Latvia

Latvia is a small country, but it contains a number of species and ecosystems rare in other European nations. Its coastal landscapes are some of Europe's greatest natural assets with almost 500 km coastline, about half of which is unspoilt by the creeping tide of tourism. Forests occupy more than 40% of Latvia's territory. Extensive wetlands cover more than 10 per cent of the land area and reed-fringed lakes, floodplains, swamp forets and unregulated rivers are home to rare plants and animals whose survival is threatened elsewhere in Europe.

WWF has focused its work so far on the conservation of forests and coasts, and on education, capacity building, and public awareness. Of special importance is the work on forests. It includes demonstrating practical solutions to sustainable forestry, lobbying for changes of policy, legislation and state administration, education & capacity building, working with the emerging private sector (industry, private land owners), and promotion of Forest Stewardship Council standards. In terms of conservation of coastal areas, the work has focused on a coastal lagoon - Lake Pape - in soutwestern Latvia. Besides promoting sound and sustainable rural development, the area will also serve as a pilot for the restoration of a wide range ecosystems by reintroducing European bisons, Heck oxen and Konik horses - the two latter species as substitutes for the extinct Aurox and Tarpan (Europe's wild horse). If successful, the area will be the first in Central Europe for more than 300 years with a complete fauna of large herbivores and carnivores. This alone, can provide new and interesting opportunities for tourism and research - to the benefit of the local society.

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Contact
WWF Project Office
Kr. Barona str. 64-8
LV - 1011 RIGA, Latvia



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