Significant work is currently underway near Biržai’s main tourist attraction—Biržai Castle. The cleaning of the castle moat (fossa) is aimed at improving its ecological condition, preserving cultural and natural heritage. These efforts are part of the Safe and diverse project.
Commissioned by the Biržai District Municipality Administration, the work is being carried out by UAB “Smaita”, using a multifunctional amphibious machine. This equipment can operate in sensitive areas, shallow waters, and narrow spaces without causing harm to the environment.
The cleaning involves: clearing 1.3 hectares of macrophyte vegetation, including root removal using a special cutter, manually removing low-value shrubs from 0.4 hectares, composting or delivering collected biomass to specialized waste (bottles, tires, cans, shoes) management facilities, ensuring sustainable practices, removing accumulated wastes from the moat’s depths.
The cleaning process aims to restore ecological balance by preventing the spread of shrubs and macrophytes, protecting biodiversity, and contributing to the environmental sustainability of the Biržai Castle grounds.
A Focus on Ecosystem Protection: Special attention is given to the moat’s plants and animals, which are vital parts of the ecosystem. The work follows recommendations from a biodiversity inventory conducted in the area. The timing is deliberate: with temperatures near zero, animals are hibernating, birds have migrated, and breeding or nesting activities are not occurring. Although the work is ongoing, the results are already promising.
This project serves as an excellent example of collaboration between the municipalities of Biržai and Aizkraukle, showcasing the importance of cross-border initiatives in conserving natural resources.
The cleaning of Biržai Castle’s moat is part of the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Program Project No. LL-00045 “Protection of biodiversity and green infrastructure by development of the sustainable management of areas used for recreation in Birzai and Aizkraukle” / Safe and diverse . The project is implemented by the Biržai District Municipality Administration in partnership with the Aizkraukle Municipality (Latvia).
Project Goal: Strengthened cooperation between Biržai and Aizkraukle in sustainably managing recreational areas, protecting biodiversity, and preserving coastal ecosystems.
