The Biržai District Municipality Administration (Lithuania) and Aizkraukle Municipality (Latvia) successfully implemented Project No. LL-00045, “Protection of Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure through the Development of Sustainable Management of Recreational Areas in Biržai and Aizkraukle”, Safe and Diverse (hereinafter referred to as the Project).
The aim of the Project was to preserve biodiversity and green areas, promote sustainable management practices in recreational areas, and encourage an environmentally friendly, waste-free lifestyle in Biržai (Lithuania) and Aizkraukle (Latvia).
Protecting Habitats, Restoring Biodiversity
To protect and enhance local species and create more favourable conditions for their habitats, a comprehensive biodiversity inventory of the Aizkraukle recreational area was completed. The resulting recommendations provide guidance for future biodiversity conservation measures and the sustainable management of the area.
A biodiversity inventory was also conducted in the territory of the Biržai Castle Site near Lake Širvėna, and a conservation plan was prepared. Following its recommendations, the castle site moat was cleaned. During the works, the effects of long-term pollution were eliminated from the moat: 0.27 tonnes of tyres and 0.26 tonnes of other waste were removed, low-value shrubs were cut, and macrophytes were milled and/or mown.
New Spaces for Wildlife and People
In Aizkraukle, a new biodiversity trail was created near the Daugava River, providing residents and visitors with an attractive, nature-friendly recreational area while increasing awareness of local ecosystems. To further improve visitor facilities, a drinking water refill station was installed at the end of the trail, encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour and reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. The opening event of the trail attracted local residents and highlighted the importance of preserving natural values and promoting sustainable recreation.
Twenty-one nesting boxes for owls, little eiders, mallards, pintails, grebes, bats and five floating nesting platforms for waterfowl were installed in Biržai Castle Site Park. In addition, unique shelters for amphibians were created by students of the Art Programme at the Biržai Vladas Jakubėnas Art School. These measures not only improved the conditions for the survival of endangered and protected species but also contributed to maintaining the ecological balance of the urban environment.
In Aizkraukle, near the Daugava River, four nesting boxes for the European fat dormouse were installed, supporting biodiversity conservation and providing additional habitats for this protected species.
Two information boards were installed in recreational areas of Aizkraukle, presenting knowledge based on the biodiversity inventory and ensuring long-term access to environmental information for residents and visitors. The information, presented in an attractive and engaging way, will help increase environmental awareness within the community.
The biodiversity of Lake Širvėna and the Biržai Castle Site, together with the rare species inhabiting these areas, will be presented to residents and visitors through five information boards produced during the Project. The boards highlight fascinating facts about amphibians, insect hotels, and wetland ecosystems.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nature Heroes
The Project paid particular attention to children and young people in Biržai and Aizkraukle by organising a variety of engaging educational activities and events aimed at developing a responsible attitude towards nature and the environment. During the Project, each municipality organised a competition for students aged 9–14 to select the best insect hotel design. Based on the winning designs, large insect hotels were subsequently constructed.
More than 80 young people from Aizkraukle and Biržai participated in the environmentally friendly youth camp “Go Green” near Jekabpilis (Latvia) and the “Eco Festival” in Biržai (Lithuania). During these events, participants learned about sustainable lifestyles and local ecosystems through educational activities, interactive games, and practical experiences.
Environmental education activities were organised for children aged 5–7 in four kindergartens in Aizkraukle, while more than 400 children from five kindergartens in Biržai participated in the educational programmes “Live Butterflies Up Close” and “Green Message”. Through interactive lessons, practical planting activities, and discussions on biodiversity, pollution prevention, waste sorting, and responsible behaviour, children were introduced to environmentally friendly habits from an early age.
The first animated films created during the Project, “Nature Heroes 1” and “Nature Heroes 2”, were presented to young audiences. The films follow characters on adventures around Lake Širvėna and the Biržai Castle Site, as well as along the Daugava River in Aizkraukle, teaching children how to behave sustainably and protect and appreciate nature. To further promote the films, the “Nature Hero Challenge” competition was organised for students in Grades 1–4 in Biržai.
From Cooperation to Long-Term Impact
The Project created valuable opportunities for cooperation among local stakeholders and between Biržai District Municipality Administration and Aizkraukle Municipality. At the end of the Project, dissemination events were organised, bringing together representatives of local communities and nature conservation specialists. These activities produced tangible benefits for the management of specific territories and encouraged the involvement of various social groups in biodiversity conservation initiatives. One of the needs identified during these discussions—the restoration of destroyed nesting habitats for kestrels in renovated buildings in Biržai—was immediately addressed by purchasing 14 three-compartment nesting boxes using Project funds.
An experience exchange visit was organised in Aizkraukle and Biržai, bringing together project partners and participants from both countries. During the visits, participants explored the implemented project solutions, visited environmentally friendly local businesses, and discussed sustainable environmental management practices.
The Project results were presented at the Final Project Conference held in Aizkraukle on 14 April 2026. The event brought together partners and stakeholders from Latvia and Lithuania to discuss the Project’s achievements, lessons learned, and future cooperation opportunities. During the conference, a Cooperation Agreement between the Biržai District Municipality Administration and Aizkraukle Municipality was signed, ensuring the continuation of environmentally friendly and biodiversity-supporting cooperation beyond the Project’s lifetime.
The total value of the Project is EUR 367.12 thousand, of which EUR 293.70 thousand is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The Project is financed by the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme.