LIFE Project Number LIFE06 NAT/LV/ FINAL REPORT. Reporting Date 31/07/2011

Transcription

1 LIFE Project Number LIFE06 NAT/LV/ FINAL REPORT Covering the project activities from to Reporting Date 31/07/2011 LIFE PROJECT NAME Improvement of habitat management of Natura 2000 site Vestiena Data Project Project location Natura 2000 site Vestiena Project start date 01/10/2006 Project end date 31/03/2011 Total Project duration 54 months Total budget EUR EC contribution EUR (%) of total costs 50 % (%) of eligible costs 50 % Data Beneficiary Name Beneficiary Contact person Inta Luse Postal address Akadēmijas laukums 1 707, Rīga, LV-1050 Visit address Akadēmijas laukums 1 707, Rīga, LV-1050 Telephone Fax Project Website intaluse@inbox.lv

2 Table of Contents Executive summary Introduction Project area, background of project, problems and objectives... 6 Overall and specific objectives... 6 Project area... 7 Habitat types and species targeted... 7 Main conservation issues being targeted... 7 The socioeconomic context of the Project Expected results and environmental benefits LIFE-project framework Steering Group Roles of project partners in the beginning of project Beneficiary Partner P Partner P Partner P Partner P Partner P Partner P Partner P Roles of project partners after modification of project Beneficiary Partner P Partner P Partner P Partner P Modifications according to initial proposal Progress and results Summary of Activities Summary of project deliverables Detailed report on Actions A Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans 19 A1: Preparation of Nature Protection and Management Plans for 3 protected areas A2: Drafting of site specific Cabinet of Ministers Regulations A3: Preparation of an individual management plans for landowners to ensure integrated management of habitats A4: Elaboration of proposal for requirements/amendments of Spatial Plans for 4 rural municipalities A5: Preparation and evaluation of tools for integrated management of the site A6: Determination impact limits for types of habitats and particular locations of habitats A7: Introduction of pressures regulatory mechanisms C Non-recurring biotope management C1: Restoration of natural and semi-natural grassland formations C2: Limitation of prevalence for alien species C3: Establishment of necessary infrastructure in places of recreation frequently visited by tourists C4: Construction of nature tracks

3 4.3. Public awareness and dissemination of results E1: Preparation and maintenance of project website E2: Construction of information boards and signs E3: Preparation and publishing of informational and educational materials E4: Conduction of field practice and seminars for landowners and main stakeholders, conduction of project related broadcast in regional TV E5: Preparation of Layman s report F Overall project management F1: Project management and co-ordination of activities F2: Project Steering group meetings F3: Independent audit of the project F4: Monitoring the effects of project measures / activities F5: Preparation of After LIFE Conservation Plan Evaluation and conclusions Project implementation The process The project management Success and failures Comparison against the project-objectives Environmental benefits, policy and legislation implications Innovation, demonstration value Socio-economic effects The future: sustainability and continuation of the project + remaining threats Comments on Financial Report... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7. ANNEXES... Error! Bookmark not defined. ANNEXES Annex 1. NPMP for PLA and NR Ilziņa lake paper copy and CD Annex 2. Draft Cabinet of Ministers Regulation Annex 3. The order of the Ministry of Environment from Annex 4. Individual management plans for Lejas Lubejas, Rutuļi, Kurtsalas Annex 5. The proposal for requirements of Spatial Plans for 4 rural Municipalities Annex 6. The Spatial Plan of Ergli County and the Spatial Plan of Rural Municipalities (after administrative reform part of Madona County) in CD Annex 7. Landowners and GIS based databases Annex 8. The final Report and Presentation of Activity A7 Annex 9. Photos of signs with LIFE and NATURA 2000 logos Annex 10. Printouts from the project website Annex 11. Nature tracks maintenance agreements Annex 12. Letter of the Ministry of Environment on development of Cabinet Ministers regulation Annex 13. The Agenda, photos and presentation from project activity -Study tour Annex 14. Guidance materials for Volunteers Monitoring Annex 15. Copies of printed materials: Brochure: Popular version of NPMP; Brochure: Best practice how to calculate limitations for pressures and loads to habitats of Community importance; Brochure: Best practice to alien species limitation; Brochure: Layman s report Annex 16. Summary of project management meetings for 2007, 2008, 2009; 2010 and 2011 Annex 17. Copy of After LIFE Conservation Plan 3

4 Annex 18. Time sheets of experts: J.Bāra, I.Luse, L.Urtāne, M.Čeburaškins E.Cera. Annex 19. Agreement with sia "Amrika" on construction of nature tracks and completion of contacting works Annex 20. VAT statements Annex 21. MAP: Establishment of necessary infrastructure, construction of nature tracks and location of information boards (Actions C3, C4 and E2) ABBREVIATIONS P1: Nature Protection Board P2: State Joint-Stock Company Latvian States Forests P3: Vestiena Rural Municipality P4: Berzaune Rural Municipality P5: Erglu County P6: Arona Rural Municipality P7: Council of Madona District PLA Vestiena : The Protected Landscapes Area DAVPLA : The Development Agency of Vestiena Protected Landscapes Area NPMP: Nature Protection and Management Plans SP: Spatial Plan NR: Nature reserve 4

