Bio-diversity

The project area is located at a vicinity of the Pajuris Regional Park, where local people have limited possibilities to engage in agriculture or industry in the area. Traditional occupation for men of the region is fishing and amber manufacturing. One of alternative ways for survival for women was production of folk textile. This outwork disappeared in the middle of the 20th century when prohibition of engagement into any private economic activity was imposed by the authorities of the Soviet Union. During last 50 years the traditional teaching (from master to master) of this craft nearly disappeared, there are only a few women who know this craft, and nearly all of them are 80-90 today. Traditional folk textile was integral part of traditional way of living. Weavers and knitters could not do without wool, and also sheep. In such a way decay of textile conditioned disappearance of local Lithuanian sheep. By reviving traditional textile in Palanga region, the club would contribute to the support of biolodiversity valuable for agriculture. Breeding and development of unique Lithuanian Black-headed Sheep and preservation of its genetic pool combined with the reviving of traditional women s craft would reduce women s unemployment and poverty and enhance development of village communities as well as creation of alternative environment friendly livelihood. The Club will buy 10 Lithuanian black headed sheep for a farmer and will assist in preparation of the farm so that the further care of the sheep is guaranteed. The weavers would get threads and wool from the farmers with discount. A teaching basis for traditional textile will be arranged in Palanga region. Information about the project and traditional textile will be disseminated through media, a video will be prepared, a booklet published and a number of exhibitions will be organised. Partners of the project are Centre of Lithuanian Folk Culture, Lithuanian Folk Museum, Municipality of Palanga, and Municipal Library of Palanga. The project is co-financed by National Commission of the UNESCO.

Lithuania