Ecological flow estimation in Latvian - Lithuanian trans-boundary river basins

Programme 2014 - 2020 INTERREG V-A Latvia - Lithuania

Date of latest update: 2023-11-08

Description

Description (LT):

Nuotėkio režimo reguliavimas yra vienas reikšmingiausių veiksnių Latvijos-Lietuvos (LV-LT) pasienio upių baseinuose, kuriuose apie 100 mažų hidroelektrinių reguliuoja upių vandens nuotėkį. Gaminant hidroenergiją (veikiant hidroelektrinėms) hidrologinio režimo reguliavimas dramatiškai veikia vandens ekosistemų biologinę įvairovę, produktyvumą ir tvarumą. Tačiau ekologinio nuotėkio įvertinimas reguliuotose upėse iki šiol nėra atliktas nei LV, nei LT. Pagrindinis projekto tikslas yra bendradarbiaujant projekto partneriams sukurti naują metodologiją ekologinio nuotėkio (E-flow) įvertinimui LV-LT pasienio regione, atsižvelgiant į saugomų teritorijų reikalavimus ir tikslus, nurodytus BVP direktyvoje bei Paukščių ir Buveinių direktyvose.Pagrindiniai projekto rezultatai yra E-flow vertinimo metodologija ir rekomendacijos nacionalinių teisės aktų patobulinimui, siekiant užtikrinti efektyvų E-flow nustatymą, reikalingą vandens strateginių objektų planavimui bei leidimų sistemos tobulinimui. Nepakankamo vandens nuotėkio žemiau hidroelektrinių identifikavimas ir E-Flow įvertinimas LV-LT pasienio upėse atliktas taikant EK rekomendacijų dokumentą Nr. 31 „Ecological flows in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive“ (2015). Nurodyta metodologija apima lauko tyrimus ir E-flow modeliavimą. Bendros LV-LT veiklos apima buveinių pokyčių įvertinimą dėl nuotėkio reguliavimo ir ekologinės būklės pagerinimo planavimą, įgyvendinant E-flow kontrolę.

Description (LV):

Ūdens plūsmas regulācija ir viena no nozīmīgākajām slodzēm Latvijas un Lietuvas (LV-LT) pārrobežu upju baseinu apgabalos, kur ir ierīkotas apmēram 100 mazās HES. Hidroloģiskais režīms ir galvenais faktors, kas ietekmē biotas sastopamību ūdenstecēs, tas ietekmē ekosistēmu produktivitāti un ilgtspējību. Tomēr līdz šim nedz Latvijā, nedz Lietuvā nav veikti plaši pētījumi par noteces pārmaiņu ietekmi uz upju biotopu sastopamību. Projekta mērķis ir izveidot sadarbību starp projektā iesaistītajiem partneriem, lai izstrādātu jaunu metodoloģiju par upju minimālo ekoloģisko caurplūdumu (E-Flow) LV-LT pierobežas reģionos, kas ievērotu prasības un standartus, t.sk. aizsargājamajās teritorijās, kas noteikti Ūdens struktūrdirektīvā un Putnu un Biotopu direktīvā. Projekta galvenais rezultāts ir metodoloģija par E-flow novērtēšanu un rekomendāciju izstrādāšana grozījumiem nacionālajā likumdošanā, kas iekļautu ūdens resursu izmantošanas atļauju izsniegšanu un stratēģisko plānošanu. Vadlīniju dokumentā Nr. 31 “Ecological flows in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive” aprakstītā pieeja ir izmantota, lai identificētu nepietiekamu ūdens caurplūdumu lejpus HES un minimālās E-flows novērtējumu LV-LT pārrobežu upēs. Šī harmonizētā pieeja ietver lauka mērījumus un modelēšanu.LV-LT jaunās kopējās aktivitātes pārrobežu upju baseinos ir hidroloģiskā režīma mainības radītā biotopu izmaiņu identificēšana un upju ekoloģiskās kvalitātes noteikšanas pilnveidošana, izmantojot E-flow pieeju.

Description (EN):

Flow regime regulation is one of the most significant pressures in Latvian-Lithuanian (LV-LT) trans-boundary river basins, where about 100 small HPP are installed and flow regime modifications are made. Hydrological regime regulation for hydropower production dramaticaly impact the biotic composition, supports production and sustainability of ecosystems. However estimations of ecological flow (E-Flow) have been carried out neither in LV, nor in LT. The overall objective of the project is to establish cooperation among the project partners in order to encourage development of new methodology for estimation of E-Flow, in compliance with standards and goals for protected areas under the WFD, Birds and Habitats Directive in Latvia-Lithuania border region. The main project outputs are the Methodology for E-Flow estimation and Recommendations for the amendment to national water legislations in order to ensure effective implementation of E-Flow, binding the strategic planning for water uses and the permitting process. On Guidance document Nr.31 “Ecological flows in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive” based approach is used for the identification of insufficient water flow downstream HPPs and E-Flow estimation in LV-LT trans-boundary rivers. This approach includes in-situ measurements and modelling. LV-LT new common activities are designation of habitat changes due to flow regulation and planning of ecological status improving by E-Flow control.

