PRIORITISED ACTION FRAMEWORK (PAF) FOR NATURA LITHUANIA For the EU Multiannual Financing Period

Transcription

1 PRIORITISED ACTION FRAMEWORK (PAF) FOR NATURA 2000 LITHUANIA For the EU Multiannual Financing Period

2 A. Introductory overview of Natura 2000 network for territory A.1 Short introduction to the habitat types of Annex I and species of Annex II of the Habitats Directive and Annex I and migratory bird species for which Natura 2000 sites are designated Lithuania belongs to Boreal biogeographical region. 54 habitat types of Annex I of the Habitats Directive are found in the country and its marine waters (see list in the annex I of this document). 16 types are priority habitats. 2 habitat types are found in marine environment (Marine Baltic region). There also 49 species of Annex II of the Habitats Directive (see list in the annex II of this document). Only 1 species is priority species according to the Habitats Directive. There are 68 breeding or other regularly occurring bird species in the country for which special protected areas under the Birds Directive are designated (see list of species in the annex III of this document). A.2 Number and area of Natura 2000 sites Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) Reference to Commission Decisions on SCIs Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Total Natura 2000 terrestrial area Total Natura 2000 marine area 406 sites with total area of ha the most recent decision from 2015 on Boreal region list: 92 sites 84 sites with total area of ha ha ha A.3 Main land use cover and ecosystem categories for Natura 2000 sites 1. Artificial surfaces NATURA 2000 CORINE LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION AREA, HA 111 Continuous urban fabric Urban fabric 112 Discontinuous urban fabric Industrial, commercial and transport units 1.3. Mine, dump and construction sites 121 Industrial or commercial units Road and rail networks and associated land Port areas Airports Mineral extraction sites Dump sites Construction sites 2 2

3 2. Agricultural areas 3. Forest and semi natural areas 4. Wetlands 5. Water bodies 1.4. Artificial, nonagricultural 141 Green urban sites 256 vegetated areas 142 Sport and leisure facilities Arable land 211 Non-irrigated arable land Permanent crops 222 Fruit trees and berry plantations Pastures 231 Pastures Heterogeneous agricultural areas 3.1. Forests 3.2. Scrub and/or herbaceous vegetation associations 3.3. Open spaces with little or no vegetation 242 Complex cultivation patterns Land principally occupied by agriculture, with significant areas of natural vegetation Broad-leaved forest Coniferous forest Mixed forest Natural grasslands Moors and heath land Transitional woodland-shrub Beaches, dunes, sands Sparsely vegetated areas Burnt areas Inland wetlands 411 Inland marshes Peat bogs Inland waters 511 Water courses Water bodies Marine waters 521 Coastal lagoons Sea and ocean

4 B. Status of the Habitats and Species B.1 Most recent assessment of conservation status of species and habitat types for territory B.1.a Habitat and species of Habitats Directive These figures show the percentage of biogeographical assessments in each category of conservation status for habitats and species, respectively. The species groups include those listed in Annexes IV and V, as well as Annex II. The information on which these figures are based are presented in the table below the figures (real values). Conservation status of habitats Conservation status of species FV - Favourable NA - Not reported XX - Unknown U1 - Unfavourable inadequate U2 - Unfavourable bad 4

5 Year of assessment HABITATS SPECIES FV NA XX U1 U2 FV NA XX U1 U Data source: HABITATS SPECIES FV U1 U2 XX FV U1 U2 XX D F BOREAL REGION E T

6 Member State LITHUANIA FV Favourable; U1 Unfavourable inadequate; U2 Unfavourable bad; XX - Unknown; NA Not reported Region / Conclusion Range HABITATS SPECIES FV U1 U2 XX FV U1 U2 XX

7 D0 91E0 91F0 91T HABITATS SPECIES FV U1 U2 XX FV U1 U2 XX Area / Population D0 91E F T

8 HABITATS SPECIES FV U1 U2 XX FV U1 U2 XX Structure / Habitat D E0 91T F

9 HABITATS SPECIES FV U1 U2 XX FV U1 U2 XX Future Prospects D E0 91T F

10 Data source: B.1.b Bird species of Birds Directive Information about assessment of trend for bird species is gathered from the national report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive for the period , submitted to the European Commission. Meaning of used symbols: Increasing + ; Decreasing ; Stable 0 ; Fluctuating F ; New breeder N ; Extinct X 1. Gavia artica F 108. Coracias garrulus - 2. Tachybaptus ruficollis Upupa epops + 3. Podiceps cristatus Jynx torquilla 0 4. Podiceps grisegena Picus canus + 5. Podiceps auritus Picus viridis 0 6. Podiceps nigricollis Dryocopus martius 0 7. Phalacrocorax carbo Dendrocopos major 0 8. Botaurus stellaris Dendrocopos medius 0 9. Ixobrychus minutus F 116. Dendrocopos leucotos Ardea cinerea Dendrocopos minor Ciconia nigra Picoides tridactylus Ciconia ciconia Galerida cristata Cygnus olor Lullula arborea Cygnus cygnus Alauda arvensis Anser fabalis Riparia riparia Anser anser Hirundo rustica Tadorna tadorna Delichon urbica 0 10

