Project objective: to improve the conservation status of the Bittern Botaurus stellaris in Latvia and EU according to the framework for species conservation set by EU Species Action plan.
Project implementation: 01.09.2013 – 31.08.2017
Project number: LIFE12 NAT/LV/000118 COASTLAKE
Project acronym: COASTLAKE
Project is funded by: European Union LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity program and Latvian Environmental Protection Fund
Project news
Project tasks:
- To improve the conservation status of Bittern and improve ecosystem functions in two most important coastal lakes for the species – Lake Engure Natura 2000 site and Lake Pape Natura 2000 site.
- To reduce the impact of direct and indirect threats on Bittern population by securing sustainable lake habitat management including improvements to existing and restoring of currently degraded breeding and feeding sites for Bittern.
- To monitor and evaluate the effects of the proposed lake habitat restoration measures on the species during the project and to feed this information into future site management plans and species management recommendations (guidelines).
- To establish the demonstration area for species conservation in Lake Engure in order to eliminate gaps in knowledge about the habitat requirements for Bittern among the nature conservationists. To provide the information about the species requirements, to generate the widely applicable and regionally tested habitat restoration methods and thus set the scene for further Bittern conservation actions in Latvia and Boreal region.
- To enhance the public understanding of the ecological, economic and social values of the coastal wetlands via explaining the ecosystem functions and services concept and raise support for the conservation of wetland dependent species such as Bittern. To support the integration of nature conservation concerns into the business sector.
Project activities:
- Fragmentation of massive reed stands and restoration of mosaic landscape in the lake’s overgrown parts.
- Monitoring the number of birds, quality of water and the bittern’s food basis. Analysing the spatial structure of the habitats and studying the lake’s vegetation.
- Organizing educational excursions, a mobile photography exhibition and screenings of a documentary about the bittern.
- Performing studies on the use of the lake’s biomass: analysis of the experience and economical aspects.
Project lead partner: Latvian Fund for Nature, www.ldf.lv
Project manager – Ģirts Strazdiņš, girts.strazdins@ldf.lv
Project partners:
Pasaules Dabas Fonds www.pdf-pape.lv
Engure Nature Park Fondation www.eedp.lv
Read more!
Quiet sets in on Lake Pape during the seasonal ban on work
Work to restore Lake Pape’s habitats is also taking place during the winter
Help in the fragmentation of reed beds is being provided by SIA Royal Reed
The best places for listening to the great bittern!
Pape Nature Park mobile app developed for iOS and Android
A weather station opened on Lake Pape
Pape is getting ready to welcome visitors!
Initiating habitat restoration activities in Lake Pape
Materials
Information stands on Pape lake trail.
Action Plan for conservation and protection of great bittern Botaurus stellaris habitat in the Pape Lake at Nature Park Pape (in Latvian).
Restoration of BITTERN HABITATS in two coastal lakes in Latvia
Restoration of BITTERN HABITATS in two coastal lakes in Latvia - Lake Pape
