COLLEAGUES FROM LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND ESTONIA LOOKING IN THE SAME GREEN DIRECTION
For several years now, representatives of state nature conservation bodies have been meeting in different Baltic countries. The aim is to discuss and debate similar topical issues and share best practices. This year, at the invitation of the Estonian Nature Conservation Board, the meeting took place in Parnu.
Colleagues from Lithuania (State Service for Protected Areas), Latvia (Nature Conservation Agency) and Estonia (Nature Conservation Board) discussed important topics such as invasive species management, the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation measures, protection of coastal areas, the impact of renewable energy on natural values, etc.
Conservationists visited the site of the Korsa abandoned peat bog restoration and observed the progress of the restoration works. Estonian nature conservation organisations are carrying out large-scale projects to restore wetlands and natural landscapes. According to their Estonian colleagues, retaining water in a drying wetland will help restore the biodiversity of the ecosystem and reduce the impact of climate change.
An interesting project by Estonian colleagues is the restoration of the natural bed of the Parnu River by breaking down a large dam. The dam, built in the town of Sindi several hundred years ago, was removed in 2020 to open up areas for fish spawning and to free up the Parnu River for fish migration. For several years now, there has been a significant increase in the number of fish in the freed river.
A visit was also made to the Sardes wind farm to discuss the impact of wind turbines on biodiversity and how to communicate with renewable energy developers and local communities.
It looked at how the natural values are being adapted to visitors, with nature trails, information and recreational infrastructure.
Conservationists from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania discussed the main issues of nature conservation in their countries, presented problematic topics and shared their experiences on how to tackle them.
According to Dr. Agnė Jasinavičiūtė, Head of the State Service for Protected Areas, this inter-institutional meeting of nature conservation bodies from neighbouring countries is a one-way approach to solving the most pressing nature conservation problems and following the green course set by the European Union. On the other hand, it is like following the traditions of the Baltic Way in neighbouring countries.