11 18. Anas strepera Anthus campestris Anas crecca Anthus trivialis Anas platyrhynchos Anthus pratensis Anas acuta Motacilla flava Anas querquedula Motacilla citreola Anas clypeata Motacilla alba Aythya ferina Troglodytes troglodytes Aythya nyroca Prunella modularis Aythya fuligula Erithacus rubecula Aythya marila Luscinia luscinia Polysticta stelleri Luscinia svecica Bucephala clangula Phoenicurus ochruros Mergus serrator Phoenicurus phoenicurus Mergus merganser Saxicola rubetra Pernis apivorus Oenanthe oenanthe Milvus migrans Turdus merula Milvus milvus Turdus pilaris Haliaeetus albicilla Turdus philomelos Circus aeruginosus Turdus iliacus Circus cyaneus F 145. Turdus viscivorus Circus pygargus Locustella naevia Accipiter gentilis Locustella fluviatilis Accipiter nisus Locustella luscinioides Buteo buteo Acrocephalus paludicola Aquila pomarina Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Pandion haliaetus Acrocephalus dumetorum Falco tinnunculus Acrocephalus palustris Falco columbarius Acrocephalus scirpaceus Falco subbuteo Acrocephalus arundinaceus Falco peregrinus Hippolais icterina Bonasa bonasia Sylvia nisoria Lagopus lagopus Sylvia curruca Tetrao tetrix Sylvia communis Tetrao urogallus Sylvia borin Perdix perdix Sylvia atricapilla Coturnix coturnix Phylloscopus trochiloides Rallus aquaticus Phylloscopus sibilatrix Porzana porzana Phylloscopus collybita Porzana parva Phylloscopus trochilus Crex crex Regulus regulus Gallinula chloropus Muscicapa striata Fulica atra Ficedula parva Grus grus Ficedula hypoleuca Haematopus ostralegus Panurus biarmicus Recurvirostra avosetta Aegithalos caudatus Charadrius dubius Parus palustris Charadrius hiaticula Parus montanus Pluvialis apricaria Parus cristatus Vanellus vanellus Parus ater Calidris alpina Parus caeruleus Philomachus pugnax Parus major Lymnocryptes minimus Sitta europaea Gallinago gallinago Certhia familiaris Galinago media Remiz pendulinus Scolopax rusticola Oriolus oriolus Limosa limosa Lanius collurio Numenius arquata Lanius minor Tringa totanus Lanius excubitor + 11

12 76. Tringa stagnatilis Carrulus glandarius Tringa nebularia Pica pica Tringa ochropus Nucifraga caryocatactes Tringa glareola Corvus monedula Actitis hypoleucos Corvus frugilegus Larus minutus Corvus corone Larus ridibundus Corvus corax Larus canus Sturnus vulgaris Larus argentatus Passer domesticus Sterna hirundo Passer montanus Sterna albifrons Fringilla coelebs Chlidonias hybrida F 195. Serinus serinus Chlidonias niger Carduelis chloris Chlidonias leucopterus Carduelis carduelis Columba livia Carduelis spinus Columba oenas Carduelis cannabina Columba palumbus Loxia curvirostra F 93. Streptopelia decaocto Carpodacus erythrinus Streptopelia turtur Pyrrhula pyrrhula Cuculus canorus Coccothraustes coccothraustes Tyto alba Emberiza citrinella Bubo bubo Emberiza hortulana Glaucidium passerinum Emberiza schoeniclus Athene noctua Miliaria calandra Strix aluco Strix uralensis Asio otus Asio flammeus F 104. Aegolius funereus Caprimulgus europaeus Apus apus Alcedo atthis - B.2 Overall assessment of conservation status by Habitat category / species group The following graphs show overall conservation status of habitats and species. Wide bar corresponds to the reporting period, and the narrow bar to the reporting period. The number in brackets corresponds to the number of assessments in the category. 12

