Lake Pape - The People

Otomars Ozols, Forester and B&B owner

Otomars grew up in Nica, one of the area's main villages. He studied forestry and since 1986, has served as a forester in a State forest. He became interested in WWF's project at Lake Pape because his concern that some forest should be left aside for strict protection. Thus, he was involved in the project in 2003, supervising 5,000 hectares of forest.

In parallel, together with his wife Elga, he opened a Bed and Breakfast in 2000, although he claims that the project did not really influence such a decision. "I just realized that the area's nature was so unique that it would undoubtedly attract people," he says.

"Actually, like many other people in the region, I was very sceptical in the beginning. I believed that wild horses would bring more problems than tourists." Meanwhile, he received support from the project, which advertised his activity, and today he wholeheartedly admits that everything turned out fine.

"What I like in this project is that it offers a guarantee for the future generation, it is a source of hope, it shows how conserving our natural assets is beneficial for everyone," Otomars adds.

His main concern is the local landowners that have property within the limit of the park, and perceive the project as a threat because it involves restrictions in logging or harvesting plants. Otomars believes they will claim for compensation. "More information, more communication with these landowners is needed to make them aware that the project is more a chance than a threat to them, and that sustainable use of natural resources will secure them higher benefits in the long term," he stresses.