5 Executive summary LOCATION IN THE REGION Project title: THE IMPROVEMENT OF HABITATS MANAGEMENT IN NATURA 2000 SITE VESTIENA The project area is characterised with high value of biodiversity. Large majority of them represents habitats of special importance. Territory also is characterised with high values of tourism and is widely used for recreational activities both in summer and winter period. Lack of habitats management targeted activities has resulted with degradation and loss of natural habitats with high ecological value and particularly natural and semi-natural grassland formations (6270*, 6530*, 6210, 6430, 6510), forest habitats (9010*, 9180*, 91E0*, 91D0*) and habitats of standing (3150) and running waters (3260). Objectives: The project aims at sustainable management of the habitats of EC importance and recreational resources in the territory of the Natura 2000 site Vestiena. Project is focused on improved habitats management and particularly to: 1) Development of Nature Management Plans and drafting of Regulation of Cabinet Ministers; 2) Restoration of priority biotopes; 3) Training of landowners for habits management; 4) General public awareness rising about the nature conservation values and protection requirements of the area. Actions and means involved: In total 18 actions were carried out during implementation of project to introduce best habitats management practice. The project novelty is determination of general pressure limits for 13 types of habitats located in project territory and calculation of pressures for particular locations of habitats. The pressures regulatory mechanisms will be introduce also in project area. Obtained

6 experience will be demonstrate in practice and discussed during international seminar. The main project activities can be summarised as follows: Development of GIS and landowners data base as tools for an integrated managementof Natura 2000 site; Restoration of natural and semi-natural grassland formations (6270*, 6530*, 6210, 6430, 6510); Limitation of prevalence for alien species; Preparation of information and educational materials to demonstrate best habitats management practice; Arrangement of seminars with field practice for landowners and main stakeholders about management of forest habitats (9010*, 9180*, 91E0*, 91D0*), grassland formations (6270*, 6530*, 6210, 6430, 6510) and surface water habitats (3150, 3260) located within project area; Finally 4 project partners support the project as it favours the conservation of the biological diversity within project territory. Project was carried out in close assistance between Development Agency of Vestiena Protected Landscapes Area and partners represented state and municipal authorities. Achieved results: The implementation of project was resulted with coordinated development of 3 Nature Management Plans, drafting of site specific Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers, preparation of 5 individual management plan for landowners having habitats of EC importance on their land, restoration of 5 grassland formations with total area of 70 ha, limitation of prevalence of alien species in 32,65 ha, arrangement of 13 regional seminars with field practice, printing 12 info and education materials, 3 leaflets, producing of 4 TV broadcasts produced in central and regional TV to disseminate project results. 1. Introduction 1.1. Project area, background of project, problems and objectives Overall and specific objectives The LIFE Project aims at sustainable management of the habitats of EC importance and recreational resources in the territory of the Natura 2000 site Vestiena. THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ARE: to develop nature management plans for 3 protected areas and to draft site specific Regulation of Cabinet of Ministers; to insure restoration of priority biotopes and improve management of habitats of Community importance; to implement priority activities defined by Nature Protection Plan to reduce the pressures of area based recreational activities on the habitats of Community importance and to support sustainable use of recreational recourses to rise general public awareness about the nature conservation values and protection requirements of the area to strengthening co-operation among the stakeholders involved in management of the Natura 2000 site 6

7 Project area The Protected Landscapes Area (PLA Vestiena) occupies ha and is designated to protect habitats of special importance including a variety of protected species, as well as, to maintain the natural, cultural and historical values of territory with nationally specific landscape and with high concentration of elevations. Project area unites different categories of protected areas Nature Reserves (Ilzina Lake Nature Reserve and Kala Lake Islands Nature Reserve), Nature Park (Gaizinkalns Nature Park) and micro-reserves. Project area represents high concentration of different habitats of Community importance. Seven species of fauna and flora listed in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive, as well as, 26 bird species listed in the Birds Directive are recorded in area. Habitat types and species targeted The site represents unique landscape of Central Vidzeme elevation, which is characterized with complex mosaic of habitats: 52% forests, including 54 ha with forests Boreal Europe (9010*) and 82 ha forests of Temperate Europe (9180*), 2% mires and fens, including 30 ha with Sphagnum acid bogs (7140, 7160); 30% grasslands, including 158 ha with natural and semi natural grassland formations (6270*, 6530*, 6210, 6430, 6510); 7% freshwaters represented mainly by natural eutrophic lakes (3150) with total area 1900 ha and by 54 ha of watercourses of plain to montane levels (3260). At least 13 habitats defined by the EC Habitats Directive are represented in the site, including 6 priority habitats - Fennoscandian lowland species-rich dry to mesic grasslands (*6270), Fennoscandinavian woodland meadows (*6530), Western taiga (*9010), Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines (*9180), Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (*91E0) and Bog Woodland (*91D0). Main conservation issues being targeted The main threats to the habitats and species targeted within the Project Site have been defined as follows: (1) Degradation and loss of natural habitats with high ecological value, (2) Lack of integrated habitats management, (3) Limited coordination of increasing tourism activities and (4) Limited public participation experience for nature protection related decision making. The socioeconomic context of the Project PLA Vestiena is located in Madona District and particularly in territory of 4 rural municipalities Vestienas Rural Municipality, Berzaunes Rural Municipality, Erglu County and Aronas Rural Municipality. The area of municipalities varies from to ha. Total number of residents varies from 792 to The income of residents living within project area is rather different. The budget revenues is 164 Latvian lats per 1 inhabitant in Vestiena Rural municipality and 141, 122 and 108 in Erglu County, Berzaunes and Aronas Rural Municipalities accordingly. Municipalities of project area are willing to use sustainable development approach to ensure coordination of habitats/species conservation and development of area. The amount of money budgeted by different Rural Municipalities to Project corresponds to proportion of territory located in Natura 2000 site and average number of inhabitants living in municipality. Approximately 74% of Natura site is located in Vestienas Rural Municipality and accordingly 53% in Berzaunes Rural Municipality, 47% in Aronas Rural Municipality, and 40% of project area is located in Erglu County. 7