13 Conservation status of habitats (including marine environment) FV - Favourable NA - Not reported XX - Unknown U1 - Unfavourable inadequate U2 - Unfavourable bad Group Year of assessment HABITATS FV NA XX U1 U2 Forests Rocky habitats Bogs, mires & fens Grasslands Sclerophyllous scrubs Heath & scrub Freshwater habitats Dunes habitats Coastal habitats

14 Conservation status of species FV - Favourable NA - Not reported XX - Unknown U1 - Unfavourable inadequate U2 - Unfavourable bad Group Year of assessment SPECIES FV NA XX U1 U2 Other invertebrates Mammals Reptiles Amphibians Fish Arthropods Molluscs Vascular plants Non-vascular plants Data source: B.3 Overview of pressures and threats to species and habitats Frequency of pressures and threats (%): 14

15 Habitats: % of habitat assessments reported as being affected by one or more 'high' importance pressures/threats pressure threat Pressures and threats Number of threats HABITATS Number of pressures A - Agriculture B - Sylviculture, forestry C - Mining, extraction of materials and energy production 6 6 D - Transportation and service corridors 3 E - Urbanisation, residential and commercial development 3 1 G - Human intrusions and disturbances 2 H - Pollution 8 10 J - Natural System modifications K - Natural biotic and abiotic processes (without catastrophes) L - Geological events, natural catastrophes 5 2 M - Climate change 1 Species (HD): 15

16 % of species assessments reported as being affected by one or more 'high' importance pressures/threats pressure threat Pressures and threats Number of threats SPECIES Number of pressures A - Agriculture 7 6 B - Sylviculture, forestry C - Mining, extraction of materials and energy production 2 1 D - Transportation and service corridors 2 E - Urbanisation, residential and commercial development F - Biological resource use other than agriculture & forestry 3 3 G - Human intrusions and disturbances 3 5 H - Pollution 10 8 I - Invasive, other problematic species and genes 1 1 J - Natural System modifications K - Natural biotic and abiotic processes (without catastrophes) U - Unknown threat or pressure 2 2 Data source: C. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NATURA 2000 SITES C.1 Relevant legal provisions 16

17 Legal requirements for Natura 2000 network protection and management stemming from Habitats and Birds directives are mainly set in following legal acts (not a comprehensive list): Law on Protected Areas (1992, 2001, with last amendment in 2010); Law on Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Economic Activity (1996, 2005, with last amendment in 2011); Governmental Regulation on Strategic Assessment of the Impacts on the Environment of the Plans and Programmes (2004, with last amendment in 2011); Governmental Resolution on Common Statutes of Habitats and Birds Protection Areas (2004, with last amendment in 2011). According Law on Protected Areas and Governmental Resolution on its implementation Ministry of Environment is empowered to adopt lists of Natura 2000 sites: list of sites to be proposed as Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), list of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and list of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Necessary conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites can be implemented in various forms, involving but not limited to establishment of protected areas, conclusion of conservation agreements with private land owners or state land managers or preparation and implementation of management plans or other equivalent documents on site management. Dedicated governmental resolutions lay the mechanisms for preparation of management plans for protected areas and Natura 2000 sites as well as for conclusion of conservation agreements with land owners and managers. Requirements for EIA and SIA in relation to Natura 2000 sites are in place on law level. Practical implementation rules are set by series of Governmental Resolutions and acts adopted by the Minister of Environment. Requirement for an appropriate EIA or SIA for plans and programmes with possible impacts on Natura 2000 sites is applicable from the moment of site inclusion into the list of SPAs or SCIs. Accurate wordings of Articles 6.3 and 6.4 of the Habitats directive are transposed to Law on Protected Areas. Decisions on adoption of plans and programmes are taken after appropriate assessments following the rules on exceptionality of permitted negative impact. Conservation objectives for individual sites are indicated in decisions on adoption of lists of SPAs, SCIs or SACs. More precise and qualitatively advanced conservation objectives for individual sites are formulated in documents on management of the sites. According national practice, several types of documents can be used for Natura 2000 site management planning: management plans (planning schemes) are compulsory for several types of national protected areas and will be prepared according requirements on territorial planning, while nature management plans and management programs for individual sites will be prepared as strategic planning documents. Normally, requirements from several management documents have to be kept in mind while planning management or making any other decision. State Environmental Monitoring Programme was renewed by the Government in It is regularly reviewed in 5 year cycle and stipulates for systematic surveillance of the species conservation status. Surveillance has to be conducted inside Natura 2000 network as well as outside of the network for the reasons of data comparison and conservation status evaluation on country level. C.2 Progress and perspectives for management planning for the sites Progress in Conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites are set in various establishing documents: legal acts on adoption of lists of SPAs, SCIs and SACs, conservation objectives nature management plans, management plans (planning schemes) and management programs for individual sites. % of sites with plans 14 % (percentage includes all sites with prepared nature 17

