Šilutė District Municipality Administration (Lithuania) and Liepāja City Municipality (Latvia) have launched the implementation of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 project LL-00329 “Restoring Ecosystems and Water bodies through Action, Treatment, and Ecological Renewal” (Rewater). The project will run from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028.
Urban ponds across Lithuania and Latvia face increasing environmental pressures caused by sediment accumulation, eutrophication, excessive reed growth, biodiversity loss and deteriorating water quality. These challenges reduce the ecological value of freshwater ecosystems and limit the ecosystem services they provide to local communities. Through cross-border cooperation, the Rewater project aims to demonstrate sustainable and replicable solutions for restoring urban water bodies.
The project will improve the ecological condition of two pilot sites: Kalė Pond in Švėkšna, Lithuania, and Zvejnieku aleja’s Pond in Liepāja, Latvia. Restoration measures will include the removal of accumulated sludge, sediments and excessive reeds, followed by the installation of floating biofiltration islands and aeration systems. Continuous environmental monitoring will assess improvements in water quality, nutrient levels, oxygen concentration and biodiversity, providing evidence of the effectiveness of the implemented nature-based solutions.
Beyond physical restoration works, Rewater places strong emphasis on knowledge exchange and capacity building. The partners will organise cross-border experience exchange visits, seminars, educational activities, community engagement events and an international conference to promote sustainable freshwater ecosystem management. The knowledge gained throughout the project will be consolidated into a Joint Pilot Action Guide, providing technical specifications, monitoring results and practical recommendations to support the wider replication of sustainable urban pond restoration measures across the Latvia–Lithuania Programme area.
By the end of the project, both pilot ponds are expected to demonstrate improved ecological status, enhanced biodiversity and better water quality while serving as practical examples of nature-based solutions for urban freshwater restoration. The project will also strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian and Latvian institutions, contributing to the long-term protection and sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems throughout the region.
The project is implemented by Šilutė District Municipality Administration (Lead Partner) and Liepāja City Municipality under the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. The total project budget amounts to EUR 698,998.25, of which EUR 559,198.60 is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
More information about the project is available at: https://latlit.eu/theprojects/rewater/
This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Šilutė District Municipality Administration and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
