The LIFE IS SALACA project is launched

Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava” together with several organisations is starting a five-year implementation of the European Commission’s Environment and Climate Action Programme LIFE project “Adaptation of Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive harmonization and integrated actions for freshwater quality improvement in Salaca river sub catchment”.

The project activities are planned in the Salaca sub-basin with the aim of contributing to the achievement of good ecological water quality and a favourable conservation status of freshwater habitats as required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Habitats Directive (HD) and the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

The project plans to implement practical management measures and develop planning documents to improve the quality of the rivers in the Salaca sub-basin and to preserve the natural values in the long term, as well as to transfer knowledge and good practice to the public and experts in the field.

The total funding of the project is EUR 5 754 798,12, of which 60% or EUR 3 452 878,88 is financed by the European Commission LIFE Programme, 32% or EUR 1 866 957,61 is co-financed by the Latvian State and 8% or EUR 434 961,63 is co-financed by the project partners’ own contribution.

Expected results:

1. A new approach to freshwater quality management has been developed, combining the requirements of the WFD and the BD. Guidelines and recommendations for the harmonisation process between WFD and BD developed for the next cycle of the Environmental Monitoring Programme.
2. Nature management plan for the N2000 site “Salaca Valley” developed, incorporating project results and best practice examples.
3. Restoration of 20 ha of streams was carried out, improving the quality of the EU habitat 3260 Streams and natural river reaches. Best practice guidelines developed for the implementation of this work.
4. Management of 65 ha of riparian forest. Best practice guidelines and recommendations for amendments to legislation developed.
5. Ecosystem services assessment carried out.
6. Exhibition “On the banks and at the bottom of the Salaca River” created.

The project LIFE22-ENV-LV-LIFE-IS-SALACA/101114155, co-financed by the European Commission LIFE Programme, is implemented by the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava” as the main project partner together with four project partners – Nature Conservation Agency, Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Institute of Food safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” and “SALACKRASTI Fishing Club”. The project duration is 60 months (01/10/23 – 30/09/28).