LIFE Programme allocated funds for protection of Common and Little terns in Lithuania
06-02-2019
Lithuanian ornithological society (LOD) signed a grant agreement with the EU for protection of common and little tern in the framework of the project “Adjustment of key stakeholders’ capacity for improvement of Common and Little terns conservation status in Lithuania” LIFE17 NAT/LT/000545.
LOD implements this project in cooperation with partners Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority, State Enterprise (VVKD); Joint-stock company “EKO-STOMA” (EKO-STOMA) and Nemuno Kilpos Regional Park Administration (NKRP). The EU contributed by 60% of the total project value, the rest is co-financed by the special financial mechanism of Lithuanian budget and partners of the project. Project duration 1 July, 2018- 31 December, 2022.
The Project main objective is to improve the conservation status of the Common and Little terns breeding populations in Lithuania by the proper maintenance of their breeding habitats within SPAs network through involvement of key stakeholders’ capacities. This objective corresponds to the fundamental aim of the SPA designation - to restore and to maintain the favourable conservation status of the trigger species. Having in mind that the bad conditions of their breeding habitats is the main threat for the species in the region, the project actions are focused particularly on the maintenance of the breeding sites of the Common and Little terns in the SPAs network, which have been designated for their conservation: Kretuonas lake (LTSVEB003), Nemunas delta (LTSLUB001), Nemunas river between Pelėšiškes and Balbieriškis (LTPRIB006), Nemunas river between Prienai and Lengveniškes (LTPRIB005), Nemunas river between Kulautuva and Smalininkai (LTKAUB001), Vasaknos fishponds (LTZARB001), Novaraistis (LTSAKB001), Niedus and Veisiejai lakes (LTLAZB001), Kalviai gravel pit (LTKLAB003) bei Sartai regional park (LTZARB005). Action are also foreseen in the islands of Nemunas river near Lipliūnai settlement, which will be designated as SPA for protection of little tern.
The main emphasis will be given to practical conservation actions: in some areas vegetation will be removed, islands in Nemunas river will be supplied with additional sand and gravel to ensure their stability during the spring floods. Project also foresees instalment of 600 shelters for terns’ chicks, deployment of GPS transmitters, preparation and endorsement of new common tern SAP, review and re-endorsement of the current little tern SAP, as well as implementation of various dissemination activities – articles, film and meetings.
Currently actions are implemented in the islands of Niedus lake and Nemunas river near Lipliūnai settlement.
Little tern. Dalia Račkauskaite photo