8 The cooperation between the main stakeholders of the area is essential for successful implementation and project and further its viability. The previous projects carried out in project area were focused on public awareness rising to promote sustainable development of territory. This is resulted with high interest of main stakeholders of Project Area. Most of main stakeholders of Project Area has been involved in project as partners - Partner 1: Nature Protection Board, Partner 2: State Joint-Stock Company Latvian State Forests, Partner 3: Vestienas Rural Municipality, Partner 4: Berzaunes Rural Municipality, Partner 5: Erglu County, Partner 6: Aronas Rural Municipality. Those of stakeholders who are not directly involved in project are represented as Advisory Board of beneficiary Development Board of Vestienas Protected Landscape Area Expected results and environmental benefits Threat no./name (refer to form B6 or B8) N1: Degradation and loss of natural habitats with high ecological value N2: Lack of integrated habitats management N3: Limited coordination of increasing tourism activities Actions (A1, B1, ) 8 Expected results (quantified if possible) A1 The proposal for establishment of 12 microreserves is developed and submit to responsible institutions to ensure protection of 3 priority species; C1 In the area of 245 ha the degradation of 5 meadows habitats is interrupted; C2 In the area of 25 ha the alien species are eliminated; A1 3 Nature Management Plans are elaborated (Areas of Vestienas Protected Landscapes, Ilzina Lake Nature Reserve, Nature Reserve of Islands of Kala Lake) A2 Site specific Regulation of Cabinet Ministers is drafted for Natura 2000 site - Vestiena; A3 5 individual management plans are prepared as pilot activities to demonstrate good management practice A4 The requirements for spatial plans of 2 rural municipalities (Berzaunes, Aronas) and requirements for amendments for spatial plans of 1 rural municipality (Vestienas) and Erglu County are prepared A5 Habitats based data base of landowners is developed; GIS and its linked data bases are established and updated on regular basis A6 The criteria for determination of permissible pressures are developed; The general limits of pressures are defined for 13 types of habitats of Community importance and for each particular habitat located in project

9 Threat no./name (refer to form B6 or B8) N4: Limited public participation experience for nature protection related decision making Actions (A1, B1, ) Expected results (quantified if possible) area; The 1 study tours are conducted to discuss practice of pressures calculation A7 The pressures limitation mechanisms are introduced in project area C3 The technical documentation for 6 place of recreation is prepared; 6 place of recreation are constructed; The requirements for operation of 6 place of recreation are prepared; C4 The technical documentation for construction of 6 nature tracks is prepared; The 6 nature tracks are constructed; E4 1 international seminar Practice of calculation of maximum permissible pressures for habitats of EC importance ; E1 The project website is prepared and maintained; E2 20 information boards, 14 information signs are placed within project area E3 8 information and education materials are prepared and published conservation and management of forest, grassland and lakes habitats, species, information leaflets, Layman s report; 4 stickers representing project area are printed E4 11 seminars and field excursions for landowners and stakeholders are conducted; 12 TV broadcast are developed and conducted in regional TV on regular bases, including 3 round table discussions with representatives of national and regional environmental authorities 9

10 2. LIFE-project framework 2.1. Steering Group Steering Group consists of representatives of all project partners (5 municipalities, Nature Protection Board, Latvian State Forests) as well as Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Regional development, State Forest Service, State Environmental Service, Vidzeme Development Agency, Madona Tourism information centre, Madona Business Innovation and Information centre, two local NGO s Roles of project partners in the beginning of project Beneficiary The Development Agency of Vestiena Protected Landscapes Area (DAVPLA) is non-governmental organization. The main objective of Board is to coordinate sustainable development of territory and conservation of habitats of national and Community importance to ensure habits based management of protected area and an integrated development of territory of 4 rural municipalities Vestienas, Berzaunes, Aronas rural municipalities and Erglu County. Partner P1 Nature Protection Board is responsible institution for implementation of state policy in nature protection and management of nature recourses. Nature protection Board is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A1, C1, E2, E3, and E4 10

