CONTENTS

CONTENTS. 2

1. INTRODUCTION.. 3

1.1. Background to the project 3

1.2. Main conservation threats at Teici Area. 3

1.3. Objectives of the project 3

1.4. Expected results of project 4

2. THE SUMMARY.. 4

2.1. Summary of activities during report period. 4

2.2. Summary of overall progress. 7

2.3. Progress on deliverable products. 7

2.4. Progress on project milestones. 8

3 DETAILED REPORT OF ACTIVITIES. 9

3.1. Action A1 Inventory of species. 9

3.2. Action A2 Elaboration of action plans. 10

3.3. Action B1 Land purchase. 11

3.4. Action C1 Restoration of natural bog hydrology. 23

3.5. Action D1 Maintaining the natural and semi - natural grasslands. 24

3.6. Action E Building of public awareness and dissemination of project results. 31

3.7. Action F Overall project management 39

3.8. Experience gained which may be of interest to others. 43

3.9. Effects on conservation of species&habitat types targeted by the project. 43

3.10. Socio-economic context of the project 43

4.    APPENDIXES. 45

4.1. Appendix A2 - Example of individual agro-environmental plan for grassland “Saliņas”

4.2. Appendix A2-1 – Cover of Action Plan „Management of meadows in Teici area"

4.3. Appendix B1-1 “Land properties bordering with Krustkalni Nature Reserve proposed for purchase under action B1”

4.4. Appendix B1-2 “Land properties bordering with Teici Nature Reserve proposed for purchase under action B1”

4.5. Appendix C1 - location of dams on the map of Teici Nature Reserve.

4.6. Appendix D1-1 grasslands of Krustkalni Nature Reserve managed under action D1

4.7. Appendix D1-2 grasslands of Teici Nature Reserve managed under action D1

4.8. Appendix D1-3 grasslands of Aiviekste floodplain meadows managed under action D1

4.9. Appendix E1 -1 Distribution maps of breeding birds for edition “Birds of Teici – the Ramsar site and Important Bird Area”

4.10. Appendix E1-2 English editions of Leaflets "Bird species of Nature Reserves" – black & white, format; A4. Separate editions for Teici and Krustkalni nature reserves.

4.11. Appendix E-2 Press releases about project.

Appendixes attached to financial report

4.12. Appendix F-1 Form LIFE-Nature 2000-32; Details on sources of direct financing. Statement of co financing granted from Sveaskog Baltfor Ltd.

4.13. Appendix F-2 Form LIFE-Nature 2000-30; Proposed Modifications on “Information on durable goods to be purchased”

4.14. Appendix F-3 Details of independent financial auditor

4.15. Appendix F-4 Proof of non – recoverable VAT

4.16. Appendix F-5 Proposed modifications of project budget

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background to the project

Project area:

Teici Nature Reserve (TNR) conserving the largest unchanged raised bog in Latvia and the Baltic States. TNR is a huge complex of wet ecosystems (bogs, forests and meadows) with a high diversity of flora and fauna, particularly important for birds, both breeding and migratory. It hosts 53 bird species, 5 mammal species, 59 plant species and 26 insect species from the Red List of Latvia. Moreover, 52 bird species belong to the group of endangered species in Europe (SPEC 1-3). Teici bog and surroundings is important area for migratory geese (up to 4000 Anser fabalis/4000 Anser albifrons) and Grus grus (up to 1200). 

            Various types of forests (93 %) cover the largest part of Krustkalni Nature Reserve (KNR) but it includes also 2 rivers, 8 lakes, small fens and meadows. Forested area is located on steep slopes of hillocks with fens, bogs and waters located between the slopes. Most important for this area is diversity of plants (774 vascular plant species, protected from them - 14) and variety of geomorphologic relief forms. 131 bird species are found in the reserve, 25 of them endangered in Europe (SPEC 1-3). There are 15 nationally protected insect species.