Achievements (EN):

Flow regime regulation is one of the most significant pressures in Latvian-Lithuanian (LV-LT) trans-boundary river basins, where about 100 small hydropower plants (HPP) are installed and flow regime modifications are made. Hydrological regime regulation for hydropower production dramaticaly impact the biotic composition and sustainability of ecosystems. However estimations of ecological flow (E-Flow) before this project have been carried out neither in Latvia, nor in Lithuania. The overall objective of the project was to establish cooperation among the project partners in order to encourage development of new methodology for estimation of E-Flow, in compliance with standards and goals for protected areas under the WFD, Birds and Habitats Directive in Latvia-Lithuania border region. General idea of project was to assess the impact of small HPPs on river ecosystems in Latvia – Lithuania border regions, taking into account the sustainability of fish populations. On Guidance document Nr.31 “Ecological flows in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive” based approach is used for the identification of insufficient water flow downstream HPPs and E-Flow estimation in LV-LT trans-boundary rivers. This approach includes in-situ measurements and modelling, and this was done in this project, too. New common activities of all involved partners were designation of habitat changes due to flow regulation and planning of ecological status improving by E-Flow control. This ensured a harmonized approach to water resource management in Latvian – Lithuanian cross-border region. The main project outputs are elaborated Methodology for E-Flow estimation and Recommendations for the amendment to national water legislations in order to ensure effective implementation of E-Flow, binding the strategic planning for water uses and the permitting process. Main conclusions from implemented project activities were that water regulation due to hydropower production in most cases significantly impacts the aquatic biota, both in Latvia and Lithuania. Current national legislation allow free interpretation of term “ecological flow” and the result is poor well-being conditions for fish. New methodology describes not only proposed approach but also proposes simplified approach of estimation of ecological flow. Project results: In Final report on modelling results is described common approach and works done in the project, including final modelling results, and it can serve as ‘Manual” for similar works. FINAL REPORT ON MODELLING RESULTS (T2.5.1.). In Methodology is described approach on how to make estimation of ecological flows. METHODOLOGY. Recommendations were prepared for necessary changes in national legislation, taking into account made analysis on national legislation regarding ecological flows, as well as practical aspects from ECOFLOW project. RECOMMENDATIONS. In Project progress Report on modelling results is included information about modelling, using MESOHABSIM model to estimate e-flow regimes, and how specific fish species react to different water levels and discharges in rivers, taking into account also available bottom sediments and other hydromorphological elements. REPORT ON MODELLING RESULTS (T2.3.1.). For each trans-boundary river basin were prepared hydrographs (describing hydrological regimes during wet, dry and normal years) and list of specific species (to elaborate conditional fish model, and to assess available habitats). This was prepared for Venta river basin district and Lielupe river basin district, in each country. Case study sites and hydrographs for Venta river basin district (Latvia). Case study sites and hydrographs for Venta river basin district (Lithuania). Case study sites and hydrographs for Lielupe river basin district (Latvia). Case study sites and hydrographs for Lielupe river basin district (Lithuania). List of specific species in Venta river basin district (Latvia). List of specific species in Venta river basin district (Lithuania). List of specific species in Lielupe river basin district (Latvia). List of specific species in Lielupe river basin district (Lithuania). Hydrographs and lists of specific species, as well as gathered data during field works (First and Second Habitat surveys) were used to prepare First Habitat Survey Report (Venta river basin district) and Second Habitat Survey Report (Lielupe river basin district). First habitat survey report. Second habitat survey report. In beginning of project for Venta and Lielupe river basin districts were prepared Reviews of hydropower plants influence on water quantity and quality, as well as there was prepared Review of national legislation in the field of water uses. Review of national legislation in the field of water uses. Review of hydropower plants influence on water quantity and quality in Lielupe river basin districts in LV and LT. Review of hydropower plants influence on water quantity and quality in Venta river basin districts in LV and LT. In summer 2017 was organized intensive training course, led by Polish and Italian scientists on ecological flow estimation, main principles and practices. Most important information is included in Training report. ECOFLOW training report.

Website: https://2014-2020.latlit.eu/

Expected Results (LV): Organizāciju skaits, kas sniedz kopīgu ieguldījumu vides resursu apsaimniekošanā

Expected Results (EN): Number of organisations jointly contributing to environmental resource management

Expected Outputs (EN):

Main results of ECOFLOW project will be: 1) elaborated new Methodology on E-Flow evaluation based on habitat simulation model, and 2) elaborated Recommendations for the amendment to national water legislation. This new legislation would ensure effective implementation of E-Flow principles, improvement of the strategic planning for water uses and the permitting process. Results will be presented to Regional Environmental authorities, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia, Environmental Protection Agency of the Republic of Lithuania, and other stakeholders, like Latvian Nature conservation agency, Latvian and Lithuanian environmental NGOs (for example Latvian Fund for Nature, Lithuanian Nature Heritage Fund, Center of Environmental Policy of Lithuania, Latvian Associations of small HPPs, Lithuanian hydropower association and other stakeholders). Special attention will be paid for dissemination of the project results for inhabitants of trans-boundary Venta and Lielupe RBD influenced by flow regulations for hydropower production. Hence, the project result is also the increased number of organisations jointly contributing to environmental resource management based on new Methodology for E-Flow estimation.