11 Partner P2 The joint-stock company Latvian States Forests manages 1.37 million hectares of state owned forest, or around 47% of the total forest areas in Latvia. Latvian States Forests Vidusdaugava Forestry Region is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A1, E2, and E3. Partner P3 Vestienas Rural Municipality is local authority situated in the project territory. Vestienas Rural Municipality is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: C1, C2, and C3. Partner P4 Berzaunes Rural Municipality is local authority situated in the project territory. Berzaunes Rural Municipality is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A4, C1, C2, C3, and C4; Partner P5 Erglu County is local authority situated in the project territory. Erglu County is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A4, C1, C2, and C3. Partner P6 Aronas Rural Municipality) is local authority situated in the project territory. Aronas Rural Municipality is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A4, C1, C2, C3, and C4. Partner P7 Council of Madonas District is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A4, C1, C2, C3, C4, E2, E Roles of project partners after modification of project Beneficiary The Development Agency of Vestiena Protected Landscapes Area (DAVPLA) is non-governmental organization. The main objective of Board is to coordinate sustainable development of territory and conservation of habitats of national and Community importance to ensure habits based management of protected area and an integrated development of territory of 4 rural municipalities Vestienas, Berzaunes, Aronas rural municipalities and Erglu County. Partner P1 Nature Protection Board is responsible institution for implementation of state policy in nature protection and management of nature recourses. 11

12 Nature protection Board is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A1, C1, E2, E3, and E4 Partner P2 The joint-stock company Latvian States Forests manages 1.37 million hectares of state owned forest, or around 47% of the total forest areas in Latvia. Latvian States Forests Vidusdaugava Forestry Region is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A1, E2, and E3. Partner P4 Madonas County is local authority situated in the project territory which combines areas of 3 previous local municipalities beeng nominated as separate project partners. The Partner 3 took ever the responsibilities of 4 partners - Vestienas Rural Municipality (previous Partner 3), Berzaunes Rural Municipality (previous Partner 4), Aronas Rural Municipality (previous Partner 5) and Council of Madonas District (Partner 7) and after the modification of Project is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A4, C1, C2, C3, C4, E2, and E4. Partner P5 Erglu County is local authority situated in the project territory. Erglu County is partly responsible for the implementation of the following actions: A4, C1, C2, and C Modifications according to initial proposal Additional Clause to the Grant Agreement was accepted by the EC on 07/09/2010 when due to the territorial-administrative reform the number of Partners representing rural municipalities of project area were reduced from 5 to 2, and particularly when Madona County took over the responsibilities of Vestiena Rural Municipality (previous Partner 3), Berzaunes Rural Municipality (previous Partner 4), Aronas Rural Municipality (previous Partner 5) and Council of Madonas District (Partner 7). The Modification includes also co-financing modification with (1) respect new cofinancing contract with the Ministry of the Environment for the total amount 30,236 EUR and (2) with respect to Beneficiary which takes over the part of co-financing of new partner Madona County. The Modification includes also modification of the project timing with respect to following actions: A1, A2, A3, A4, E1, E3, E4, E5, F1, F2, F4 and F5. 12

13 3. Progress and results 3.1. Summary of Activities Action Time plan Projected results Status Oct, 2006 Mar, 2008 A1: Preparation of Nature Protection and Management Plans (NPMP) for 3 protected areas A2: Drafting of site specific Cabinet of Ministers Regulation A3: Preparation of individual management plans for landowners to ensure an integrated management of habitats A4: Elaboration of the proposal for requirements/amendments of Spatial Plans (SP) for 4 rural municipalities A5: Preparation and evaluation of tools for integrated management of the site A6: Determination pressure limits for types of habitats and particular locations of habitats Jul, 2007 Sept, 2008 Apr, 2007 Mar, 2010 Apr, 2007 Jun, Jan, Sept, 2009 Apr, 2007 Sept, 2009 (1) 3 Nature Management Plans are elaborated; (2) The proposal for establishment of 12 micro-reserves is developed and submit to responsible institutions Site specific Regulation of Cabinet Ministers is drafted for Natura 2000 site - Vestiena; 5 individual management plans are prepared as pilot activities to demonstrate good management practice (1) The requirements for spatial plans of 2 rural municipalities (Berzaunes, Aronas) and (2) requirements for amendments for spatial plans of 1 rural municipality (Vestienas) and Erglu County are prepared (1) Habitats based data base of landowners is developed; (2) GIS and its linked data bases are established and updated on regular basis (1) The criteria for determination of permissible pressures are developed; (2) The general limits of pressures are defined for 13 types of habitats of Community importance and for Accomplished, 3 NPMP are prepared; proposal for establishment of 40 micro-reserves is developed Accomplished, Site specific Regulation of Cabinet Ministers is drafted for Natura 2000 site - Vestiena Accomplished, 5 individual management plans are prepared as pilot activities to demonstrate good management practice Accomplished, (1) the requirements for spatial plans of 2 rural municipalities (Berzaunes, Aronas) and (2) requirements for amendments for spatial plans of 1 rural municipality (Vestienas) and Erglu County are prepared Accomplished, the (1) habitats based data base of landowners is developed; (2) GIS and its linked databases are established and updated on regular basis Accomplished, (1) the criteria for determination of permissible pressures are developed; (2) the general limits of pressures are defined for 13 types of habitats of Community

