Why is the nature conservation plan only scheduled to start in 2026 within the project?

There are two main reasons. First, the project activities are planned to follow one another. The nature conservation plan for “Salacas ieleja” will include the results of the activities carried out during the project – the calculation of ecosystem services, the harmonisation of the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive, and the management methods for riparian forests and fish habitats. The plan is therefore the unifying and final stage of the project.

Second, the nature conservation plan is to be drawn up within a new framework that is currently being developed in the LIFE integrated project “Optimisation of the governance and management of Natura 2000 protected areas”, or LatViaNature. According to that project’s timeline, proposals for an improved nature conservation plan system are due in December 2025. LIFE IS SALACA can adopt this new approach from 2026, which also ensures continuity between the projects.