Lake Pape - Project Achievements

Many significant results

Since its launch in 1999, WWF's Lake Pape Project has achieved many significant results. These include:

• Support to the development of Lake Pape Nature Park.
  
• Restoration of the Ligupe and Parupe streams, which had been channelled directly into the sea by the Soviets, ensuring a regular water flow into Lake Pape.
  
• Establishment of a grazing area on abandoned agricultural lands.
  
• Reintroduction of natural grazers such as wild horses - and, more recently, other large herbivores, such as aurochs and bison - in the grazing area.
  
• Construction of a bird-watching tower and other tourist infrastructure, such as nature trails around the lake.
  
• Development of local Bed & Breakfasts for small-scale rural tourism.
  
• Development of a tourism information centre in the village of Pape and support to tourism information centres in the villages of Nica and Rucava.
  
• Financial support to the development of a reed-cutting business.
  
• Organization of educational seminars for local residents.
  
• Establishment of a local credit union to support local business initiatives i.e. B&B.

WWF-Latvia's priority actions
According to WWF-Latvia, the main problem is that the Latvian Government has not yet developed a policy for rural development and nature management, especially for abandoned agricultural lands. Both the government and local municipalities lack the necessary expertise and financial resources to realize such projects. To further develop the Lake Pape project, WWF-Latvia has identified a series of priority actions subject to additional funding. They include:

• The establishment of the Lake Pape Nature Park's administration and management mechanism (plan, responsibilities, etc.);
  
• The purchase of land to expand natural grazing;
  
• The restoration of additional ecosystems (incl. other streams); and
  
• Support for local residents who are willing to switch from agricultural activities to sustainable tourism.

Ideally, in 25 years time, Lake Pape should look like a true wilderness with many herds of wild horses, aurochs, bison, elk, and red deer roaming in the strictly protected ecological core zones. A good zoning system should ensure that most of the area is included in a network of ecological core zones. Outside these zones, a sustainable use of natural resources should prevail.

The communities within the region should be flourishing as a result of sound management of the area's unique natural assets. Many job opportunities should also be available for the young generations. Tourists should visit the Lake Pape area as one of the Latvia's highlights. They should have a memorable stay in the region, taking pleasure in nature, making use of the facilities, staying at a local accommodation, and enjoying local hospitality.