14 Action Time plan Projected results Status each particular habitat located in project area; (3) The 1 study tours are conducted to discuss practice of pressures calculation importance and for each particular habitat located in project area; (3) 1 study tour is conducted to discuss practice of pressures A7: Introduction of pressure regulatory mechanisms C1: Restoration of natural and semi-natural grassland formations C2: Limitation of prevalence for alien species C3: Establishment of necessary infrastructure in places of recreation frequently visited by tourists Oct, 2007 Mar, 2009 Apr, Jun, 2010 Apr, Jun, 2010 Apr, Jun, 2009 C4: Formation of nature tracks Apr, Jun, 2009 E1: Preparation and maintenance of project website E2: Construction of information boards and signs Jan, 2007 Dec, 2010 Apr, Jun, The pressures limitation mechanisms are introduced in project area in the area of 245 ha the degradation of 5 meadows habitats is interrupted; in the area of 25 ha the alien species are eliminated; (1) The technical documentation for 6 place of recreation is prepared; (2) 6 place of recreation are constructed; (3) The requirements for operation of 6 place of recreation are prepared; (1) The technical documentation for construction of 6 nature tracks is prepared; (2) The 6 nature tracks are constructed The project website is prepared and maintained; (1) 20 information boards, (2) 14 information signs are placed within project calculation Accomplished, the pressures limitation mechanisms are introduced in project area Accomplished with modifications, in the area of 52,3 ha the degradation of 5 meadows habitats of EC importance is interrupted Accomplished, in the area of 52,6 ha the alien species are eliminated Accomplished with modifications, (1) the technical documentation for 5 place of recreation is prepared; (2) 5 place of recreation are constructed; (3) the requirements for operation of 5 place of recreation are prepared Accomplished with modifications (1) the technical documentation for construction of 5 nature tracks is prepared; (2) the 5 nature tracks are constructed Accomplished, Project website were created and updated on regular basis. Accomplished with modifications, In total 9 information boards and 48 information signs

15 Action Time plan Projected results Status area were prepared and placed within project area next to largest roads and popular visiting areas. E3: Preparation and publishing of informational and educational materials Oct, Jun, 2010 E4: Conduction of field practice and seminars for landowners and main stakeholders, conduction of project related broadcast on regional TV E5: Preparation of Layman s report F1: Project management and co-ordination of activities F1: Project steering group meetings F2: Independent audit of the project F3: Monitoring the effects of project measures / activities Oct, 2006 Jun, 2010 Jan, 2010 Dec, 2010 Jul, Dec, 2010 Jul, 2006 Sept, (1) 8 information and education materials are prepared and published (2) 4 stickers representing project area are printed (1) 11 seminars and field excursions for landowners and stakeholders are conducted; (2) 12 TV broadcast are developed and conducted in regional TV on regular bases, including 3 round table discussions with representatives of national and regional environmental authorities Layman s Report is printed Accomplished, (1) In total 12 information or education materials (6 different leaflets, 6 different brochures) in full color and (2) 3 different stickers in full color, Accomplished, (1) In total 13 practical seminars were conducted (2) 4 TV broadcast are developed and conducted 4 information days and 3 round table discussions were conducted Accomplished, Layman s Report was printed in 2000 copies, full colour, in Latvian and English. Accomplished, All planned project staff has been hired Accomplished, 6 Steering group meetings were held during the project implementation. - Not applicable Jul, Sept, 2010 Accomplished, The internal quality insurance procedure was introduced to ensure that project results correspond to objectives set. The

16 Action Time plan Projected results Status evaluation of long lasting impacts of habitats management activities are monitored by habitats experts. F4: Preparation of After LIFE Conservation Plan Jul, 2010 Dec, 2010 Accomplished, After LIFE Conservation Plan was produced as separate report both in Latvian and English Summary of project deliverables Deliverable Leaflet about LIFEnature project Stickers about project area Detailed habitats maps Sticker about meadows conservation Booklet with best alien species limitation practice Nature Management Plan of Islands of Kala Lake Nature Management Plan of Ilzina Lake Nature Management Plan of Vestiena Number of the associate d action Date planned Date achieved 16 When submitted E3 11/ Submitted with Technical Interim Report: Annex 21 E3 11/ /2007 Submitted with Technical Interim Report: Annex 22 A1 07/ /2007 Submitted with Technical Interim Report Annex 3 E3 05/ /2007 Submitted with Technical Interim Report: Annex 22 E3 07/ /03/2011 This report: Annex 15 A1 12/ /2007 Submitted with Technical Interim Report: Annex 2 A1 09/ /03/2011 THIS REPORT NPMP for the PLA in Annex 1 Submitted with Technical Interim Report: Draft NPMP for the NR Ilziņa Lake (Annex 4) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: Draft NPMP for PLA and NR Ilziņa Lake in CD (Annex 1) A1 09/ /03/2011 THIS REPORT NPMP for the PLA in Annex 1 Submitted with Technical

17 Deliverable 6 technical project for construction of places of recreation 6 technical projects for construction of nature trails construction of 6 places of recreation Number of the associate d action Date planned Date achieved C3 06/ completed in completed in 2008 C4 06/ completed in completed in 2008 C3 06/ completed in completed in When submitted Interim Report: Draft NPMP for the PLA (Annex 5) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: Draft NPMP for PLA and NR Ilziņa Lake in CD (Annex 1) THIS REPORT The photos of improved information signs (Annex 9); Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Photos and video files (Annex 17) 2) Invitation to joint-work in Gaiziņkalna trail ; printouts from internet portals (Annex 18) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 3) Photos from the recreation places (Annex 7) Submitted with Technical Interim Report: Photos and video files, map of the constructed 2007 and planned nature tracks (Annex 17); Invitation to joint-work in Gaiziņkalna track ; printouts from internet portals (Annex 18); Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: Two technical projects of the nature tracks constructed in 2009 (Annex 8) THIS REPORT The photos of improved information signs (Annex 9); Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Photos and video files (Annex 17) 2) Invitation to joint-work in Gaiziņkalna trail ;

