The cross border Latvian-Byelorussian seminar "Coordination of cross border protected nature territory "Bralsava Lake National Park – protected landscape territory Augšdaugava" formation” was organized in Braslava Lake National Park (Byelorussia) from December 2 until December 4.
Participation of Latvian Delegation was coordinated by "Vides projekti" Ltd. nature protection project director Inese Kukle.

Seminar was organized within the project "Promotion of development cooperation between Latvia and Byelorussia in cross border territory in nature protection field". It was the last cooperation event between Latvia and Byelorussia in this year.

The base of project was seminar’s "Integration of interests of nature protection and Economy in Latvian and Byelorussian cross border area" final agreement about necessity of two cross border specially protected nature territories "Silene-Riči" and "Augšdaugava-Braslavskije ozjora" formation (as optimal solution for cross border nature conservation and protection).

The main aim of the Latvian-Byelorussian seminar "Coordination of cross border protected nature territory "Bralsava Lake National Park – protected landscape territory Augšdaugava" formation" was to discuss about all actualities related to formation of cross border protected nature territories and also to share experience how to plan and organize nature protection events.

Participants from both countries - Latvia and Byelorussia – took a place in the seminar – representatives from state institutions (responsible ministries, institutions responsible for protected nature territories management), regional nature protection institutions, also scientific and educational institutions (University of Daugavpils, Byelorussian Academy of Sciences) and others.

Topics discussed in the seminar:
- Results of previous summer’s research and studies;
- Social and economical situation, potential of tourism and recreation in the cross border territories;
- Management planning in specially protected nature territories, nature protection plans and their implementation, management and competence of liable institutions, financial instruments etc;
- Infrastructure planning and organization in specially protected nature territories – to make unitary style and to inform society and reduce anthropogenic load as well.

There were mentioned that all planned common targets are achieved since previous meeting in Svente (11 June 2008).

Participants of the seminar also discussed about proposal for project realization cooperation in the cross border territory "Augšdaugava – Braslava Lake", which was made by "Vides projekti" Ltd. and about cooperation agreement between ministries of both countries. There were also accepted and signed resolution at the end of the seminar.

Participants had an excursion to the unique nature complex of Braslava Lake within the seminar. One third of Braslava Lake complex is occupied by water. There are also placed famous nature and cultural values.

There were reached agreement for further cooperation in development of cross border specially protected nature territories in the seminar. Concerted agreement between both ministries was done - accept for projects cross border territories concept and also agreement for further activities – development of cooperation plan 2009, preparation of common project application for EK funds and organization of the next meeting in Daugavpils.
All participants decided that it is necessary to protect cross border unique nature complexes and objects apart from common protected nature territories status and it is also important to achieve political support for further actions – to sign official agreement between both ministries.

   

Additional information:
Project director Inese Kukle
Phone: 29119797, 67503544