Lithuania expands Nevėžis Landscape Reserve to protect EU habitats

The Lithuanian government has approved an initiative by the Ministry of Environment to expand the boundaries of the Nevėžis Landscape Reserve. The expansion will add 621 hectares to the protected area, increasing its total size to approximately 1,747 hectares. This move aims to ensure better legal protection for habitats and species important to the European Union's Natura 2000 network, which the current reserve boundaries do not fully cover.

The expansion includes a larger stretch of the Nevėžis valley from Babtas to the Nemunas river near Raudondvaris. It will encompass various cultural heritage sites, including the Raudondvaris manor complex, Babtyno manor, and several hillforts. The new area protects several EU-significant natural habitats, such as eutrophic lakes, meadows, and mixed forests, as well as various protected species.

The project involves 353 additional land plots, 317 of which are privately owned. To address restrictions on economic activities within the new boundaries, the Ministry has proposed a compensation scheme. For the 317 private owners, the total annual compensation for land-use restrictions is estimated at 185.1 euros, averaging approximately 1.7 euros per owner per year.