18 Deliverable construction of 6 nature trails Booklet with popular version of Nature Management Plans Booklet with grassland formations management practice Booklet with forest habitats management practice Booklet with surface water habitats management practice Booklet with pressure limits calculation practice Number of the associate d action Date planned Date achieved C4 06/ completed in completed in 2008 When submitted printouts from internet portals (Annex 18) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 3) Photos from the recreation places (Annex 7) THIS REPORT The photos of improved information signs (Annex 9); Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Photos and video files (Annex 17) 2) Invitation to joint-work in Gaiziņkalna trail ; printouts from internet portals (Annex 18) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 3) Photos from the recreation places (Annex 7) E3 10/ This report: Annex 15 E3 05/ /2008 Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: Annex 12 E3 05/ /2008 Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: Annex 12 E3 08/ /2008 Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: Annex 12 E3 10/ /03/2011 THIS REPORT: Annex 15 Layman s report E5 09/ /03/2011 This report: Annex 15 After LIFE F5 09/ /03/2011 This report: Annex 15 Conservation Plan 18

19 4. Detailed report on Actions 4.1. A Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans A1: Preparation of Nature Protection and Management Plans for 3 protected areas ACTION A.1 Time plan: 01/10/ /04/2008 Preparation of Nature Protection and Management Plans for 3 protected areas Variations/complications/delays: Additional information: Yes/ No/ No THIS REPORT Time plan was extended to 1) NPMP for PLA and NR Ilziņa lake in Annex 1; 2) Order of the Ministry of Environment from in Annex 3 PREVIOUS REPORTS Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) NPMP for the NR Kala Lake Islands (Annex 2) 2) GIS based maps of species and habitats CD (Annex 3) 3) Draft NPMP for the NR Ilziņa Lake (Annex 4) 4) Draft NPMP for the PLA (Annex 5) 5) Reports of Biodiversity, Landscape, Tourism experts CD (Annex 6) 6) Minutes, photos and participant lists of Informative and Steering group meetings (Annex 7) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 7) Draft NPMP for PLA and NR Ilziņa Lake in CD (Annex 1) Submitted with 4 th Progress report: 8) Draft NPMP (version March 2010) for PLA and NR Ilziņa Lake in CD (Annex 1:) Main objectives and activities: The main objective of Action is preparation of habitats integrity based NPMP to ensure conservation of species/habitats of national and Community importance. According to procedure set by national legislation, the site specific preconditions for conservation of area and restrictions for its management will be defined by NPMP. The plans will define also zoning of area. Expected results: The 3 Nature Management Plans (Ilzina Lake, Islands of Kala Lake, Protected Landscapes Area ) are elaborated in accordance with requirements set by national legislation to ensure conservation and protection of habitats of national and Community importance. 19

20 Activities and Outputs: The action has been successfully implemented. The Nature protection and Management Plans for 3 protected areas (NR Ilzina Lake, NR Islands of Kala Lake, Protected Landscapes Area ) were elaborated in accordance with requirements set by national legislation. All activities in general are introduced according to the planned project budget and did not exceed the 10,000 EUR or 10% limits. The development of NPMP was carried out as step by step procedure with participation of all main stakeholders. The following main activities were carried out during the implementation of given Activity: Detailed mapping and registration of habitats of Community importance (refer Technical Interim Report; Annex 3); Evaluation of correspondence of habitats to favorable conservation status (refer - Technical Interim Report; Annex 2); Development of digital maps to ensure integrity and common conservation approach for whole area (refer Technical Interim Report; Annex 3); Preparation of 2 NMP for Nature Reserve of Kala Lake Islands (refer - Technical Interim Report; Annex 1), for Protected Landscapes Areas and for Nature Reserve of Ilzina Lake (refer Annex 1 of given Report). The development of NPMP were carried out in accordance with requirements set by national legislation and are officially approved by Ministry of Environment. All finalised NPMP are approved by the Ministry of Environment: NPMP for nature reserve Kala Lake Islands ; Order of the Ministry of Environment from ; NPMP for Protected Landscapes Areas ; Order of the Ministry of Environment from ; NPMP for Nature Reserve of Ilzina Lake; Order of the Ministry of Environment from In order to ensure the sustainability of the project results all habitat management measures defined by NPMP have been included in After-Life Conservation plan. Response on comments of EC: In the European Commission letter from 11/04/11, it was requested to describe the approval process of NPMP. The development and approval of NPMP were carried out as step by step process in accordance with requirements set by national legislation as follows: Preparation of NPMP; Approval of NPMP by Supervision Board developed specially for each particular protected site. The responsibility of given Board is supervision of preparation of NPMP and approval of final version of NPMP. The approval of NPMP are done on following dates - NR Kala Lake Islands : ; Protected Landscapes Areas : ; Nature Reserve of Ilzina Lake: ; 20

