Implementation of Natura 2000 Network on Regional And National Level in Lithuania

The aim of the project was to realize the establishment of Natura 2000 sites in Lithuania according to a national list of proposed sites. This process was based on scientific criteria and subject to political discussions as well as public stakeholder consultations. The consultations took place as rounds of public hearings in all of the areas where proposed Natura 2000 sites are found, including public announcement, public meetings, recording of inputs from stakeholders and revision of plans after consideration of the responses.

The hearings were followed up by awareness raising activities, such as media work at local and national level, public events, and a subscription service for electronic Natura 2000 news. The project developed a Lithuanian Natura 2000 home page, which includes publicly available maps of proposed sites as well as lists and descriptions of all Natura 2000 species and habitats found within Lithuania. The public awareness raising activities are based on an analysis of relevant stakeholders and potential target groups.

The project was suppported by the Danish Ministry of Environment. It was implemented by NEPCon in collaboration with the Lithuanian Ministry of Environment and several scientific institutions in Lithuania. Project implementation period: 2002-2004.