Latvia's Wildlife and Nature

The golden-feathered penduline tit with its distinctive black and white head builds elaborate nests, which hang like bags from the branches of trees, usually over water. There aren't many of these unusual birds left in Europe. But one place you will find them is Latvia.

In fact, this Baltic country -- known for its sandy beaches and unspoilt forests -- is home to a huge variety of birds and mammals in numbers that you won't find elsewhere on the continent. But even here, they are under threat.

"Birds in principle don't recognize borders, and they are migrating through all of Europe to Africa," said Anda Ruskule, head of the Latvian branch of the Baltic Environmental Forum (BEF).

Ruskule said nature conservation was Europe's common heritage and responsibility. There was a common EU policy that stated the joint need to protect birds, she said.

The BEF is coordinating one of the largest environmental studies ever carried out in the Baltic states in order to build up a comprehensive picture of the region's marine wildlife. The project is heavily sponsored by the European Union, which is picking up half of the three-million-Euro ($3.95 million) price tag.

The Forum is drawing up a detailed map of bird and animal species and habitats along the coastlines of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia -- three nations, which owe so much of their existence to the Baltic Sea.

The sea holds a special place in Latvian hearts

Fishing is of central importance to Latvia's economy. But the sea also occupies a special place in the hearts of Latvia's people.

"We had a poet who said that the sea is our gold, so we really know that we can live thanks to the sea," said Aiva Rosenberga, spokeswoman for the Latvian president. Its proximity furthers trade, for example.

"I have also lived by the sea all of my life, so I know that it's good not only for trade, but also for health and for nature," Rosenberga said. "We have so many birds that Europe doesn't have anymore."

But that could change. The BEF is worried that the region's unique bird and animal life is now under threat. Large numbers of sea birds and seals are caught in fishermen's nets and the numbers have increased as fishing becomes more intensive.

Dredging has destroyed many habitats for rare animals and birds, the water along the coasts has been polluted with hazardous waste, and a surge in Baltic shipping poses another threat to wildlife. This huge environmental study is meant to find out just how badly the Baltic's animals, birds and fish have been affected -- and propose solutions to protect marine wildlife.

Present-day needs are overshadowing environmental awareness

The BEF project also wants to inform Latvians about the wildlife around them. Vides Film Studio, situated on the outskirts of Riga, is working on a series of short clips to be shown on Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian television. They detail some of the marine wildlife under threat.

"I would like to think that we have an instinct for environmental education," said executive producer Valdis Abols. "If you look at our culture, and even going deeper into the folklore, you can see all the environmental wisdom expressed there in that culture."

But Abols said present-day realities and needs often conflicted with this cultural heritage.

Latvian wildlife is being sacrificed for economic development

The Latvian Ornithological Society (LOS) is also involved in the day-to-day work of the project. Antra Stipniece from LOS monitors bird life along Latvia's 500-kilometer coastline. She said all European countries must work together to protect their wildlife.

"It's not a task for one country, because there's one flyway, and when the sea freezes, birds move more south; when there's a mild winter, they remain more north," Stipniece said. "We're all in the same boat."

Publicly, the BEF partners are confident that drawing up a detailed map of the Baltic's wildlife will help protect species from extinction and improve the environment. But privately, some in Latvia are deeply concerned that what once made the country unique -- its abundant wildlife -- is being sacrificed in the name of economic development.

For now, the penduline tit builds its distinctive nest in Latvia. But no one knows how long it will stay.