            External protection zone of KNR includes a part of Aiviekste floodplain meadows (15 % from IBA 051) and generally consists of agriculture landscape with small mixed forest patches. This is region of semi-natural floodplain complex along river Aiviekste, covering natural meadows and pastures (50 % in total), bush lands and small forests (20 % in total) and other types of habitats. Main importance of this area is complex of natural meadows and a high density of bird species of global conservation concern - Crex crex

1.2. Main conservation threats at Teici Area

1. Loss of habitats due to inappropriate/ missing management 

2. Loss of habitats due to insufficient protection

3. Violation of nature conservation regulations of Teici and Krustkalni Nature Reserves.

4. Lack of environmental knowledge and awareness of local society.

1.3. Objectives of the project

Overall objectives

1.      Conservation and restoration of bog, meadow and forest habitats of Teici Area.

2.      Increase the territory and ecological integrity of Teici and Krustkalni Nature Reserves, acquiring surrounding wetlands and forest ecosystems.

3.      Obtaining the necessary information for planning and management of Teici Area

Specific objectives

The specific objective is to implement a numerous measures in Teici Area to:

1.      protect, through purchase or agreement, western taiga, bog woodland, active raised bog and semi natural grassland habitats (300 ha in total), hydroecologically connected with the same habitats protected in Nature Reserves,

2.      enhance the hydrology of marginal parts of Teici bog (active raised bog and raised bog still keepable for regeneration),

3.      restore floodplains meadows and other grasslands at numerous sites,

4.      Rise environmental awareness of local society by growing publicity (6 issues in total) on biodiversity conservation, and involvement of local stakeholders in implementation of nature conservation measures for Teici Area

1.4. Expected results of project

·        At least 300 ha of valuable forest and wetlands will be purchased and saved for nature conservation,

·        1359 ha meadows saved from overgrowing and disappearing,

·        42 dams constructed on a marginal parts of Teici bog, diminishing of active raised bog habitat prevented,

·        6 specialized information materials published and disseminated,

·        Film will be shoot about Nature Reserves and LIFE project,

·        The basic infrastructure for visitors of Teici Area will be developed.

·        Local support ensured for future management of Teici Area and positive attitude to nature conservation reached in society of project area.

2. THE SUMMARY

This is a midterm activity report with an payment request on the project “Measures to ensure the nature conservation management of Teici Area” and action by action describes the progress of project during the 15 months of second reporting period – from the June 2002, to the end of September 2003. To keep the readers of this document informed on overall progress, the results from the first 8 months reported previously, are shortly summarized in each chapter also.

2.1. Summary of activities during report period

Action A1 Inventory

This action provides necessary information on nature values for whole project, especially for actions A2, B1, D1, and also E1. Field expeditions were started at the very beginning of April 2002 and completed on 30.09.2003 according project time planning. Results:

• The list of protected species & habitats according EU directives and national regulations are developed.
• The necessary maps and aerial photographs acquired and collected.
• Evaluation of existing information on biodiversity of project area was made.
• Data for meadows management planning provided - meadows management Action Plan based on inventory data created,
• Priority list for land purchase updated according actual inventory data,
• Information for the book “Teici – Ramsar site and Important Bird Area” provided

Action A2 Planning

Action plan „Management of meadows in Teici area" consisting from individual agro-environmental plans prepared for management of separate grassland and description of management techniques used under this project, is successfully accomplished. Individual agro-environmental plans are prepared for 85 grassland properties cowering 578 ha in total.

Action B. Purchase of land

This is one of the main actions of this project and has very good progress – overall project target is reached 20 months before official end of project.  21 land property units with total area 326, 89 h (At least 300 h is project target) including valuable forests, bogs and grasslands are purchased under this LIFE project to current data. 13 of them are registered in State Land register as state properties in the person of Ministry of Environment. In all sale contracts, a guarantee of definitive assignment of purchased land to nature conservation is included.

Action C. Restoration of natural bog hydrology

During first 2 years of project time, 25 dams were build, 6 dams were restored from those which has been build before project start data. 42 dams is overall project target. Action is on the good way, have strong scientific basis and provide information and innovation for other protected areas and LIFE projects in Latvia and abroad. Our approach on this issue is published and widely used among nature conservation managing bodies.

