The selected demonstration site is the most important wetland complex in Lithuania. The Nemunas River Delta and the North East coast of the Curonian Lagoon is one of the very few natural or moderately changed estuaries in the Baltic Region. Seasonally flooded coastal meadows, lakes, raised bogs, large fishpond systems and wet forests make this territory one of the most diverse biodiversity habitats in Lithuania.
The Nemunas River Delta is one of the key stop-over sites for migratory waterbirds in Europe, regularly supporting internationally important concentrations of more than 20 waterbird species. Lithuania is committed under the European Bird and Habitat Directive to ensure favourable conditions for bird species and their key habitats. Currently the whole territory of the National Park is also designated under the Nature 2000 Act. However a marked decrease in the carrying capacity of this unique complex of wetlands for migratory waterbirds was recorded in recent decades.
The current management needs at the site include the restoration of degrading key wetlands affected by the former drainage schemes and recent changes of agricultural practices, management of the hydrological network of polders with respect to unique habitats and concentration of recreational activities in specific zones.
Furthermore, the low level of environmental education and awareness of key stakeholders cause a major barrier to effective management. The project hopes to raise public awareness through education and by collaboration with the tourism sector, local municipalities, management of the polder system and Regional Park Directorate, to restore key habitats that support many migratory waterbird species.
The Institute of Ecology of Vilinius University is the executing agency for the demonstration project in the Lithuanian Nemunas River Delta.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Goal: To improve the conservation status and management of waterbirds and their habitats in the Nemunas River Delta area and along the NE coast of the Curonian Lagoon.
Outcome 1. Establish an education and research center of migratory birds in the Nemunas River Delta.
This outcome will be achieved by building a bird observatory and by developing a research centre for migratory waterbirds. Awareness raising will be supported through the distribution and the gathering of information and by conducting workshops on transboundary wetland management.
Outcome 2. Establishment of new eco-tourism facilities in the Ventes Ragas Landscape Reserve of the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park
This will include the development of visitor routes for eco-tourists, arranging annual “Birdwatching Days” and providing support to the “Birdwatching Rally” in the region, in collaboration with local partners.
Outcome 3. Restoration of certain degraded wetlands, especially important for migratory and breeding waterbirds
Under this aspect of the project, wetland restoration will be undertaken at selected sites by recovering natural open floodplain habitats.
Outcome 4. Developing a special publication about nature values of the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park
A special publication about the nature values - principally focusing on migratory waterbirds - of the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park will be published for dissemination.
PROJECT PROGRESS (Latest update) 
ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION:
LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES:
INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY VILNIUS UNIVERSITY
The Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University, a state-financed institution holding the status of a university-affiliated scientific institute, is a leader in ecological research in Lithuania.
For more information please see: http://www.ekoi.lt/en/
For more information please see:
Lithuanian WOW Project Website: http://www.ekoi.lt/info/wowlt/
DEMO PROJECT TEAM:
SAULIUS SVAZAS, DR. SCI.
My name is Saulius Svazas and I am the Project Coordinator of the WOW Lithuanian demonstration project. My background constitutes of a M.Sci. in biology at Vilnius University, and complimented by a Ph.D. in bird ecology at Moscow Institute of Evolutionary Ecology. Subsequently I completed a study in ecology & environmental impact assessment at Manchester University and Central Europe University, Budapest. My expertise lies in ecology and wetlands management. Currently I hold the position of Senior Researcher at the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University in Lithuania. In addition to my post as Senior Researcher, I am Coordinator/Supervisor of numerous international projects related to conservation and management of waterbirds and their habitats and I have been the National Coordinator of Wetlands International in Lithuania since 1983.
For more information please contact:
Saulius Svazas, Email: [svazas@ekoi.lt] | Tel: +370 (5) 2729296 | Fax: +370 (5) 2729296
OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS: