On Friday, October 3, the European Diploma of Protected Areas will be given to the Matsalu Nature Reserve. The Diploma is the recognition of the Council of Europe to the workers of the Matsalu Nature Reserve for their success in preserving the diversity of habitats and the numerous species of birds and other biota groups in the nature reserve, which is a remarkable accomplishment on the European scale. The diploma will be handed over by Mr. Eladio Fernandez-Galiano, Head of the Natural Heritage and Biological Diversity Division of the Council of Europe. The presentation of the diploma will take place at 12 o`clock, at the festive opening of Matsalu International Nature Films Festival. The decision to give the Diploma relies on the analysis of specialists, who studied the Matsalu Nature Reserve and gathered data on the spot. According to the supplementary conditions of the Diploma, the land reform in progress is not to damage the current situation, and there should be no unsuitable development of private lands that do not match with the objectives of the Matsalu Nature Reserve. A number of suggestions are also given with the Diploma: to renew the management plan, to continue the maintenance of meadows, to ensure the sufficient funding for organizing protection, to continue the cooperation with the farmers and other interest groups, to give the supervisory officials the rights of an inspector and to launch the elimination program of the American mink and the raccoon dog. For additional information please contact: |