18 completed management plan, management plan (planning scheme) or management program) % of sites with plans in 30,4 % (percentage includes all sites for which nature management preparation plans are in preparation stage) % of sites with no plans 55,6 % Link to web sites with plans & any guidelines More background information on plans and comment on other instruments/approaches for management planning, information on and plans for particular sectors (e.g. forestry etc.) LT uses integrated management planning approach which means that appropriate management measures might be integrated in various types of documents which are necessary for site management. In the country three documents for site management planning are mainly applied: nature management plan, management program and management plan (planning scheme). Nature management plan and management program are strategic planning documents. Nature management plan is more comprehensive compared to the management program. Alongside thorough examination and description of the site conservation status preparation of a nature management plan requires also a review of socio-economic conditions and involvement of relevant stakeholders. On the other hand, management program is more operational and is applied in situations where rapid solutions or small scale management with limited or no involvement of other stakeholders is required. Both nature management plan and management program are mandatory only for the implementing agencies acting under the supervision of Ministry of Environment: protected area directorate, state forest enterprise, etc. According the law, management plan (planning scheme) as a territorial planning document is obligatory for national and regional parks and strict nature reserves. In case the Natura 2000 area overlaps with national or regional park or strict nature reserve, management of the site is being planned in planning scheme of the national protected area. Preparation of a planning scheme is being done according to the standard procedures of spatial planning. It may set new restrictions on land use, which are also obligatory for land users and managers. According national legislation, forest management plan is mandatory for most of the forestry operations. Forest management plan takes into account protected area requirements and may interate other nature protection conditions. Other management instruments (eg. conservation contracts with land owners or managers) are less frequent applied, play rather supplementary role in Natura 2000 network management planning. Practise of application of these contractual management instruments have to be further strengthened. 18

19 C.3 Relevant government and non-governmental plans Any particular initiatives for the conservation and recovery of individual habitat types or species or groups of them or for strengthening the coherence of the Natura 2000 network should be noted (e.g. a national plan for recovery of peatlands or forests). This may also relate to relevant measures under other plans in fulfilment of other EU legislation (e.g. Nitrates Directive, Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Directive etc.) In 2015, Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan for was adopted. The document sets mid-term nature conservation strategy and measures to be prepared and implemented in the period up to The Plan covers national level protection measures for landscape conservation as well as for national protected areas, for Natura 2000 network and for endangered species conservation. Under the Plan, series of country wide planning documents for conservation of endangered species will be prepared and implemented. In 2011, national project on country-wide inventory of natural habitats of European interest was started. Final results were presented in Inventory involved precise country-wide mapping of natural habitats as well as collection of data on habitat structure, functions and typical species. Among project results were the evaluation of actual conservation status of natural habitats and definition of favourable reference values for each natural habitat type. These results allowed for approval of habitats conservation objectives on national level. In 2016, Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan for was supplemented with information on natural habitats conservation objectives. Publicly available habitat inventory database and other habitat inventory results are serving for improvements in design of Natura 2000 network and its better management, including monitoring, appropriate EIA and SIA decision making and many other environmental processes. In April 2015, National Environmental Protection Strategy was approved by the Lithuanian Parliament. The strategy identifies the long-term target for the area to be taken under nature conservation (national protected areas + sites of Natura 2000 network) in the country 17 % on terrestrial part and 10 % on the marine part of the country. Many NGOs initiatives on implementation of management measures in series of Natura 2000 sites have been conducted or newly launched. In this process support from LIFE+ programme and other EU programmes, as well as from EEA Financial Mechanism is essential. The most relevant initiavives are: Peatland sustainable use strategy is currently under preparation; process is led by group of NGOs and scientific institutions; National study on identification of potential conflicts between wind energy development and biodiversity conservation and recommendations for their management is under preparation; process is driven by various NGOs, scientific institutions in close collaboration with wind energy stakeholders; Development of an integrated management planning tool for grassland habitats; process is led by an NGO with international partners. 19

