1. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA Management of Natural Heritage Rūta Gruzdyte Chief desk officer of Planning and cadastre division Web site: www.vstt.ltwww.vstt.lt E-mai:. r.gruzdyte@vstt.ltr.gruzdyte@vstt.lt LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

2. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005 STRUCTURE OF THE PRESENTATION Natural heritage/protected areas in the BSRNatural heritage/protected areas in the BSR System of protected areas, different levels and status of protection Transboundary cooperation Administration of the system of PAAdministration of the system of PA Nature conservation in legislative systemNature conservation in legislative system Nature conservation in planningNature conservation in planning Planning of PAPlanning of PA Instruments of dealing with problemsInstruments of dealing with problems PrioritiesPriorities

3. PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION VASAB promotes the concept of green networks. Basic idea is to develop the continuum of landscapes which provide the basis for economic prosperity in harmony with nature. Idea integrates Natura 2000 areas into a broader context. In the absence of such approach, conflicts are common between protection and development for which mutual adjustment is required. Spatial planning can play the role of integrating sector administrations.

4. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005 The goals of the systems of Protected Areas are to conserve: - nature and culture heritage, - landscape and biological diversity, - landscape ecological stability, - natural resources. It creates conditions for the development: cognitive tourism (eco-tourism), scientific research and monitoring, promotion of natural and cultural heritage protection, etc.

5. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA The system of Protected Areas Heritage sites are a source of pride, wonder and inspiration. The scope of the national system of Lithuania’s protected areas is broader than is approved by the IUCN. It consists of four protected areas types: - Conservation areas - strict nature or culture reserves, reserves, nature and culture heritage objects (nature or culture monuments), - Preservation areas - protective zones of various purpose, - Recuperation areas - sites where natural resources are protected or/and restored, - Integrated areas - national and regional parks, as well as biosphere monitoring areas.

6. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA Priority is given to protected areas of conservation and integrated type, which cover 15 % of the country, and are called Especially Protected Areas. The system of Lithuanian Protected Areas LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

7. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA Comparison of the main features of the Nature Frame and ECONET Nature FrameEcological Network (ECONET) Universal (geo-ecological) approachSpecialized (ecological) approach Overal goal - ecological compensationOverall goal - biodiversity protection Concept based on: 1.catchment area and biostructure 2.analyses of migration processes in natural landscape 3.evaluation of gravigenuous structure of natural complexes 4.conservation and enrichment of bio- and geo-ecological stabilisers in geosystems. Concept based on: 1.biostructure 2.analyses of biodiversity 3.evaluation of the most important ecosystems 4.minimum areas required to sustain them 5.conservation of biodiversity. Consists of: 1.geo-ecological watersheds 2.geosystem stabilization centers 3.migration corridors. Consists of: 1.core areas 2.nature development areas 3.ecological corridors. All natural and semi-natural areas includedAreas significant from national and international significance included Covers 60% of Lithuania LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

8. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005 INTERNATIONALY IMPORTANT PA (Unesco, Ramsar sites, HELCOM) PA OF EUROPEAN IMPORTANCE (Network of Natura 2000) PA OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE (National parks, State strict reserves) PA OF REGIONAL IMPORTANCE (Regional parks, Strict reserves) PA OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE (reserves, protected nature heritage objects)

9. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA Partnerships are needed Achieving the goals of international conventions requires partnership: At the international level it could involve enhanced cooperation with the Convention on Biological Diversity. Natural heritage sites between two or more countries need to be explored and expanded. Exchange schemes between countries which aim to improve PA site management, need to be developed. At national levels – better partnerships are required between agencies managing PA and other relevant organisations, agencies including NGOs. At local levels – more efective working relationships with local people need to be established. Planning for natural heritage sites needs to be considered in the context of regional land use and innovative planning schemes LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

10. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA Transboundary cooperation: General activities International Commitments in field of Nature Protection NAME OF CONVENTION Convention on Protection of Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area (Helsinki Convention, Helsinki, 1974) UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention, Paris, 1972) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention, Ramsar, 1971) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, Rio de Janeiro, 1992) Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention, Bern, 1979) Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of wild Animals (Bonn Convention, Bonn, 1979) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES, Washington, 1973) Convention on European Landscape (Florence, 2000) LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

11. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA International Commitments of Lithuania related to the Management of Protected Areas: Intergovernmental Agreements on Cooperation in field of Environmental Protection: Bilateral Agreement with Government of Sweden, 1992; Trilateral Agreement with Governments of Estonia and Latvia, 1995; Bilateral Agreement with the Government of Flanders /Belgium/, 1996; Bilateral Agreement with the Government of Latvia, 1999; Bilateral Agreement with the Government of Russian Federation, 1999; Interministerial Agreements : Agreement with Denmark on Cooperation in the field of Environmental protection, 1991; Agreement with Finland on Cooperation in the field of Environmental protection, 1992; Agreement with Poland on Cooperation in the field of Environmental protection,1992; Agreement with Germany on Cooperation in Environmental protection, 1993; Agreement with Byelorussia on Cooperation in the field of Forest conservation, 2000; Agreement with Latvia on Nature Concervation in Transboundary Context, 2001 LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

12. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA STATE LEVEL The Ministry of Environment (Division of Protected Areas Strategy) The Ministry of Culture State Service for Protected Areas LOCAL LEVEL Vilnius municipality 3 State Strict Nature Reserves2 State Strict Culture Reserves 2 Regional Parks 4 National Parks1 Historic National Park 28 Regional Parks 1 Biosphere Reserve Administration of the System of Protected Areas LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

13. STATE SERVICE FOR PROTECTED AREAS OF LITHUANIA Administration of the system of protected areas Other institutions involved in protected areas management: Regional Environmental Protection Departments;Regional Environmental Protection Departments; Forests Enterprises;Forests Enterprises; Cultural Heritage Authorities;Cultural Heritage Authorities; Regional Authorities (Counties Administrations);Regional Authorities (Counties Administrations); Municipalities.Municipalities. LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

14. The main financial instruments used to manage values of the protected areas: State budgets of different countries;State budgets of different countries; EU funds (ERDF, INTERREG)EU funds (ERDF, INTERREG) Projects, coordinated by State level institutions, responsible for management of Protected Areas;Projects, coordinated by State level institutions, responsible for management of Protected Areas; Projects, coordinated by Protected Areas Administrations.Projects, coordinated by Protected Areas Administrations. LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

15. List of main financial sources Protected Areas Administrations apply to 1.Phare programs (SPF; Credo) 2.Nordic Council of Ministries 3.Swedish EPA 4.UNDP GEF SGP (the Small Grants Program) Other financial sources: 1.Fund of Darvin 2.WWF (World Wildlife Fund) 3.Netherlands PIN-Matra program 4.Local authorities LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

17. Projects applied to EU Structure Funds. Preparation of PA’s establishment and planning documents;Preparation of PA’s establishment and planning documents; Strengthening of state institutions responsible for monitoring and management of NATURA 2000 PA’sStrengthening of state institutions responsible for monitoring and management of NATURA 2000 PA’s Maintenance and management of PA’s;Maintenance and management of PA’s; Takedown of ownerless buildings, recuperation of violated territories, rehabilitation of objectsTakedown of ownerless buildings, recuperation of violated territories, rehabilitation of objects LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

18. Territory planning Special planning: For a part of or the whole system of the PA, for values of natural and cultural heritage Strategic planning General planning Detailed planning Planning of Protected Areas Network schemes of the PA Schemes of the nature frame and/or ecological network formation Schemes of the ecological protection zones network Management plans Nature management and/or heritage management projects Objective programsHeritage management plans Action plansMonitoring programs Nature management plans LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

19. Nature Management Plan Nature management plan (NM Plan) – strategic planning document. There are evaluated and described ecological condition of protected area (a part of the protected area), problems and possibilities of conservation and management of landscape, protected endangered animals, plants and mushrooms species, their habitats and natural habitats in this document. LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

20. NM Plan sets the measures for management and protection of the area, funds for these measures and hands. LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005 Preparation of NM plans Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Culture and other institutions, which have a right implement strategic planning, can organize preparation of NM Plans.

21. The main aims of NM plan: To define the main problems and activities, which influence on the NM Plans objects, to analyze, what information is required and to analyze possibilities to get this information;To define the main problems and activities, which influence on the NM Plans objects, to analyze, what information is required and to analyze possibilities to get this information; To appoint protection and management measures of the managed objects, set priorities of these measures;To appoint protection and management measures of the managed objects, set priorities of these measures; To appoint physical and legal persons, who will implement measures indicated in NM Plans;To appoint physical and legal persons, who will implement measures indicated in NM Plans; To calculate funds required for implementation of protection and management measures;To calculate funds required for implementation of protection and management measures; To establish an order for assessment of implemented management and protection measures and for monitoring.To establish an order for assessment of implemented management and protection measures and for monitoring. LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

