Project Title: Evaluation and Maintenance of Trees and Parks for Biodiversity
Project Number: LL-00355
Project Acronym: Protect Trees4Nature
Programme Name: Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027
Allocated programme funding for the Project: EUR 933,622.89
Total Project budget: EUR 1,167,028.62
Kurzeme Planning Region budget: EUR 130,815.00, including EUR 104,652.00 ERDF co-financing
Summary of project objectives, planned activities and expected results:
In Northern Lithuania and Latvia’s Kurzeme and Zemgale regions, old and protected trees, alleys and parks provide important ecological functions and support biodiversity. However, they are increasingly threatened by ageing, climate change, soil degradation and human activity. At the same time, data on their condition remains limited, while public awareness of their ecological and cultural-historical value is insufficient.
The project aims to improve the protection, management and vitality of old and protected trees, two alleys and nine parks in Lithuania and Latvia by developing and applying data- and science-based conservation solutions. Activities will include tree condition assessments, soil and biodiversity research, development of management plans and recommendations, restoration and maintenance measures, as well as the creation of a GIS database of tree alleys in Zemgale Planning Region.
In Kurzeme Planning Region, park development and management plans will be prepared for Durbe Park in Tukums and the Baltic Teachers’ Seminary Park in Kuldīga. Tree and avenue maintenance measures will also be implemented to improve the condition and long-term sustainability of valuable green infrastructure.
The project will develop and pilot improved methods for tree condition assessment and monitoring, including research on soil conditions, tree root systems and biodiversity. One of the project tasks is to harmonise tree assessment methodologies and practices between Lithuania and Latvia, thereby strengthening institutional capacity for the long-term conservation and sustainable management of trees, parks and other green infrastructure.
Municipalities, environmental institutions and sector professionals will be involved through workshops, training sessions and study visits. Local communities will be engaged through Park Days, guided tours and educational materials. Public awareness activities will promote a better understanding of the ecological and cultural-historical value of veteran trees and the importance of their appropriate management.
Cross-border cooperation will enable the exchange of expertise, joint development and testing of assessment methods, harmonisation of approaches and transfer of good practices between Latvia and Lithuania. Through improved data, practical conservation measures, capacity building and public involvement, the project will contribute to biodiversity protection and more sustainable management of valuable trees and green areas.
Project implementation period: 01.07.2026 – 30.06.2028
Project Partners
- Lead Partner: Directorate of Aukštaitija Protected Areas (Lithuania)
- Kurzeme Planning Region (Latvia)
- Zemgale Planning Region (Latvia)
- Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)
- Kuldīga County Municipality (Latvia)
- Tukums County Municipality (Latvia)
- Jelgava County Municipality (Latvia)
- Klaipėda District Municipality (Lithuania)
- Directorate of Žemaitija Protected Areas (Lithuania)
Information prepared by:
Ligita Kokaine
Project Manager
E-mail: ligita.kokaine@kurzemesregions.lv
Phone: +371 26586604
This publication has been prepared within the framework of the project “Evaluation and Maintenance of Trees and Parks for Biodiversity” (project acronym: “Protect Trees4Nature”, project No. LL-00355), co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027.
Kurzeme Planning Region is solely responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. More information about the Programme: www.latlit.eu
