Natural grasslands in Latvia are disappearing habitats – today they cover only 0,9% of the country’s territory. For this reason, the Latvian Fund for Nature (LFN) has identified the restoration of natural grasslands as one of its key priorities. To advance this goal, the GrassLIFE2 project was launched this year, expanding LFN’s portfolio of initiatives dedicated to grassland conservation and restoration. Building on the work started under the GrassLIFE project, and in cooperation with researchers and farmers, the long-term sustainability of grassland restoration will be ensured. The objectives of the GrassLIFE2 project are to develop a nature farmers community in Latvia, to advance the production of grassland plant seeds, to expand the operation of mobile grazing units, and, in cooperation with 11 natural grassland owners across Latvia, to restore an additional 1260 hectares of natural grasslands.
LFN Director Vita Anda Tērauda notes: “The disappearance of natural grasslands in Latvia is one of the indicators that biodiversity in our country – as elsewhere in the world – is declining. The value of grasslands cannot be expressed only in the beauty of their flowers or landscapes. They provide essential ecosystem services – they support pollinators, build healthy soils, regulate floods and help control crop pests. Grasslands are a genetic bank of plant diversity, a source of valuable food products, and places that offer us emotional experiences of colour, scent and sound. By implementing the GrassLIFE2 project, we continue on our chosen path – working for the benefit of natural grasslands and thereby preserving and restoring biodiversity in Latvia.”
A key factor in the conservation and restoration of natural grasslands is the motivation of landowners to manage these valuable habitats. Therefore, GrassLIFE2 places greater emphasis on the engagement, education and knowledge exchange of landowners and the wider public. During the project, a grassland managers’ community will be developed and supported by providing practical, field-tested knowledge on grassland restoration and management. Work will also continue on exploring the business potential of grasslands.
Project partners, rural entrepreneurs Gunārs and Artūrs Vīganti, SIA 3DPro. Photo: K. Kalns
The experience gained during the GrassLIFE project has demonstrated growing demand in Latvia for seeds of grassland plant species. Interest comes both from farmers who own natural grasslands and from rural property owners who wish to establish patches of natural meadow vegetation in their surroundings. Therefore, GrassLIFE2 will further develop techniques for collecting and distributing grassland plant seeds, promoting plant dispersal and restoration. This will enable restoration and establishment of natural grasslands using seeds collected or grown in Latvia, helping to conserve both grassland-associated species and Latvia’s plant genetic resources.
Within GrassLIFE2, the Latvian Fund for Nature cooperates with 14 partners, including 11 farms across Latvia where grassland habitat restoration and establishment will be carried out. Together with project experts, new or still rarely used restoration methods will be tested. The scientific component of the project will be ensured by researchers from the University of Latvia and the University of Tartu, while the Institute for Environmental Solutions will conduct in-depth research on grassland seed production.
The mobile grazing service will also continue.The mobile herd of Galloway cattle established six years ago under the GrassLIFE project grazes more than 200 hectares of natural grasslands each season in protected areas across Latvia. During GrassLIFE2, regional mobile grazing units will be established in cooperation with livestock farmers in Kurzeme and Vidzeme, enabling grazing services to be provided in protected areas in Kurzeme, Northern Latvia and Northern Latgale.
Mobile grazing unit in action. Photo: K. Kalns
“We are currently in a situation where it is no longer enough to protect nature – we must also restore it, including natural grasslands. This is a long-term process. Therefore, we are pleased to have secured €7,5 million in funding from the EU LIFE programme to continue the work we have started in grassland restoration,” says Vita Anda Tērauda.
The GrassLIFE2 project runs from 2023 to 2028. It is implemented with financial support from the EU LIFE Programme, co-financing from the State Regional Development Agency of Latvia, and contributions from the project partners.