On 18 February 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft Regulation of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development on investments of European Union (EU) funds to protect and enhance biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites. These investments will also contribute to meeting the requirements of the Nature Recovery Regulation for Latvia, ensuring the recovery of habitats of EU importance in Natura 2000 sites.
Inga Bērziņa, Minister for Smart Administration and Regional Development, said. This funding will not only help to preserve and restore our natural values, but will also promote sustainable development in the regions and give people more opportunities to explore Latvia's nature."
The investment measure will support projects implemented by the Nature Conservation Agency and municipalities, and will also involve a wide range of cooperation partners with land in Natura 2000 sites - other public authorities or municipalities and their institutions, state and municipal capital companies, as well as natural and legal persons, in order to facilitate the implementation of management measures in Natura 2000 sites as widely as possible.
Investment projects under this measure will support a wide range of nature conservation and management measures, such as various biotechnical, hydraulic engineering and land reclamation activities, restoration of naturally degraded ecosystems and reduction of invasive species. The creation and restoration of infrastructure to reduce anthropogenic pressures, such as nature trails, cycle routes, lookout towers, recreation areas, will also be supported to promote recreational opportunities and develop the public's knowledge of nature. Planned activities should be carried out in accordance with nature, species or habitat conservation plans.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will provide €16 million for the Nature Conservation Agency to implement the projects, while €7.3 million of ERDF funding will be available for municipalities. The maximum ERDF funding available to municipalities for a single project is €1.45 million.
The projects are expected to result in the protection and restoration of at least 21 254 hectares of Natura 2000 sites and the restoration of at least 11 061 hectares of degraded ecosystems.
The selection and monitoring of project applications will be carried out by the Central Finance and Contracting Agency. Projects must be implemented by the end of 2029.
