Second season of “Nature census” has started

In May 2017 ELLE and Latvian Fund for Nature commenced assessment of quality and distribution of EU protected habitats in Latvia (“Nature census”). The first season was a big challenge both to experts carrying out field work (constant rains, flooded roads, meadows and forests), and to organizers, who had to ensure training of existing and new specialists, coordination and management of work of more than 200 experts, working in various corners of Latvia.

In 2018 season started already in March, first carrying out theoretical part of calibration seminar for experts involved in field works, after which, in April and May, field seminars for forest and bog habitat experts was organized, due to the fact that mapping of these habitats commenced already in April  with beginning of vegetation season. Field seminars for coastal, grassland and freshwater habitats’ experts are planned in May and June. Altogether more than 200 people will be involved in habitats’ inventory, including certified experts, as well as young specialists with nature sciences or forestry education. In addition also experts from neighbouring countries are involved in the nature census. It is envisaged that this year the biggest part or areas identified in the project will be inventoried, covering almost 40% of the territory of Latvia.

15.05.2018.