On 17th June, the final partners’ meeting of the international project “Water Body Restoration Through Cross-Border Cooperation” (“All about ponds”, No. LL-00049) took place in Kuldīga, Latvia. The lead partner of the project was the Administration of Šilutė District Municipality. Representatives of Šilutė District Municipality and Kuldīga Municipality attended the meeting to review the project’s achievements, discuss the activities carried out, and explore future opportunities for cooperation.
The project was implemented under the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. Its main objective was to improve the ecological condition of urban water bodies, enhance biodiversity, and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for local communities in Šilutė and Kuldīga. Throughout the project, water body restoration works were carried out, ecological studies were conducted, a water body monitoring system was introduced, and experience-exchange events and international meetings were organized.
During the final meeting, the partners expressed their satisfaction with the successful implementation of the project and the results achieved. In Šilutė, the ponds of H. Šojus Park were restored, their ecological condition was improved, and monitoring results confirmed positive environmental changes. In Kuldīga, significant restoration and ecological improvement measures were also implemented at Māra Pond. The project activities not only contributed to improving the condition of the water bodies but also established a foundation for their long-term monitoring and maintenance.
Participants emphasized that the project’s success was driven by close international cooperation, continuous exchange of experience, and a shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges. The partners highlighted that, in addition to productive professional cooperation, the project fostered sincere and lasting friendships, which are expected to continue through future joint initiatives.
The long-term cooperation agreement signed during the project further strengthened the partnership between the municipalities of Šilutė and Kuldīga and opened new opportunities for continued collaboration in the fields of environmental protection, sustainability, and community well-being. This project serves as an excellent example of how cross-border cooperation can create meaningful, long-lasting environmental improvements and contribute to building a greener future for both countries.
This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of Šilutė District Municipality and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
