To promote the preservation of tree alleys and the protection of biodiversity, the Kurzeme Planning Region, in cooperation with partners from Latvia and Lithuania, has launched the project “Preserving Tree Alleys for Biodiversity in Kurzeme and North Lithuania” (Green Guardians).
The project’s main objective is to improve the protection, maintenance, and restoration of tree alleys, create data base in Kurzeme and North Lithuania, and strengthen the capacity of local governments and public awareness of alleys as a vital component of both landscape and biodiversity.
Ambitious Activities in Data Collection and Public Engagement
As part of the project, a tree alley database will be developed in the ArcGIS environment, and a participatory GIS (PGIS) public engagement survey will be conducted, enabling residents to contribute to the mapping and evaluation of tree alleys.
Kurzeme and North Lithuania, united by a shared natural and cultural heritage, face similar challenges—urbanization, insufficient alley’s management, and low public awareness of the alleys role in providing ecosystem services. Tree alleys not only enrich the landscape but also purify the air, regulate microclimates, provide habitats for various species and other ecosystem services. Therefore, their preservation is crucial for both environmental and societal well-being.
Main Activities and Expected Results
The project will:
- create GIS databases on tree alleys in Kurzeme and North Lithuania to collect information, and support planning and decision-making,
- evaluate and maintain 12 historic alleys in both countries,
- develop an innovative “pop-up” alley in Kuldīga as a greening solution in urban areas to improve microclimate,
- organize seminars and lectures for municipalities and owners of alleys to strengthen their knowledge in alley management and preservation,
- promote public participation in recognition and preservation of alleys by organizing educational events.
The project is implemented by the Kurzeme Planning Region (Latvia) and involves the Kuldīga County Municipality (Latvia), Tukums County Municipality (Latvia), Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology in Agriculture academy (Lithuania), NGO “Valley of Innovators” (Lithuania), Kretinga District Municipality Administration (Lithuania), and the Directorate of Aukštaitija Protected Areas (Lithuania). The project will run until 31/01/2027.
First Project Partner Meeting
On June 11–12, the first partner meeting of the Green Guardians project took place in Kuldīga. Over two days, partner’s representatives from Latvia and Lithuania jointly tested the developed participatory GIS survey on alleys, evaluated what has been done so far, shared experiences and planned a public engagement campaign to be implemented this fall.
