Enhancing protection and conservation of geological structures in Latvia and Lithuania (Geosites)
The project aims to enhance the protection, management, and sustainable preservation of geological heritage in Latvia and Lithuania. This will be achieved through detailed underwater research in the Baltic Sea and Lake Plateliai, alongside a systematic inventory and assessment of terrestrial geological sites in Kurzeme and Žemaitija. By integrating geomorphological and biological research with advanced mapping technologies, the project will develop evidence-based management strategies and educational materials. Strengthening cross-border cooperation, it will provide essential data to support regional planning and ensure the long-term conservation of geological heritage.
The project goal is to enhance the protection, management, and sustainable preservation of geological heritage in Latvia and Lithuania. This will be achieved through detailed underwater research in the Baltic Sea and Lake Plateliai, alongside a systematic inventory and assessment of terrestrial geological sites in Kurzeme and Žemaitija. By integrating geomorphological and biological research with advanced mapping technologies, the project will develop evidence-based management strategies and educational materials. Strengthening cross-border cooperation, it will provide essential data to support regional planning and ensure the long-term conservation of geological heritage.
LHEI is the lead partner (LP1) of the project. Recent research activities at sea under the LIFE REEF project (2020-2025) uncovered the unique, large moraine clay structures within one of the potential MPA areas in Latvian EEZ “Alki Bank” near the coast of Pāvilosta (Kurzeme region).
There LHEI will carry out underwater studies of these structures, within complex geomorphological-biological research: mapping and identifying, creating a model of these structures; taking geological samples of substrate and together with biological sampling evaluating biological diversity and ecosystem function significance of these unique biotope complex to contribute to its conservation.
Project partners
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology – lead partner
- Žemaitija National Park directorate
- Kurzeme Planning Region
Project news
Contact person
Ieva Bārda, researcher
ieva.barda[at]lhei.lv
About the project
Project number: LL-00244
Webpage: https://latlit.eu/theprojects/geosites/
Project start date: 01.03.2025.
Project end date: 28.02.2027.
Project budget: 696877 EUR, ERDF co-financing 557 501 EUR, LHEI budget 270270 EUR
Financier: Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027