Saussurea esthonica Baer ex Rupr. is a protected species of European Union importance, listed under the Habitats Directive, and is therefore protected across Europe. Its distribution range is extremely limited—it is found only in Estonia and Latvia.
At the Popes Zāļu Purvs site, slightly over 1,000 individuals of the species are present, growing in the spring-fed fen area and in a nearby isolated small forest meadow by a spring stream. Over the past ten years, nature experts have observed a significant deterioration in the condition of the site and a reduction in its area, as it has become overgrown with trees and shrubs, making it unsuitable for the rare species.
Ieva Saleniece, project manager of the Nature Conservation Agency’s LatViaNature project, emphasizes: “Saussurea esthonica Baer ex Rupr. grows partly on private land — in such cases, when rare species protected throughout Europe need to be safeguarded, cooperation between the public and private sectors is critically important. This cleanup is a good example of this, because only together can we protect Latvia’s nature!”
Nearly 30 participants took part in the educational volunteer event. First, nature experts introduced Saussurea esthonica Baer ex Rupr. and explained the tasks to be carried out to ensure the species’ long-term survival and prevent its disappearance. Afterwards, participants, together with experts, cleared overgrowth from the site to restore an open fen habitat, while leaving some trees to provide the necessary partial shade.
We thank every participant of the volunteer event, especially the employees of Sodra Forest Latvia and the local farm “Zālīši,” who helped cut back shrubs and trees.
The educational volunteer event took place as part of the initiative “Daru labu dabai,” organized by the Nature Conservation Agency and the World Wide Fund for Nature Latvia (WWF) to support habitat conservation, restoration, and the control of invasive species across Latvia.
The LatViaNature project “Optimization of Management and Governance of Natura 2000 Protected Areas” (LIFE19IPE/LV/000010 LIFE-IP LatViaNature) is implemented with financial support from the European Union LIFE Programme and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development.
For additional information: Anda Zakenfelde, Communication Manager of the LatViaNature project at the Nature Conservation Agency, phone: +371 26539348, email: anda.zakenfelde@daba.gov.lv
