THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROJECT "SB MANTA" WERE TESTED IN POLAND
On October 27-30, a meeting of partners and volunteers of the Interreg South Baltic Programme international project “SB MANTA” was held in the Wolin National Park in Międzyzdroje, Poland, to test the project activities.
The event was attended by representatives of all project partners, as well as volunteers from Lithuania, Poland and Germany.
The Directorates of the Lithuania Minor Protected Areas (the main project partner) and the Curonian Spit National Park, as well as the EUCC Baltic Office, are participating in this project as partners from Lithuania.
The aim of the “SB MANTA” project is to create a new type of sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism products for people looking for new experiences in the impressive nature of protected areas and who want to contribute to the processes of preserving important natural objects.
The pilot volunteering activities of the project in Poland were designed to contribute to the goals of preserving protected areas and restoring nature. The biomass collection and removal work took place in the Natura 2000 area, which is characterized by rare and protected plant habitats. Such work improves the quality of habitats and creates conditions for species populations to increase. In bird observation and monitoring activities, volunteers learned to identify passing and gathering birds. The collected data is important for the national park when assessing bird migration trends.
The participants of the year of activities also planted beech trees, contributing to increasing forest cover and preserving biodiversity. This was an excellent practical example of how volunteer work directly contributes to the restoration of ecosystems.
In addition to practical activities, the meeting was enriched with cultural and cognitive experiences. Participants got acquainted with the natural values of the Volynsk National Park, local traditions, and the history of the region. Everyone shared their insights and volunteers' experiences on strengthening cooperation at the international level.
Two SB MANTA project activity testing trips are already planned for next year – to Germany and Poland. The project is already halfway through, and the number of international and local activities organized during it will only increase.
Volunteering in protected areas is becoming an integral part of nature conservation – it is not only a real contribution to environmental conservation, but also a way to develop awareness, community spirit and strengthen people's connection with nature.
This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The content of this article is the sole responsibility of the Administration of Lithuania Minor Protected Areas. It can under no circumstances be taken to reflect the opinion of the European Union
