For long years Great island of Kretuonas Lake (20ha) and neighboring Grasslands of Zemaitiske village (33ha) were abundant breeding place for 26 species of European and 29 species of National Importance, including such endangered species as Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Common Redshank Tringa totanus and Common Tern Sterna hirundo. These species are very sensitive and require open meadows habitats. However due to the change of farming system mowing and grazing in these low fertility grasslands had stopped, and the areas started overgrowing with shrubs. Consequently, change of habitats influenced reduction of rare species in the area. There were some attempts to restore the habitats, however it is evident, that only active and continuous involvement of the local people into activities would secure sustainability nature management measures and positive long-term impacts.

The project aims to upscale application of the agro-environmental measures favorable for the birds by

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motivating local people to graze and mow island and meadows in Kretuonas Great Island and Zemaitiskes meadows.

Aiming to restore flora of the habitats and to assure long-term nature management by the a possibilities for the local people to pasture cattle free of charge will be created. Moreover 61 sheep, 5 goats, 6 cows will be bought to local community. The offspring of mentioned animals will be donated to other community members. It is expected that at the end of the project there will be 160 sheep, 12 goats and 15 cows grazing necessary area for birds. Moreover, the purchased animals will be of the rare native breeds, and the framers will have a possibility to be involved in animal breeding. This way the community will contribute for the protection of the genetic pool important for the agriculture. Therefore local people will have a direct economic use and interest in continuing the projects activities. Creation of the new income generation possibilities is very important in this indigent area of Lithuania. Many trainings for local community, activities for the dissemination of the information and raising of the environmental consciousness are also foreseen in the project.

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