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.