Thematic information

Sustainable management of natural resources Waterways, lakes and rivers

Specific Objective: Increased integration and efficiency of environmental resource management

Thematic Objective: (06) preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency by:

Investment Priority: (06d) Protecting and restoring biodiversity and soil and promoting ecosystem services, including through Natura 2000, and green infrastructure

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: Latvijas Vides, ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centrs

Address: Maskavas 165, LV-1019 Riga, Latvia

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.meteo.lv

Total budget: EUR 192 781.62

ERDF budget: EUR 163 864.38

Lietuvos Energetikos Institutas

Name: Lietuvos Energetikos Institutas

Department: Laboratory of Hydrology

Address: Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.lei.lt

Total budget: EUR 149 557.76

ERDF budget: EUR 127 124.10

Pārtikas drošības, dzīvnieku veselības un vides zinātniskais institūts "BIOR"

Name: Pārtikas drošības, dzīvnieku veselības un vides zinātniskais institūts "BIOR"

Address: Lejupes 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia

Legal status: public

Website (not verified): http://www.bior.lv

Total budget: EUR 48 905.82

ERDF budget: EUR 41 569.95

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Lithuanian Energy Institute

Ecological flow estimation in Latvian - Lithuanian trans-boundary river basins

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Food safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR"

Ecological flow estimation in Latvian - Lithuanian trans-boundary river basins

Partners and Projects info

Latvijas Vides, ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centrs

Ecological flow estimation in Latvian - Lithuanian trans-boundary river basins

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Ecological flow estimation in Latvian - Lithuanian trans-boundary river basins

Project acronym: ECOFLOW

Project start date: 2017-04-01

Project end date: 2019-03-31

Project status: closed

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 391 245.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 332 558.42

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 332 558.42.

Documents

Documents on this project are listed below, and organised by category. Please note field "Data source", attached to each document. Keep.eu users are free to use these documents as long as they mention the data source and keep.eu.

Reports

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO WATER LEGISLATION

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://latlit.eu/heritage-based-agritourism-product-development-in-latvia-lithuania/

Publication date: 2020-01-27

Document date: 2019-03-01

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

METHODOLOGY OF E-FLOW EVALUATION

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://latlit.eu/heritage-based-agritourism-product-development-in-latvia-lithuania/

Publication date: 2020-01-27

Document date: 2019-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Case Study Sites And Hydrographs For Venta River Basin District, In Latvia

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-04

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

River Habitat Modelling Results Report: Venta & Lielupe River Basin Districts 2017-2018 Latvia And Lithuania

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-03

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Hydrographs For Selected Case-Study Rivers In Lithuanian Part Of Venta River Basin District

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-05

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Case Study Sites And Hydrographs For Lielupe River Basin District, In Latvia

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2018-12-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Specific Species List (Lv)

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-06

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

List Of Specific Species For Rivers Of Lithuanian Part Of Venta River Basin District

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-07

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

List Of Specific Species For Lielupe Rbd

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2018-12-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

List Of Specific Species For Rivers Of Lithuanian Part Of Lielupe River Basin District

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-07

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Review Of National Legislation In The Field Of Water Uses

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-10

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Review Of Hydropower Plants Influence On Water Quantity And Quality In Lielupe River Basin District

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-11

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Review Of Hydropower Plants Influence On Water Quantity And Quality In Venta River Basin Districts

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2017-12-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Studies / surveys

First Field Survey Report: Venta River Basin District 2017-2019 Latvia and Lithuania

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Study / survey

Data source: https://latlit.eu/heritage-based-agritourism-product-development-in-latvia-lithuania/

Publication date: 2020-01-27

Document date: 2019-02-01

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Second Field Survey Report: Lielupe River Basin District 2018 Latvia and Lithuania

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Study / survey

Data source: https://latlit.eu/heritage-based-agritourism-product-development-in-latvia-lithuania/

Publication date: 2020-01-27

Document date: 2019-02-01

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Project’s final reports

Final report: Ecological flow estimation in Latvian – Lithuanian transboundary river basins

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Project’s final report

Data source: https://latlit.eu/heritage-based-agritourism-product-development-in-latvia-lithuania/

Publication date: 2020-01-27

Document date: 2019-03-01

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Others

Hydrographs For Selected Case-Study Rivers In Lithuanian Part Of Lielupė River Basin District

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Other

Data source: http://www.latlit.eu/

Publication date: 2022-10-18

Document date: 2019-04-05

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2014 - 2020 INTERREG V-A Latvia - Lithuania

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2023-11-25

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

132 / 132 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

502 / 502 (100%)

Notes on the data

Information provided by the Programme. Achievements were retrieved by Interact from the Programme website (http://www.latlit.eu/), or a website directly linked from it, on 2021-11-23, 2023-01-24 and 2024-03-18.

Languages

Contact Form

Ecological flow estimation in Latvian - Lithuanian trans-boundary river basins

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Documents

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer