp vertebrates. In 2025, a detailed pollinator survey was also carried out on the Albertov slopes, which c extraordinary biological value of the site. 70 species of wild bees were recorded here, in included in the Red List. This result ranks Albertov slopes among the most important urban pollinators in Prague and confirms their role as an important “stepping stone” in the urba In addition to insects, other groups of organisms, including birds, small mammals and plan monitored at the site. The monitoring results serve as a basis for further management plan evaluation of the impacts of individual measures. Project work The final state after the revitalization of the hillsides ****************************************************************************************** * Long-term care and management ****************************************************************************************** The revitalization project represents the first, key step in the long-term care of the Alb Regular management based on mosaic cutting, targeted care for woody plants and continuous unwanted vegetation is necessary to maintain and further develop biodiversity. Emphasis is temporally and spatially differentiated cutting, which supports the flowering of herbs and and food for insects throughout the growing season. Care also includes the maintenance of such as birdhouses, insect hotels, wood chip composters or exposed slopes for nesting soli Monitoring will be repeated in the coming years to evaluate long-term trends and adapt man current conditions. ****************************************************************************************** * Benefit for the university and the public ****************************************************************************************** Thanks to its location in close proximity to the Faculty of Science, the site has extraord potential. Albertov slopes serves as a living laboratory for teaching biology, ecology and disciplines and at the same time as a clear demonstration of sustainable care for urban gr and representatives of the public were involved in the project, who participated in monito practical care of the area. The revitalization thus strengthened people's relationship with the place, increased aware importance of urban biodiversity and showed that even a relatively small area can have fun ecological significance. Albertov slopes is therefore becoming an example of good practice sustainable development of university campuses and urban landscapes. Implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Nation within the Green Skills at Charles University project (reg. no. NPO-UK-MSMT-2114/2024-4).