Action D. Maintaining of natural and semi natural grasslands and meadows

Due to decreasing intensity of agriculture in last 10 years, about 20% of open grasslands in Teici Area are overgrowing and habitat might be lost in next 20 years. Moving is most traditional and sustainable way of keeping grassland vegetation in current stage of diversity and suitable for birds and plants. Results from inventory and successful planning gave another scope and efficiency to this action.

           According summary numbers in main table (D-1) showing progress on this action, on 425 hectares from 767 h estimated total for whole project, the meadows moving measures are carried out and 48 hectares of bushes from 98 h estimated are lodged to regenerate natural grassland biotopes according individual action plans due report data.

As far as progress is well over the 50% now, this midterm report shows the main results of action – also all the variations and necessary changes are explained there.

Tractor and moving machine would be necessary to successfully complete this action in next season – please, see detailed report.

Action E. Public awareness and dissemination of results

All actions are in progress. Actions mentioned under “Milestones” and “Deliverable products” in report period are accomplished. Project introduction seminar has been organized. Project booklet published. Shooting of film is completed. Leaflets on bird species in Teici and Krustkalni Nature Reserves are published and delivered with this report. Web page ready and accessible thought www.teici.gov.lv. All planned materials for workshop program created, tested and has got positive feedback from school children’s and teachers - CD version will be ready next spring. Development of infrastructure for visitors is practically accomplished according initial planning - 1,92 km new boardwalk is created (1,8 km is project target). New information desks, materials, and one platform will be built next season. Book “Teici – Ramsar site and Important Bird Area” is on good way – all inventory data collected, databases filled, maps drawn and photos acquired.

The information about project prepared and published in numerous local and 2 national newspapers, On regional and national TV information about Teici project are broadcasted.

CD presentation is created in Latvian and English to fulfill demand for project information from ministry of Environment, Municipalities, NGO`s and nature conservation experts. Project experience is published in two environmental management handbooks used mainly for management planning in protected areas – NATURA 2000 sites.

Action F. Overall project management

Teici Area LIFE project have the following organization:

Project manager, Project group consisting from technical director, accountant, 3 action managers and necessary experts. Results of work is negotiated, timesheets evaluated, resources and tasks divided during monthly meetings of project group and other staff involved in project implementation. Meetings of experts evaluating the land properties proposed for purchase meets upon necessity, and those meetings are not regular.

Council of Teici Nature Reserve meets annually.

Two public tenders completed - to shoot the film and to purchase cars for whole project

Next year we will organize tenders to purchase computer and to ensure land survey for purchased land units claimed from larger properties.

Project auditor is agreed already in this stage of project and 2 audit sessions passed. The LIFE financial database is downloaded from LIFE homepage and introduced for project accounting.

We would like to ask for Commissions approval to:

·        increase the budget line “Overheads” to the 7% from whole project budget, and decrease the budget line “Purchase of land” accordingly (see chapter 3.2. for details).

·        accept the new co-financier for visitors infrastructure - action E3 (see chapter 3.7. for details).

·        accept purchase of tractor and moving machine necessary for action D1 (see chapter 3.4. and 3.7. for details).

2.2. Summary of overall progress

* Deadline changed according Commission’s letter from 19.08.2002

2.3. Progress on deliverable products.

* Deadline changed according Commission’s letter from 19.08.2002

2.4. Progress on project milestones

* Deadline changed according Commission’s letter from 19.08.2002

3 DETAILED REPORT OF ACTIVITIES

3.1. Action A1 Inventory of species

Progress

This is a preparatory action to provide necessary information on nature values and biodiversity for whole project, especially for actions A2, B1, D1, and also E1. Inventory field expeditions were started just after snowmelt at the very beginning of April 2002 and finished on 30.09.2003 according project time planning. The planning stage, action process flowchart, methods, and first results of this action are covered by the first project activity report. 

The following results achieved under action A1:

• The priority list of protected species & habitats according EU directives and national regulations are developed. Attached to previous activity report as Appendix A-1 and A-2 – detailed list of habitats/ species decided for inventory compiled by experts of project team. This material is the part of information material for municipality planners proposed in sub action E1-5
• Data with location of protected species and precious areas of habitats provided for meadows management planning – the new ESRI ArcInfo 8.1 GIS based map and grassland management data base is created for most valuable grasslands of project area. This achievement is more than we planned initially and was crucial to fulfil obligations of action D1, give new scope and efficiency to real management of meadows in project area.
• meadows management action plan based on inventory data created – see copy of cover, Appendix A2-1,
• Final version of Priority list for land purchase updated according actual inventory data is created and included in this report ( chapter 3.3),
• The necessary topographic material are detected and purchased: aerial orthographic photos - scale 1: 10000 from State Land Service, the new (summer 2002) forest inventory maps, various types of land use maps.
• Evaluation of existing information on biodiversity of project area was made - data from State Forest Service about Specially Protected Forest Areas, inventory records from other projects and investigation in Project area.
• Significant progress achieved in this action on the inventory of important bird species, which will result in the book “Teici – Ramsar site and Important Bird Area” foreseen in project action E1 (chapter 3.6.).

Variations/complications/delays

No complications were in this action.

The scope and necessity of results of this action is much bigger than we expected initially.

3.2. Action A2 Elaboration of action plans

Action deadline: 20.12.2003

Action plan „Management of meadows in Teici area" consisting mainly from individual agro-environmental plans prepared for management of separate grassland and description of management techniques used under this project, is successfully accomplished. Individual agro-environmental plans are prepared for 85 grassland properties cowering 578 ha in total.

           This action is toughly connected with action D1, which was one of most efforts-demanding in this project, due to unclear general agricultural policy in whole region and quick economic development of country. Progress on grassland management activities and current results of the action are described in chapter 3.4 Action D, of this report.

           We have to put much more efforts in action plans as expected – the amount of work was underestimated initially. At the end of last year the action was slightly delayed, due to that reason and it causes the necessity to change the previous action manager this spring. New persons and technologies were involved to overcome delay. The new aerial photos, showing most current situation taken at July 2002 was purchased and analyzed together with information gained from inventory action (A1). All grassland habitats were digitized and interpreted using GIS ArcWiew 8.1. The special GIS database was created for all the grassland properties of project area with a corresponding management measures. Significant increase of the planning efficiency was reached and action was completed in time – all Individual agro-environmental plans were ready at 30.06.2003, - some weeks before the visit of LIFE external monitoring team. Moreover, the action plans, and database for grassland management developed during actions, will give a new quality to management plans of Teici and Krustkalni Nature Reserves when will be approved as regular upgrade of those documents after end of this LIFE project.

For each grassland site detected as valuable during inventory action (A1), the following management aspects are described:

• mowing of meadows on right time and proper way,
• bush cutting,
• maintenance of hydrological regime,
• restrictions on meadows burning,
• prohibition of pesticides and artificial fertilisers,
• prohibition of meadows transforming in arable land and forest,

Additional information

 Appendix A2 – example of a new GIS based Individual agro-environmental plan for land property “Saliņas” purchased under this LIFE project. Appendix A2-1 – Copy of cover of „Management of meadows in Teici area"

Action plan: "Preservation of habitats/species under EU conservation concern in Teici area".

Progress

As far as initial project document was corrected during proposal revision stage and actions like D2 and C2 - setting agreements on restrictions in agriculture and forestry, establishment of sites with special protection status and necessary management measures for preservation of habitats and species, was skipped from approved project document, only the following measures are specified in this plan to protect nature values in project area:

• purchase/lease of land for nature conservation (action B1),
• protection of natural bog hydrology (action C1)

All the necessary information is collected for this plan and partly presented (maps in Appendixes C1 and B1) in chapters devoted to background and results of actions C1 and B1 of this report.

           Elaborated action plans "Management of meadows in Teici area" and "Preservation of habitats/species under EU conservation concern in Teici area" will be adopted as supplements to management plans of Teici and Krustkalni Nature Reserves after end of this LIFE project.

Variations/complications/delays

In pr