EU demo on ICZM: ICZM Lietuva

The study area covers 220 km of coast, including the coastal lagoon. Apart from Klaipeda and its surroundings where 80% of the area's 250 000 inhabitants live, it is primarily rural, forested and natural. The management of the polders and drainage network was relaxed for a period after the Soviet withdrawal. It is taking time to establish and put into operation new administrative structures to deal with integrated coastal zone management. Specific problems are the expansion of the port and town of Klaipeda and the construction of a new oil terminal at Butinge.

A temporary administrative structure has been set up which coordinates the various administrative levels and sectors concerned. The administrative bodies involved are the region of Klaipeda, two cities (Klaipeda and Palanga) and four coastal districts.

Results anticipated:

• Contribution to the implementation of the Baltic Sea environment programme in order to ensure the ecological restoration of the Baltic Sea and the preservation of its ecological balance.
• Establishment of a policy, regulatory, institutional and management framework for the management of the study area.
• Establishment of a programme of priority action and demonstration to protect the environment and reduce pollution