22. INSTRUMENTS OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS Establishment and improvement of a legal framework (collaborative management);Establishment and improvement of a legal framework (collaborative management); Creation of the system of territorial planning documents:Creation of the system of territorial planning documents: integration of planning of PA into the general national system of planning;integration of planning of PA into the general national system of planning; preparation and approval of management plans, zoning schemes;preparation and approval of management plans, zoning schemes; preparation of special plans for recreational zones, etc.;preparation of special plans for recreational zones, etc.; implementation of these plans.implementation of these plans. Repurchase of the land, establishment of compensations;Repurchase of the land, establishment of compensations; LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

23. INSTRUMENTS OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS Implementation of specific measures of protection and management:Implementation of specific measures of protection and management: measures aimed at conservation of objects of natural and cultural heritage;measures aimed at conservation of objects of natural and cultural heritage; measures aimed at establishing and maintaining paths for education and cognitive purposes;measures aimed at establishing and maintaining paths for education and cognitive purposes; measures aimed at developing and monitoring a visual information system;measures aimed at developing and monitoring a visual information system; measures aimed at establishing recreational infrastructure (recreational paths, bicycle trails)measures aimed at establishing recreational infrastructure (recreational paths, bicycle trails) Establishment of the system of information of PA, environmental education and training:Establishment of the system of information of PA, environmental education and training: development of the system of ecological education (visitor centers, nature schools);development of the system of ecological education (visitor centers, nature schools); preparation and printing of publications, preparation of educational films, websites;preparation and printing of publications, preparation of educational films, websites; training courses for decision makers, protected areas staff training etc.training courses for decision makers, protected areas staff training etc. LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

24. PRIORITIES IN THE FORTHCOMING YEARS CONSERVATION OF LANDSCAPE AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, NATURE AND CULTURE HERITAGE AND ESTABLISHEMENT OF CONDITIONS FOR VISITORSCONSERVATION OF LANDSCAPE AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, NATURE AND CULTURE HERITAGE AND ESTABLISHEMENT OF CONDITIONS FOR VISITORS INTEGRATION OF NATURA 2000 NETWORK INTO THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTED AREASINTEGRATION OF NATURA 2000 NETWORK INTO THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTED AREAS CREATION OF AN INFORMATIONAL SYSTEM FOR PROTECTED AREASCREATION OF AN INFORMATIONAL SYSTEM FOR PROTECTED AREAS LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

25. PRIORITIES OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN ENVIRONMENT FORMATION AND PROTECTION IN 2005-2007 TO STRENGTHEN DIRECT COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA AND BELARUS IN DEALING WITH COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUESTO STRENGTHEN DIRECT COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA AND BELARUS IN DEALING WITH COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION WITH THE BALTIC SEA STATES REGION AND TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OF THE EU INSTITUTIONS IN DEALING WITH COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITH NON-EU COUNTRIESTO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION WITH THE BALTIC SEA STATES REGION AND TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OF THE EU INSTITUTIONS IN DEALING WITH COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITH NON-EU COUNTRIES WITHIN ITS COMPETENCE TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANISATIONSWITHIN ITS COMPETENCE TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANISATIONS LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005

26. WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING PRIORITIES Participation of civil servants of the ministries, responsible for nature protection, its subordinate institutions and the ones attributed to its regulatory field in international forums, meetings, sittings of different committees and working groups, workshops, conferences and other international events, international projects;Participation of civil servants of the ministries, responsible for nature protection, its subordinate institutions and the ones attributed to its regulatory field in international forums, meetings, sittings of different committees and working groups, workshops, conferences and other international events, international projects; Development and harmonisation of draft legal acts related to international cooperation in environment formation and protection;Development and harmonisation of draft legal acts related to international cooperation in environment formation and protection; The development of draft bilateral and multilateral agreements and cooperation plans for environment formation and protection with foreign countries, their institutions and international organisations;The development of draft bilateral and multilateral agreements and cooperation plans for environment formation and protection with foreign countries, their institutions and international organisations; Exchange and presentation of information to foreign institutions, international organisations, environmental NGOs and to the public regarding the issues of international cooperation in environment formation and protection;Exchange and presentation of information to foreign institutions, international organisations, environmental NGOs and to the public regarding the issues of international cooperation in environment formation and protection; Organisation of workshops, conferences, forums and other international events related to environment formation and protection in BSR;Organisation of workshops, conferences, forums and other international events related to environment formation and protection in BSR; LITHUANIA 23-24 May, 2005