20 D CURRENT EXPERIENCE WITH USE OF EU FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS D1 European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Fund Provision Level of Use EAFRD 213 Natura 2000 payments 2,638 MEUR ( ) 224 Forest Natura 2000 payments 4,138 MEUR ( ) 214 Agri-environment 330,045 MEUR ( ) 225 Forest-environment measures 1,071 MEUR Other relevant (national/regional) payment schemes for Territory Summary of key Natura 2000 related measures being undertaken under fund: Support of EARDF for management measures is fundamental for agricultural Natura 2000 sites hosting species and habitats which localities require regular non-intensive management as well as in forested Natura 2000 sites. Key lessons learnt and obstacles encountered: Measure 213 Natura 2000 payments. Objective of the measure is to compensate additional costs and income foregone due to the restrictions imposed by implementation of Birds and Habitats directives. The measure was not popular in period due to low level of compensation payments (40 EUR/ha) and obvious competition with 214 Agri-environmental measure. The rule was that the two measures were incompatible on the same field. In 2014, MEUR were payed to 2099 applicants under this measure. Some of support schemes under the measure 214 Agri-environment were of great help for some of Natura 2000 sites management, although its poor composition of available schemes in period and low level of payments discouraged from participation many relevant stakeholders. Payments under measure 224 Forest Natura 2000 payments have helped to develop positive attitude of private forest owners. It was an effective tool to convince private forest owners to agree to necessary conservation measures in forest Natura 2000 sites. The objective of the measure is to compensate private forest owners additional costs or income foregone due to implementation of Birds and Habitats directives. Level of participation in this measure was rather modest mainly because of high requirements for documents to be presented by the applicants also due to lack of awareness of Natura 2000 sites in private forests. The situation could be improved, if requirements for documentation were substantially simplified, new available schemes introduced and level of payments raised.. In 2014, 734 applicants were payed 0,924 MEUR according the scheme. Data source: Deleted: might D.2 European Fisheries Fund (EFF) Fund Provision Level of Use* EFF Axis LT Axis LT Axis LT Axis LT Other (national/regional) payment schemes for Territory Summary of key Natura 2000 related measures being undertaken under fund: 20

21 Key lessons learnt and obstacles encountered: Data source: m-veiksmu-programa/statistika/3082 D.3 Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund Fund Provision Level of Use* ERDF Restoration of Natura 2000 sites, technical projects, ~ 4,9 MEUR Development of management plans for Natura 2000 sites, ~1 MEUR Development of planning documents for establishment of Natura 2000 sites, 0,5 MEUR Other measures 1 *, ~37 MEUR INTERREG MI (Minor use) Cross-border Cooperation MI (Minor use) Operational Programme between Latvia and Lithuania for the period South Baltic Cross-border Cooperation Programme MI (Minor use) European Social Fund (ESF) Staff capacity building, ~0,016 MEUR Summary of key Natura 2000 related measures being undertaken under fund: ERDF: Preparation of management plans, Preparation of documents for establishment of Natura 2000 sites Improvement/restoration of habitats or species Other measures* INTERREG: Infrastructure for public access, Public communication Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme between Latvia and Lithuania for the period : Infrastructure for public access, Equipment acquisition for monitoring, Improvement of ICT use, Public communication, Ecological education, 1 *69 percent of national protected areas in Lithuania are given status of Natura 2000 network. It leads to the assumption that most of the activities in national protected areas related to site management, public awareness rising and establishment or maintenance of the visiting infrastructure, are in favour of the Natura 2000 network. 21

22 Scientific studies South Baltic Cross-border Co-operation Programme Public communication, Ecological education Infrastructure for public access. More detailed explanation on INTERREG projects is provided in Annex IV of this document. ESF: Staff capacity building. Key lessons learnt and obstacles encountered: Support from EU structural funds (ERDF) was used for preparation of documents for establishment of Natura 2000 sites, restoration of natural habitats and habitats of species of EU interest and preparation of nature management plans for Natura 2000 sites, as well as for other measures. Support from European Social Fund was mainly used for training of experts directly responsible for management and protection of Natura 2000 sites. Some of the protected areas directorates participated in the INTERREG, South Baltic Crossborder Cooperation Programme and in Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme between Latvia and Lithuania for the period The amount of money spent for maintenance of Natura 2000 sites was insignificant if compared to total expenditures for Lithuanian Natura 2000 network. Projects financed by INTERREG: Nature Centres and Environmental Interpretation in the Baltic Sea Region ; Bird rich wetlands of international importance, nature reserves and cultural landscapes as resources for sustainable developments in rural areas ; Projects financed by Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme between Latvia and Lithuania for the period : Lakes for Future - Cross border cooperation for sustainable management of lake areas in Kurzeme and Lithuania ; GrandeRio - Joint management measures for waters in the Lielupe river basin region ; Protected areas Development of management tools for reduction of human impact in specially protected nature areas ; ICT for better accessibility in sustainable border regions. Projects financed by South Baltic Cross-border Co-operation Programme : Parks&Benefits Generating socio-economic effects by a sustainable management of protected areas for the benefit of their regions ; LIFEscape - Implementing European Landscape Convention in the South Baltic Region. Where estimates are available they should be provided. Otherwise indicate as VS Very significant; MU Moderate Use; MI Minor use; NU No use Data source: D.4 LIFE+ Fund Provision Level of Use* LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity Total budget: Summary of key Natura 2000 related measures being undertaken under fund: Restoration, management and maintenance of EU importance habitats; Restoration of protected species habitats; 22