21 Approval by Ministry of Environment - NR Kala Lake Islands : Order of the Ministry of Environment from ; Protected Landscapes Areas : Order of the Ministry of Environment from ; Nature Reserve of Ilzina Lake: Order of the Ministry of Environment from A2: Drafting of site specific Cabinet of Ministers Regulations ACTION A.2 Time plan: 01/07/ /10/2008 Drafting of site specific Cabinet of Ministers Regulations Variations/complications/delays: Additional information: Yes/ No/ No THIS REPORT Time plan was extended to 1) Draft Cabinet of Ministers Regulation in Annex 2; 2) The letter of the Ministry of Environment in Annex 12; PREVIOUS REPORTS Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Draft Regulation for the NR Ilziņa Lake (Annex 4); 2) Draft Regulation for PLA (Annex 5); 3) Draft regulations and zoning maps for NR Kāla Lake Islands (Annex 2); Main objectives and activities: The main objective of Action is drafting of site specific Cabinet of Ministers Regulation to define specific requirements for conservation and protection of Project Area. Expected results: The Cabinet of Ministers Regulation defining specific requirements for conservation and management of area is drafted to ensure appropriate protection and management of habitats/species of Community and national interest. Preconditions for sustainable development and use of project area will be developed. Activities and Outputs: The action has been successfully implemented. The Cabinet of Ministers Regulation defining specific requirements for conservation and management of 3 protected areas were drafted. The activities conducted in general were introduced according to the planned project budget and did not exceed the 10,000 EUR or 10% limits. The site specific requirements for (1) Nature Reserve Ilziņa Lake ( Ilziņa ezers ), (2) Nature Reserve Kāla Lake Islands ( Kāla ezera salas ) and (3) Protected Landscape Area are developed to ensure appropriate protection and management of habitats/species of Community and national interest. The development of site specific requirements is based on results of detailed mapping of Project Area and evaluation of correspondence of habitats to favorable conservation status carried out by habitats experts. 21

22 Cabinet of Ministers Regulation, which incorporates site specific requirements mentioned before, is drafted by experts according to procedure set by national legislation (refer Annex 2). The Draft Cabinet of Ministers Regulation is submitted to the Ministry of Environment to prepare supporting documents to be approved by Cabinet of Ministers (refer Annex12). A3: Preparation of an individual management plans for landowners to ensure integrated management of habitats ACTION A.3 Time plan: 01/04/ /04/2010 Preparation of an individual management plans for landowners to ensure integrated management of habitats Variations/complications/delays: Additional information: Yes / No/ No THIS REPORT Time plan was extended to Individual management plans for Lejas 01/08/2010 Lubejas, Rutuļi, Kurtsalas in Annex 4 PREVIOUS REPORTS Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Draft individual management plan for Ramuļēni (in Latvian) CD (Annex 8); Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 2) Individual management plan for Ramuļēni farm as printed copy (Annex 2); Submitted with 4 th Progress report: 3) Individual management plan for Brici farm as printed copy (Annex 2) Main objectives and activities: The main objective of this Action is to introduce habitats based management of Project Area. The individual farms where habitats of Community and/or national importance are located will be identified and prioritised. The detailed management plans will be developed for 5 prioritised individual farms and will be used as pilot areas to demonstrate good management practice. Expected results: 5 individual management plans are prepared to ensure integrated and habitats based management for habitats of EC importance as an Action of this project. The experience obtained will be used for development of another approximate 20 individual plans. Activities and Outputs: The action has been successfully implemented. 5 individual management plans were prepared. The activities conducted in general are introduced according to the planned project budget and were not exceeding the 10,000 EUR or 10% limits. The detailed management plans were developed for 5 prioritized individual farms ( Ramuļēni, Brici, Lejas Lubejas, Rutuļi, Kurtsalas ) and are used as pilot areas to demonstrate good management practice. The development of management plans for 22

23 individual farms were based on detailed mapping of habitats and relates mainly to 5 grassland types of Community importance and particularly to habitats *, 6530*, 6210, 6430, The cooperation with local farmers was very essential for successful implementation of this activity and project sustainability as well. The experience obtained demonstrates that local farmers are interested to have individual management plans and are ready to continue sustainable management of habitats of Community importance after the completion of this particular project. For example, the individual farm Ramuļēni has obtained wild horses to ensure appropriate maintenance of grassland formations, the owner of individual farm Brici has decided to develop private nature park to demonstrate sustainable management of grasslands. All individual management plans developed by LIFE project have been used as business plans to get finances for further maintenance of grassland formations. The experience obtained will be used further for the development of another individual plans. The next individual farms with habitats of Community and/or national importance are already identified and prioritized. The preparation of individual management plans for those individual farms will be financed from other financial sources. In order to ensure the sustainability of the project the Activity has been included in the After-LIFE Conservation plan as well. A4: Elaboration of proposal for requirements/amendments of Spatial Plans for 4 rural municipalities ACTION A.4 Time plan: 01/04/ /07/2008 Elaboration of proposal for requirements/amendments of Spatial Plans for 4 rural municipalities Variations/complications/delays: Additional information: No/ No/ No THIS REPORT 1) The proposal for requirements of Spatial Plans for 4 rural Municipalities in Annex 5; 2) The Spatial Plan of Ergli County and the Spatial Plan of Rural Municipalities (after administrative reform part of Madona County) in Annex 6; PREVIOUS REPORTS Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Maps on CD (Annex 9); 2) GIS based maps of species and habitats on CD (Annex 3); Main objectives and activities: The main objective of Action is to elaborate requirements for Spatial Plans of 4 rural municipalities (Vestienas Rural Municipality, Berzaunes Rural Municipality, Erglu County and Aronas Rural Municipality) to ensure that development of Spatial Plans will be habitats and pressures limits based. 23

