Complex approach to habitat conservation

The project aims to enhance the conditions of forest and mire habitats of EU importance by implementing advanced measures of closer-to-nature forestry. 

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The project will improve the conditions of natural forests and mires, maintain biodiversity, and restore damaged peatland habitats by involving public, academic, and non-governmental sectors.

 

Activities are planned in four project areas: the Šimoniai Forest (Anykščiai and Kupiškis districts), the Bukta Forest (Marijampolė district), the Praviršulio Tyrelis (Radviliškis and Raseiniai districts) and the Dabravolė (Žaliasis Raistas) peat bog (Kaišiadorys district).

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Over six years of the project, the natural values of all project areas will be assessed, close-to-nature forestry measures will be selected and applied to improve conditions of  forest and mire habitats, focusing on natural forest development principles to increase biodiversity and ensure stability. The project will educate foresters and private forest managers on extending these measures to other areas, as well as introduce the public to specific forest and mire habitat management. It aims to improve habitat conditions by increasing species and structural diversity, applying biodiversity-supporting forest clearing, preserving deadwood volume in the forest, creating micro-habitats and buffer zones, removing invasive species, and restoring hydrological regime in drained forests and peatlands.

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The project partners will create guidelines for nature-friendly forestry in Lithuania, promoting sustainable practices and showcasing foresters' efforts to preserve and enhance biodiversity.

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The Foundation for Peatlands Restoration and Conservation will contribute to the project's results through the following objectives:

• to carry out vegetation and hydrological monitoring of peatlands in the projects sites;

• to create hydrological models and prepare hydro-technical plans for the restoration of the hydrological regime in drained peatlands;

• to implement restoration activities in drained and in another ways damaged peatlands;

• to assess the impact of the restoration on reduction of GHG emissions from drained peatlands;

• to seek financial incentives for peatland restoration;

• to assess the feasibility of applying paludiculture principles in forestry;

• to establish the first Peatland Living Laboratory in Lithuania and organise its activities, as well as to participate in the actions of Forest Living Laboratories established by project partners;

• to organise public events for capacity and knowledge building on peatland habitat restoration and sustainable management (paludiculture);

• to participate in conferences, seminars, workshops and trainings;

• to prepare and publish a "Glossary of Peatland Terminology", etc.

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