Bio-diversity

Project site: Kamanos State Strict Nature Reserve, covering an area of 3,961 hectares, has enjoyed the strict protection status since 1979. The site contains Kamanos bog of 2,434 hectares which constitutes the largest bog complex in northern Lithuania. The site is also recognised internationally: since 1993 it has been on the list of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar site) and is designated as Natura 2000 site. The visitor centre located in the Kamanos Reserve Administration building will offer opportunity for getting closer to nature for both recreation and education. The overall objective of the project was to promote the conservation of rare wetland birds in Lithuania and integrate Visitor Centres, as the key attraction in the protected areas network, into the common education system. Durring the project various nature management activities were imp[lemented. The project will used various information and knowledge dissemination measures to encourage local community to contribute to the biodiversity conservation. Project results:The project is of the applied character and environment protection aimed at conserving the rare wetland birds while restoring the wetland areas, developing the conceptual framework of environmental protection through the active involvement of Visitor Centres as a foundation for promoting the community awareness. The main project activities: the system of integrating the public education and local community into the education of environmental protection was established, a bundle of cognitive and training related syllables for teachers and students was prepared, reconstruction of Visitor Centres was carried out, materials were prepared for expositions, nature management activities were implemented: bushes were cleaned up and small pines were pulled up in the wetland area of 30 ha.

Lithuania