23 Conservation of protected bird species; Inventory of marine species and habitats; Key lessons learnt and obstacles encountered: Lithuanian LIFE projects significantly improved conditions of the sites targeted. They are especially valuable tool for restoration of hydrological conditions in Lithuanian wetlands. The major obstacles for Lithuanian environmental NGOs are finding of co-financing sources in order to be able to submit a LIFE project as well as the capacities of coordinating beneficiaries to manage projects. The lack of experienced project managers in some small NGOs prevents them from submitting projects which otherwise would be important for improving conditions for NATURA 2000 species and habitats. Accumulation of circulating means to finish project s activities in the period before submitting a LIFE project final report is also an important problem. Data source: D= &CFTOKEN=ca726a81382ddfa1-1F45318A-F37C-3D36- FF4F5889F498ADF1&jsessionid= d5cec D.5 Other key funding sources Fund Level of Use* 7th Framework Programme for Research (FP7) 0,188 MEUR Public/Private Partnership financing schemes NU Use of innovative financing NU Other (specify) 1. The EEA Grants and Norway Grants 1. 6,8 MEUR 2. Framework programmes for research (other than 2. 1,32 MEUR FP7): 2.1. Horizon 2020 ( ); 2.2. FP6-Mobility (human resources and mobility) ( ); 2.3. FP6-Policies (coherent development of research and innovation policies) ( ); 2.4. FP6-SUSTDEV (sustainable development, global change and ecosystems) ( ); 2.5. FP5-EESD (energy, environment and sustainable development) ( ). Summary of key Natura 2000 related measures undertaken under fund: There were 3 projects implemented under 7th Framework Programme for Research (FP7) in which Lithuanian institutions have acted as participants. The projects were aimed at: promoting a strategy for biodiversity research, in partnership with other players in the field; providing the scientific and policy research needed to guide scale-dependent management actions securing the conservation of biodiversity; development of innovative tools for understanding marine biodiversity (ends in October, 2016). Currently there are 13 ongoing projects financed under the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, which are designed for implementation of the measures related to Natura 2000: preparation and restoration plans for wetland complexes, practical restoration of 23

24 wetland and other open habitats; development of mechanisms to maintain a good status of wetlands by involving local communities; consolidation of historical data on localities of protected species into national information system; identification territories with sensitive biodiversity and potential conflicts with development of wind energy, elaboration of models and recommendations for conflict management; mapping and evaluation of the state of main ecosystem services on national level; capacity building in species monitoring, including conservation status assessment; elaboration of management recommendations for Natura 2000 sites; development of educational programs for nature schools in protected areas. There were 13 projects financed under Framework programmes for research, other than FP7, in which Lithuanian institutions acted as participants: 2.1. Horizon projects are ongoing (will end in June, 2019, and in February, 2020), aimed at: strengthening the European research area on biodiversity and ecosystem services; creating a unified framework for ecosystem studies and management of protected areas. 2.2.FP6-Mobility - 1 project, aimed at: enhancement of health and sustainability of coastal forests and dune vegetation of Lithuania FP6-Policies 1 project, aimed at: providing of EU-wide monitoring methods and systems of surveillance for species and habitats of Community interests FP6-SUSTDEV 2 projects, aimed at: creation of the network of marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning by forming a dedicated group of marine scientists and institutes and creating a virtual European institute with a long-term research programme and dedicated links with industry and the public at large; supporting the European platform for biodiversity research strategy to develop and continually revise the EU Biodiversity Research Strategy FP5-EESD 6 projects, aimed at: implementation and networking of large-scale long-term marine biodiversity research in Europe; construction a research programme designed to provide detailed information and critical analysis as a basis for informed decision-making by managers of wetland environments; creating the European platform for biodiversity research; implementing the "ecosystem approach" to resolving conflicts between economic development and biodiversity values in forestry, grasslands, uplands, in-land waters and agricultural landscapes; creating the European network for biodiversity information as an open network of biodiversity information centres, promoting access to a European-wide pool of primary biodiversity data and expertise at a European scale; creation of a biodiversity collection access service for Europe to offer a concerted access to the immense science knowledge base embodied by European biological 24

