LIFE integrated project "Optimizing the Management of the Natura 2000 Network in Lithuania" (LIFE-IP PAF-NATURALIT)

Duration: 10 years (01.01.2018 - 31.12.2027) 

Mission: LIFE integrated project aims to ensure the full protection of the Natura 2000 network, the most valuable natural areas in the EU. Thus, we will preserve the ancient woods, wetlands, grasslands, other habitats and their naturalness, which has surrounded Lithuanian people from ancient times.

The project is focused on following specific objectives: 

1. Setting specific measurable, attainable, realistic, timely conservation objectives for Natura 2000 network at national and local levels, in line with defined favorable reference values of natural habitats and species of community interests; 
2. Improving efficiency of management, surveillance and analysis processes towards achieving and maintaining favorable conservation status of protected species and habitats; 
3. Assurance of the integration and implementation of the nature conservation measures into other sectors, especially agriculture, forestry and tourism; 
4. Capacity building of the institutions responsible for the implementation of Prioritized action framework (PAF) for the Natura 2000 network management. 

EPMA is the coordinating partner of the project and is responsible for the overall implementation and supervision of the project activities. It also coordinates the implementation of capacity building activities, organizes international visits and participates in good practice sharing events. EPMA organizes thematic events and conferences for the project partners and social partners, as well as public information and publicity of the activities. 

Associated beneficiaries are Ministry of Environment of Republic of Lithuania; State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment; Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania; Aukštaitija National Park and Labanoras Regional Park Administration; Dzūkija National Park and Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve Administration; Žemaitija National Park Administration; Baltic Environmental Forum Lithuania; Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy; State Forest Enterprise, National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Project financing: The total project value – EUR 17.2 million. 60 percent of the funds consist of support from the EU LIFE programme (EUR 10.2 million), the remaining amount is allocated from the budget of the Republic of Lithuania. 

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