The implementation of the project “Joint nature-based preservation of climate change/humans-threatened urban LV-LT cross-border wetlands umbrella biodiversity by innovative solutions, reintroduction and joint management”, UrbUmbrella/ No. LL-00232, has been launched within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. The lead partner of the project is the Daugavpils City Government in Latvia, while the cooperation partner in Lithuania is the Zarasai District Municipality. The project has been approved within the framework of the priority green and sustainable development, the specific objective of which is to enhance protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution.
The urban wetlands of Daugavpils (Latvia) and Zarasai (Lithuania) face common environmental challenges due to their connection by a 12-km waterway within the river Daugava catchment. Home to over 400 rare species, these wetlands are threatened by urbanisation, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Every year, 20,000 tourists visit the site, which adds additional pressure on the environment. Given these threats, joint protection and restoration of these wetlands are essential for ensuring their sustainability. Hence the project objective: to promote the protection and preservation of biodiversity affected by climate change and human activities by preserving wetlands using nature-based solutions in the urban wetlands of the cross-border region of Daugavpils (LV) and Zarasai (LT).
The main activities of the project are to preserve wetlands by reducing pollution, emulating natural disturbances and reintroducing key species. As a result of the cooperation between Daugavpils and Zarasai municipalities, a joint sustainable wetland management system will be established, which will contribute to sustainable conservation and biodiversity protection.
The project is financed by the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027:
Total project budget – 749 354.25 EUR
ERDF co-financing 80% – 599 483.40 EUR
Daugavpils City Government project budget – 468 058.00 EUR
Zarasai District Municipality Administration project budget – 281 296.25 EUR
