To preserve the place for corncrake nest

Article of Mr. Edgars Sauka, Jelgava district newspaper “Zemgales Ziņas”

Within the framework of LIFE-Nature project “Restoration of Floodplains”, the Latvian Ornithological Society has developed the management plan for the nature park “Svēte Floodplains” (“Svētes paliene”). In the end of November everybody is welcomed to participate in the public discussion of this plan.

To preserve the place for corncrake nest

Article of Mr. Edgars Sauka, Jelgava district newspaper “Zemgales Ziņas” (“Zemgale News”)

Within the framework of LIFE-Nature project “Restoration of Floodplains”, the Latvian Ornithological Society has developed the management plan for the nature park “Svēte Floodplains” (“Svētes paliene”). In the end of November everybody is welcomed to participate in the public discussion of this plan.

Recently the newspaper “Zemgales Ziņas” informed that the management plan was developed for the Lielupe Floodplain Meadows positioned in the territory of 350 ha in Jelgava. Now such management plan is also devoted to the lower reaches of River Svēte. Mr. Rolands Lebuss, the leader of the development group of the management plan explains that such plan for this especially protected nature site of the European importance (Natura 2000 and IBA) is developed for the first time. Exactly Svēte Floodplains is very significant place for water birds migrating through the country as the place for resting and feeding in spring as well as a nesting ground for corncrakes and snipes. Mr. Lebuss points out that these considerations were regarded when the nature park was established in the year of 2004 and later on included in the number of especially protected nature areas in Europe – “Natura 2000”.

Currently, there are located substantial agriculture lands in the territory of the park where farming has not always coincided with nature conservation. As it turns out, recently restored flood protection construction in the territory of Svēte Floodplains has made it unsuitable for the waterfowl migrating through the country. Last year the meadows were dry, because water did not flow in the territory of summer polder. Consequently, the flyers had to look for puddles and other overflown places. As specialists emphasize, according to this a conflict situation or imbalance is caused between the interests of nature conservation and economic activities. Similarly to the Lielupe Floodplains in Jelgava City, also there will be resources provided for financing meadow restoration. These resources will let the owners to manage their lands and receive compensation as well. It is intended to inform land owners, so they could apply to the Rural Support Service in order to receive those payments due to the program Agroenvironment. Accordingly, the farms or households with biologically valuable grasslands in possession could receive the support if the methods they use in managing of their lands are environment friendly.

On the November 30 at 11:00 all the interested parties are welcomed to Valgunde Parish where in the Education, Culture and Sport centre “Avoti” will be held a public discussion about the management plan “Svēte Floodplains”. From the November 27, the contents of this management  plan will be available at the Valgunde and Līvbērze local authorities.