Restoration and sustainable management of coastal and island meadows at Lake Engure in Latvia

Challenge

The islands of Lake Engure used to be home to a variety of waterfowl and wading birds. However, due to a lack of proper management, the meadows that provided important habitats for these birds are rapidly becoming overgrown with reeds and bushes, which reduces habitat quality. Consequently, the number of bird populations is declining.  

Objective

The project's main goals were to increase the waterfowl population at Lake Engure and to strengthen environmental education for schoolchildren in nearby villages by involving local target groups in the management. 

Approach

The project achieved its aims by:

• Restoring the meadows on the islands of Lielrova, Kazrova and Sarkanie krumi islands of Lake Engure as important habitats for waterfowl and waders by burning, cutting bushes and removing shrubs
• Controlling the growing vegetation every year for at least two to three years, in order to maintain the quality of the meadows.
• Involving  local target groups in the management of restored areas.

Achieved Results

The number of nesting pairs of waterfowl increased from four at the beginning of the project in 2023 to 17 by the end of the project in spring 2025. Cooperation with local target groups was also improved. Fifty-six schoolchildren participated in environmental education programmes, and nine local fishermen and hunters took part in biotope restoration activities. The project successfully restored 16.9 hectares of nesting grounds for waterfowl on the islands and in the meadows of Lake Engure.