24 Expected results: The requirements for Spatial Plans of 2 rural municipalities (Berzaunes, Aronas) and amendments for spatial plans of 2 rural municipalities (Vestienas Rural Municipality, Erglu County) will be prepared to introduce new habitats and pressures based planning practice in 5 rural municipalities. Activities and Outputs: The action has been successfully implemented. The requirements for Spatial Plans of 2 rural municipalities (Berzaunes Rural Municipality, Aronas Rural Municipality) and amendments for spatial plans of 2 rural municipalities (Vestienas Rural Municipality, Erglu County) were prepared. The activities conducted in general are introduced according to the planned project budget and were not exceeding the 10,000 EUR or 10% limits. In order to demonstrate integrity of area and connectivity of rural municipalities the following main Activities were carried out: The detailed mapping of Project Area with respect to locations of habitats and administrative borders of municipalities, including the GIS based analyses of habitats location, ecological and cultural values of area, tourist recourses etc. Analyses of land use in Project Areas with specific ecological values. The uses of habitats pressures limits approach for spatial planning of local Municipalities were intensively discussed in municipal and inter-municipal level. The habitats pressures limits approach was used for development of new Spatial Plans for Berzaunes and Aronas Rural Municipalities. It is expected that habitats pressures limits approach and habitats management related requirements would be used to develop new Spatial Plans for Vestienas Rural Municipality and Erglu County as well. In order to ensure the sustainability of the project the maintenance of the GIS data base has been included in the After-LIFE Conservation plan as well. 24

25 A5: Preparation and evaluation of tools for integrated management of the site ACTION A.5 Time plan: 01/01/ /10/2009 Preparation and evaluation of tools for integrated management of the site Variations/complications/delays: Additional information: No/ No/ No THIS REPORT Landowners and GIS based databases in Annex 7; PREVIOUS REPORTS Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) GIS database structure (Annex 10) 2) Photos and presentations from project activities-gis seminar (Annex 11) 3) Participant list of GIS seminar (Annex 12) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 4) GIS database in CD (Annex 3) Submitted with 4 th Progress report: 5) Updated GIS database in CD (Annex 3) Main objectives and activities: The main objective of this Action is originate essential preconditions to ensure integrated habitats management, to test them in practice and to train Development Board of Vestienas Protected landscape area for its use in practice. Expected results: The effective tools - data base of landowners and GIS database, are developed and used to ensure integrated habitats management and to monitor efficiency of project actions and other activities conducted within project area. Activities and Outputs: The action has been successfully implemented. The data base of landowners and GIS database were developed. The activities conducted in general were introduced according to the planned project budget and were not exceed the 10,000 EUR or 10% limits. The following tools are developed and tested for further use in project area: Habitats based data base of landowners; Comprehensive GIS database. The owners data bases developed provide possibility to range owners according to habitats types located in their lands and to select farms in which territories the same habitat is located as well. During the implementation of given Activity the GIS database were prepared. This Activity was carried out with a particular focus on: Evaluation of existing cartographical information and development of GIS; Development of database which is linked to the maps (location of habitats, land ownership, land use, recreational activities etc.) and regular update of data base; 25

26 Preparation of maps to establish a current situation and to demonstrate particular project activities (restoration of the habitats, construction of nature tracks, places for recreation etc.). The comprehensive GIS database developed during the implementation of given Activity consist of following particular information - data on land ownership, present land use, zoning of the territory, location of habitats and species of EC and national importance, sites of scenic view, areas important for landscape protection, recreational values and tourism infrastructure etc. In Afte LIFE period the data base will be updated on regular bases by. Taking in to account that the Development Agency is Public body the mapping information obtained from given data bases will be available for local society and experts as well. To ensure Project continuity and habitats based management of area the developed GIS based data bases have been submitted to all local municipalities located in Project area Madona County (Partner 4) and Ērgļu County (Partner 5) and to Ministry of Environment and its subordinated structures Madonas Regional Environmental Board and Nature Protection Board (Partner 1) as well. A6: Determination impact limits for types of habitats and particular locations of habitats ACTION A.6 Time plan: 01/04/ /10/2009 Determination impact limits for types of habitats and particular locations of habitats Variations/complications/delays: Additional information: No/ No/ No THIS REPORT Photos and presentations from project activity - study tour in Annex 13; PREVIOUS REPORTS Submitted with Technical Interim Report: 1) Mid-term report from CarlBro Ltd. in Latvian (Annex 13) 2) Photos of the sampling activities (Annex 14) Submitted with 3 rd Progress report: 3) CD with the final report for Activity A6 (Annex 4) Main objectives and activities: The main objective of this action is to determine habitats type specific pressures and to define limits of those pressures. Expected results: The general habitats type specific limits of pressure will be set for 13 types of habitats of EC and national importance located in the project area (6270*, 6530*, 6210, 6430, 6510, 9010*, 9180*, 91E0*, 91D0*, 3150, 3260, 7140, 7160). The habitat based pressures for each habitat located within territory of project will be identified and set by Nature Management Plan. The permissible pollution loads will be calculated for surface water habitats, pollution reduction plan will be developed to reduce deterioration of surface water habitats of EC importance (3150, 3260). 26