The Latvian Fund for Nature(LDF) is one of several implementers of LIFE projects in Latvia. Director Ģirts Strazdiņš notes that the interest to take part in nature preservation projects among private land owners is very high, thus for LDF projects the most suitable candidates for partners among private land owners are chosen on a competition basis.
Strazdiņš comments: “Sometimes the economic activity on the land is very intense and therefore the implementation of nature preservation is considered an encumbrance. However, there are several compensation mechanisms at place that are beneficial for the land owners. For example, if a nature microreserve is established in a private forest, the land owner can submit a request to the Rural Support Service for financial remuneration of value that would be generated if economic activity took place in the territory. In long-term, the gains from the financial remuneration would be of the same value as the profit generated from cutting the forest.” Usually during planning of the nature preservation projects, its developers, namely DAP and State Forest Service contact and inform beforehand the land owners whose lands could possibly be affected by these projects. By taking part in the nature conservation projects the land owners not only get financial remuneration, but also support and practical advice on how to use their land in an environmentally friendly way.
One of the more successful examples of implementing LIFE projects is the restoration of floodplain meadows in the area of Dviete, where the land is used as a pasture for horses and cows, at the same time preserving the meadow as a valuable ecosystem.
The full article can be read here.
The summary of the public survey can be found here.
