Natura 2000 site conservation and management on the Lithuanian coast

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The Lithuanian Baltic seashore stretches for over 90 km, of which 52 km are along the Curonian Spit, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the highest moving (drifting) sand dunes in Europe. The 1 584 km² Curonian Lagoon is the largest lagoon in the south-east Baltic region. Part of the lagoon belongs to the Nemunas Delta regional park, which is also a 2 800 ha internationally important Ramsar wetland site. Finally, the northern part of the lagoon is a European important bird area (IBA).

OBJECTIVES

The project area covered a total of 60 000 ha of Lithuanian coastal areas, encompassing the terrestrial areas within the Curonian Spit national park, the Nemunas Delta regional park and the entire Lithuanian part of the Curonian Lagoon. Within this area, the project aimed to ensure a favourable conservation status for seven habitats, four bird species and one plant species of Community importance listed in the annexes of the EU nature directives. The project would also prepare management plans and establish new Natura 2000 coastal sites for the protection of rare and endangered birds, fish and habitats in the targeted areas. Information material would be prepared on the protection, supervision, management and observation of habitats and species. Finally, the project aimed to improve public awareness about the protection and sustainable management of the country's Natura 2000 coastal sites.

RESULTS

The main project actions included:

Reinforcement of vulnerable dune areas, particularly threatened by erosion, over an area of 300 000 m2, along a stretch of 20 km;

Construction of 1 500 m2 of boardwalks and steps within the Curonian Spit national park and the Nemunas Delta coastal regional park;

Restoration of habitats facing extinction over 1 600 ha of seashore (this included some 50% of all Lithuanian coastal grasslands and dunes);

Key areas of the Curonian Lagoon for the protection of habitats and species were designated as new Natura 2000 sites. Management plans and monitoring schemes for three coastal Natura 2000 sites were prepared and adopted.

Mitigation measures for the reduction of the negative impact of commercial fishery on birds and rare species of fish were proposed and incorporated into site management plans.

Artificial nesting platforms (20) were constructed for the birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and black Kite (Milvus migrans); and

Grazing with sheep was introduced to targeted areas of coastal grasslands.

Importantly, the project claims favourable conditions have been secured for the survival of a number of threatened Lithuanian coastal habitats and species. And looking ahead, the project says its actions have provided the material and technical means to enable the long-term upkeep and monitoring of the coastal habitats and species within the project area.

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).The main project actions included:

Reinforcement of vulnerable dune areas, particularly threatened by erosion, over an area of 300 000 m2, along a stretch of 20 km;

Construction of 1 500 m2 of boardwalks and steps within the Curonian Spit national park and the Nemunas Delta coastal regional park;

Restoration of habitats facing extinction over 1 600 ha of seashore (this included some 50% of all Lithuanian coastal grasslands and dunes);

Key areas of the Curonian Lagoon for the protection of habitats and species were designated as new Natura 2000 sites. Management plans and monitoring schemes for three coastal Natura 2000 sites were prepared and adopted.

Mitigation measures for the reduction of the negative impact of commercial fishery on birds and rare species of fish were proposed and incorporated into site management plans.

Artificial nesting platforms (20) were constructed for the birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and black Kite (Milvus migrans); and

Grazing with sheep was introduced to targeted areas of coastal grasslands.

Importantly, the project claims favourable conditions have been secured for the survival of a number of threatened Lithuanian coastal habitats and species. And looking ahead, the project says its actions have provided the material and technical means to enable the long-term upkeep and monitoring of the coastal habitats and species within the project area.

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).