On May 21, Latvia, together with the rest of the European Union, celebrates the day of Natura 2000, a network of protected natural areas of European importance. This year marks 20 years since Latvia joined this network, which aims to preserve Europe's rich biological diversity. On the other hand, on May 22, the International Day of Biological Diversity is celebrated all over the world.
Biodiversity encompasses the diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems, including the marine environment. In Latvia, the Natura 2000 network includes 333 territories, which cover various territories - from nature reserves and national parks to protected marine areas.
Latvia has seven protected marine areas in the Natura 2000 network, including "Nida - Pērkone", "Akmensrags", "Irbe strait", "Western coast of the Gulf of Riga", "Selga west of Tūja", "Vitrupe - Tūja" and "Ainaži" - Salacgriva". These areas are of particular importance as they contain EU protected habitats, such as rocky reefs and sandbars, which are home to many marine species. The Natura 2000 network plays an important role in the protection of the Baltic Sea environment, it helps preserve natural habitats and species diversity, and also ensures the sustainable use of marine resources. Marine habitats have not only ecological, but also economic value, they contribute to the stability of the Baltic Sea ecosystem and ensure high biological diversity, which in turn contributes to the recovery of fish stocks and provides income for fishermen.
Despite their importance, marine habitats are negatively affected by things like pollution, overfishing, construction, invasive alien species and climate change. The creation of protected marine areas in the Natura 2000 network is one of the main measures to prevent these threats and preserve the natural heritage of the Baltic Sea.
The LIFE REEF project is one of the most important projects in Latvia, which is currently being implemented in the waters of the Latvian territory of the Baltic Sea. Within the framework of this project, research is carried out and proposals are prepared for the protection of biologically important marine areas. Also, within the framework of the project, the borders and functional zoning of the existing protected marine areas will be revised to ensure their effective management.
Biodiversity conservation is the responsibility of all of us!
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