Lake Pape - The project

Promoting sustainable economic development in the rural areas surrounding Lake Pape

The project promotes rural development based on a sound and sustainable use of natural resources in the Lake Pape area. WWF helped set up reed-cutting activities. Cutting reeds helps restore open water in the lake.

Reeds are cut during the winter, when the lake is frozen and the reeds are dry and of better quality. Reeds are then arranged for use in roofing, and sold mainly to The Netherlands and Denmark. Revenues are going to the community.

The potential of small-scale tourism
WWF-Latvia's project also helps develop small-scale tourism. Basic infrastructure such as a bird-watching tower and two bird-watching hides along the lake, two nature trails - 9.6 and 26 km-long - and installations on the seashore have been built, and many information stands and signs have been installed.

Souvenirs, local products
Local souvenirs made of environmentally friendly materials are sold at a kiosk located at the grazing area entrance, as well as at WWF Latvia's information centre in Pape village and in the municipality offices. In addition, two local farmers also started to produce and sell honey made from flowers of the meadows. Such activities are good signs of local inhabitants' more active role in the project.

B & B - Bed and Breakfast
In 1999 when the project was launched, there were very few Bed and Breakfast (B & B) in the area. By the end of 2002, there were 15 of them. This was driven by the number of visitors to the area, which increased from 700 to more than 10,000 during the same time. Today, tourists come mainly to see the wild horses and the other big herbivores. WWF Latvia has signed an agreement with the most active B& B, which stipulates that B & B owners promote the project activities, while WWF-Latvia advertises the B & B on its website. Owners were also trained to make guided tours in the area.

Employing locals as guides
Since 2002, 4 local guides have been employed by WWF at the grazing area during the summer months. One of them is hired on a permanent basis all year round to deal with herd management and control of the grazing area. The seasonal guides earn a percentage from the tickets and souvenirs sold.

These guides have special uniforms and can also inform about other sightseeing possibilities in the vicinity. WWF-Latvia issued a special guidebook explaining the benefits of natural grazing. In addition, 10 other guidebooks focussing on Lake Pape are available at the Tourism Information Centre in Rucava - one of the local villages. This was developed by WWF-Latvia in close cooperation with the Rucava and Nica municipalities.