25 collections; assessment of biological effects of environmental pollution in marine ecosystems. Key lessons learnt and obstacles encountered: Use of funds like the EEA Grants and Norway Grants or Framework Programmes for Research in the area of management of Natura 2000 is crucial - Lithuania is a small country and is not able to allocate sufficient funds for the implementation of the requirements of Birds and Habitats Directives. However up until now use of external funds was fragmentary and sometimes with minor result. This shows that a stronger programmatic and strategic approach at the national level is needed for better and more purposeful use of funding possibilities. Where estimates are available they should be provided. Otherwise indicate as VS Very significant; MU Moderate Use; MI Minor use; NU No use E Current estimate of financial needs for management of Natura 2000 for the territory Following estimation is largely based on 2008 questionnaire on Natura 2000 costs. This estimation was updated with some actual information on recent expenditures. Purpose Type of activity Financial need, MEUR Baseline survey of species, evaluation and finalization of Natura 2000 network Institutional capacity building Management planning. Monitoring conservation status and administration running costs Public awareness Natura 2000 network management Gathering of the scientific data for closing the knowledge gaps on species and habitats of Community interest, establishment of new Natura 2000 sites Other thematic surveys in Natura 2000 network Methodology development, trainings for staff of institutions responsible of the Natura 2000 management, equipment Development of methodological guidance on management planning. Preparation of nature management plans and their review. Monitoring and administration running costs Preparation of management guidelines for 50 pilot areas on maintenance of favourable conservation status Development of complex measures for ecological education Installation of infrastructure for visitors Restoration of natural habitats and species habitats Maintenance of species and habitats conservation status ~9.0 One-off ~2.0 One-off ~2.0 One-off Type of cost. Comments ~1.8 Recurrent. Annual costs ~1,2 Recurrent. Annual costs ~0,2 One-off. Actually spent ~1.8 One-off ~1,2 One-off ~7.2 One-off ~21,0 Recurrent. Annual costs 25

26 Maintenance of infrastructure ~1,0 Recurrent. Annual costs for visitors Equipment for site management ~2,3 One-off Total: Investments ~25,7 National protected areas are to Annual recurrent ~25,0 large extent (approx. 70 % of the area) designated as sites of Natura 2000 network. This makes it difficult to separate expenditures for national protected areas from those for Natura 2000 management. F STRATEGIC CONSERVATION PRIORITIES FOR NATURA 2000 FOR THE TERRITORY FOR PERIOD F.1 Summary of priorities for period (and expected outcomes), for priority habitat types and species having regard to the to the need for to measurable progress on the nature sub-target under EU 2020 biodiversity strategy and for ensuring good functioning of Natura 2000 network (SACs + SPAs) Priority habitat types: 1150 Coastal lagoons 2130 Fixed coastal grey dunes with herbaceous vegetation 2140 Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum 6120 Xeric sand calcareous grasslands 6230 Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates 6270 Fennoscandian lowland species-rich dry to mesic grassl Fennoscandian wooded meadows 7110 Active raised bogs 7210 Calc. fens with Cladium mariscus & Caricion davallianae 7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) 9010 Western Taiga 9020 Fennoscandian old braod-leaved deciduous forests 9080 Fennoscandian deciduous swamp woods 9180 Tilio-Acerion forest of slopes, screes and ravines 91D0 Bog woodland 91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa & F. excelsior Priority species under the Habitats directive: Osmoderma eremita Priority bird species under the Birds directive 2 : 1. Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus). Very rare vagrant in Lithuania, none of priority conservation measures are foreseen. 2 Ornis Committee has adopted a list of bird species listed in Annex I of the Directive which are considered as priority for funding under the LIFE programme. This list includes all globally threatened species that regularly occur in the European Union ( Here are listed only these species which are registered (breeding, migratory, vagrant) in Lithuania. 26

27 2. Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga). Very rare breeder in Lithuania. Priority conservation measures are the same as for Lesser Spotted Eagle (listed below). 3. Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). Population in Lithuania is stable. Priority conservation measures listed under the relevant habitat types below and in the table G3. 4. Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca). Population in Lithuania is decreasing. Priority conservation measures listed under the relevant habitat types below and in the table G3. 5. Bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Population in Lithuania is increasing. Priority conservation measures are listed under the relevant habitat types below and in the table G3. 6. Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis). Very rare vagrant in Lithuania, none of priority conservation measures are foreseen. 7. Roller (Coracias garrulus). Population in Lithuania is decreasing. Priority conservation measures are listed under the relevant habitat types below and in the table G3. 8. Corncrace (Crex crex). Population in Lithuania is stable. Priority conservation measures are listed under the relevant habitat types below and in the table G3. 9. Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Rare vagrant in Lithuania, none of priority conservation measures are foreseen. 10. Steller s Eider (Polysticta stelleri). Population in Lithuania is decreasing. Priority conservation measures are listed under the relevant habitat types below and in the table G3. *************************************************************************** 1150 Coastal lagoons CS: FV Species (HD): Fish: Alosa fallax, Salmo salar, Lampetra fluviatilis, Pelecus cultratus, Aspius aspius, Cobitis taenia Target bird species (featuring designation of SPAs): Larus minutus, Mergus merganser, Mergus albellus, Anas acuta, Cygnus bewickii, Haliaeetus albicilla. Other bird species (Annex I and national importance): Ixobrychus minutus, Ardea cinerea, Anser albifrons, Anas platyrhynchos, Cygnus olor, Cygnus cygnus, Aythya ferina, Aythya fuligula, Bucephala clangula, Anas crecca, Anas penelope, Anas clypeata, Sterna hirundo, Chlidonias niger. To improve the conservation status of the habitat and conditions for related breeding, migratory and wintering bird species. Recommended actions: * to improve in water quality of the lagoon and its tributaries; * to regulate the gill-nets fisheries in the most important waterfowl staging areas; * to prohibit the boating in April May and September November in the most important waterfowl staging areas; * to monitor the hydrological conditions of the area; * to prohibit any constructions on the lagoon. Habitat status and necessary measures are established; The conservation status of staging Larus minutus is improved; The favourable conservation status of staging and wintering Haliaetus albicilla is maintained; The conservation status of breeding Ixobrychus minutus is improved; The conditions for wintering and staging aggregations of migratory birds are secured; 27

28 Substantial risks for maintenance at favourable conservation status of Alosa fallax, Salmo salar, Pelecus cultratus, Aspius aspius populations are minimized (e. g. commercial fishing in shared waterbody Curonian Lagoon). *************************************************************************** 2130 Fixed coastal grey dunes with herbaceous vegetation CS: U1 Birds (BD): Lullula arborea, Anthus campestris To maintain the conservation status nationally, improve the status in several sites and improve conservation status of related bird species. Recommended actions: * don t allow the afforestation of the dunes; * to cut the woody vegetation in the dunes; * to control the access of the tourists; * to promote the regulation of the predators population * to eradicate invasive alien species The conservation status of breeding Lullula arborea, Anthus campestris is improved. The status of the habitat is maintained. *************************************************************************** 2140 Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum CS: U2 Species (HD): Linaria loeselii Birds (BD): Lullula arborea, Anthus campestris To improve conservation status of habitat related bird species. Recommended actions: * to eradicate invasive alien species. * to cut the woody vegetation in the dunes; * to control the access of the tourists; * to promote the regulation of the predators population. To improve status of habitat from U2 to U1; The conservation status of breeding Lullula arborea, Anthus campestris is improved. *************************************************************************** 6120 Xeric sand calcareous grasslands CS: U2 Species (HD): Lycaena dispar, Birds (BD): Anthus campestris, Lullula arborea To maintain the status nationally and improve the status in several sites locally (the status will be at least U1). To improve conservation status of Anthus campestris and Lullula arborea. Recommended actions: 28

29 * don t allow the afforestation of the meadows; * to cut the woody vegetation in the meadows area; * to promote the regulation of the predators population. The currently managed area is maintained, additional areas are restored. The conservation status of breeding Anthus campestris and Lullula arborea is improved. *************************************************************************** 6230 Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates CS: U2 Species (HD): Birds (BD): Crex crex, Ciconia ciconia To maintain the status nationally and improve the status in several sites locally (the status will be at least U1). Recommended actions: * promote extensive grazing; * don t allow the afforestation of the meadows; * to cut the woody vegetation in the meadows area; * to promote the regulation of the predators population. The currently managed area is maintained, additional areas are restored. *************************************************************************** 6270 Fennoscandian lowland species-rich dry to mesic grassl. CS: U1 Species (HD): Birds (BD): Crex crex, Ciconia ciconia To maintain the status nationally and improve the status in several sites locally (the status will be at least U1). The currently managed area is maintained, the additional areas are restored. *************************************************************************** 6530 Fennoscandian wooded meadows CS: U2 Species (HD): Lycaena dispar Birds (BD): Crex crex, Emberiza hortulana, Lanius collurio, Sylvia nisoria. To maintain the status nationally and improve the status in several sites locally (the status will be at least U1). To improve conservation status of related bird species. Recommended actions: * don t allow the afforestation of the meadows; * don t allow drainage of the meadows; * to promote mowing or grazing. 29