Bio-diversity

Management of the NATURA 2000 network is a big challenge for Lithuanian people. According to EU Bird Directive about 80 Special protected Areas (SPA) have been or will be soon established in Lithuania. Economic activities are not prohibited in those areas, however special requirements must be applied for their management. Bird habitat management is especially important in forests. Despite a fact that foresters lack experience and information on management of bird protection areas most of planed management activities in the country are devoted for them. Therefore rising of capacities of foresters is crucial for the protection of birds. The main aim of the project is to raise awareness and knowledge of state forest sector in sustainable forest management for the better implementation of EU birds directive. Planned activities of the project: Seminar of foresters on sustainable management of forests and biodiversity protection will be organized. The seminar will include information about implementation of EU Birds Directive as well as practical trainings on organization of the implementation of the SPA management plans. It is planned that representatives of about 80% of State Forest Enterprises will participate in the seminar. A special publication for foresters on biodiversity protection measures will be prepared and distributed. An internet discussions portal Forests and biodiversity will be opened and facilitated. A wide information campaign will be organized as well. The foresters and the public will be informed and educated about need to protect biodiversity, as well as possibilities to receive compensations for the protection of biodiversity in private forests. A number of articles in popular newspapers and magazines will be published, press releases prepared, and two radio casts will be organized. The grantees will closely collaborate with Forest Study Center which implements similar project devoted for the education of private forest owners. Other partners of the project are Directorate General of State Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forest Enterprises, BirdLife International, printing house Liutute , environmental magazines and newspapers.

Lithuania