strategic environmental assessment report · the eligible area of the programme includes 11...

September 2015

EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD INSTRUMENT CROSS - BORDER COOPERATION PROGRAMME LATVIA - LITHUANIA – BELARUS, 2014-2020

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

UAB AF-Consult Lvovo st. 25, LT-09320 Vilnius Tel. +370 5 2107210 Fax. +370 5 2107211 www.afconsult.com, Company code: 135744077, VAT code: LT357440716

Contact person:

Viktorija Podgaiskytė Date

Version No.

Tel. +370 5 210 72 10 September 2015 04 Fax. +370 5 210 72 11 [email protected] [email protected]

EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD INSTRUMENT

CROSS - BORDER COOPERATION PROGRAMME

LATVIA – LITHUANIA – BELARUS

2014-2020

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

REPORT

Managing Authority: Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania

Prepared by:

AF-Consult UAB

Responsible: Viktorija Podgaiskytė

Environmental consultant

Approved by: Rasa Alkauskaitė-Kokoškina Environmental section manager

http://www.afconsult.com/

EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD INSTRUMENT CROSS - BORDER COOPERATION PROGRAMME LATVIA - LITHUANIA – BELARUS 2014-2020

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Public entity “Joint Technical Secretariat” September 2015 3 (45)

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CONTENT

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 7

1.1 Introduction 7

1.2 Programme objectives and territory 7

1.3 Description of territories that can be affected 8

1.4 Likely significant effects on the environment 8

1.5 Monitoring 8

1 INTRODUCTION 10

2 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES AND CONTRIBUTION TO OTHER STRATEGIES 11

2.1 Programme initiator 11

2.2 SEA Report prepared by 11

2.3 Legal framework 11

2.4 Programme eligible area, objectives and priorities 12 TO1: Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty 14 TO2: Support to local and regional good governance 15 TO3: Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage 16 TO4: Promotion of border management, and border security 16

2.5 Contribution to other strategies, international and national environmental objectives 22

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRITORIES THAT CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED 26

3.1 Republic of Latvia 26

3.2 Republic of Lithuania 29

3.3 Republic of Belarus 31

3.4 Existing environmental issues in the Programme area 32

3.5 Likely evolution thereof without the implementation of the Programme 33

4 LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT 34

4.1 Approach and methodology 34

4.2 Summarised Results of Strategic Environmental Assessment 35 TO1: Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty 36 TO2: Support to local and regional good governance 36 TO3: Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage 38 TO4: Promotion of border management, and border security 39

4.3 Large investment Projects (LIPs) 39

5 MONITORING 43

6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 44


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ANNEXES: 45

ANNEX 1. Protected and Natura 2000 areas.

ANNEX 2. Consultations with public

ANNEX 3. Consultations with competent and environmental authorities


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SEA report versions:

Version Date Description 01 2014-10-23 SEA report submitted to JTS

02 2015-02-10 SEA report available to public and competent authorities

03 2015-06-12 SEA report revised according to comments from Authorities of the Republic of Latvia

04 2015-09-15 SEA report revised according to comments from Authorities of the Republic of Lithuania


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List of abbreviations

BY/Belarus Republic of Belarus

CBC Cross Border Cooperation

EC Europe Commission

ENI European Neighbourhood Instrument

ENP European Neighbourhood Policy

EU The European Union

EUSBSR European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

FEZ Free economic zone

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GIS Geographic Information System

JOP Joint Operational Programme

LIP Large Infrastructure Project

LT/Lithuania Republic of Lithuania

LV/Latvia Republic of Latvia

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

PPP Purchasing Power Parity

Programme European neighbourhood instrument cross – border cooperation programme Latvia – Lithuania – Belarus 2014-2020

pSCI Proposed Sites for Community Importance

R&D Research and Development / Research and Technological Development

Report Strategic environmental assessment report

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

SCI Sites of Community Importance

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SPA Special Protection Areas

TO Thematic Objective


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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 1.1 Introduction

Strategic Environmental Assessment (hereinafter – SEA) is carried out for the European neighbourhood instrument cross – border cooperation programme Latvia – Lithuania – Belarus 2014-2020 (hereinafter – Programme). This Programme is financed by the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), created to support the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

The strategic goal defined for the Programme is to strengthen relations, raise capacities and share experience among people and organisations from Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus through the implementation of joined actions aimed at increase of overall quality of life in the border region.

The SEA process has been carried out in line with the requirement of Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment and national SEA legislation of Programme Members.

The aim of this SEA report is to identify and present the likely significant effects on the environment and to integrate environmental considerations into preparation and adoption of the Programme.

1.2 Programme objectives and territory

The eligible area of the Programme includes 11 territorial units of the three following countries – Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. These include 2 regions in Latvia – Latgale and Zemgale, 5 counties in Lithuania – Utena, Vilnius, Alytus, Panevezys and Kaunas, 5 regions in Belarus – Grodno, Vitebsk, Minsk, Mogilev and the capital city of Belarus – Minsk.

The Programme territory

The programme initiator and management authority - Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania.

Programme addresses the following Thematic Objectives (TO) and the Priorities:

TO1. Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty: 1.1 Enhancing the access to social and other services for vulnerable groups; 1.2 Stimulating employment through entrepreneurship and innovations. TO2. Support to local and regional good governance: 2.1. Increasing capacity of local and regional authorities to tackle common challenges; 2.2. Strengthening society.


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TO3. Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage: 3.1. Promoting and preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage and traditional skills. TO4. Promotion of border management, and border security: 4.1 Enhancing border-crossing efficiency.

Priority 4.1 includes following large investment projects (LIP): 1. Modernization of Medininkai-Kamennyj Log border-crossing point (Lithuania-Belarus); 2. Development of infrastructure in Skorina Secondary School (Lithuania-Belarus); 3. Modernization of Asylum Center in Pabrade (Lithuania-Belarus); 4. Improvement of Paternieki-Grigorovshchina border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus); 5. Bombel 4 (Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus); 6. Modernization of Silene-Urbany border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus); 7. Construction of an X-ray scanning control system for vehicles at the border crossing point „Urbany” of

Vitebsk Custom House (Belarus).

1.3 Description of territories that can be affected

The Programme area (with adjoining regions) covers a territory of 198.221 km2, of which 25.289 km2 are located in the territory of Latvia, 38.327 km2 in Lithuania and 134.605 km2 in Belarus. 78.163 km2 (39.43%) of the territory are situated inside and 134.605 km2 (60.57%) outside of the European Union. The majority of territorial units included in the Programme are predominantly rural, over 50 per cent of the total population lives in the rural areas.

All three countries of the Programme can be distinguished for being rich in particular natural resources, namely forests and fresh water, as well as protected areas and Natura 2000 areas. There are plenty of fresh water resources in Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus, far exceeding present and future requirements for water consumption in these countries. The Programme area is rich in both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1.4 Likely significant effects on the environment

Summarizing, the supported actions are mostly based to a large extent on process designs (i.e. governance structures, incentive and funding schemes, networking arrangements) and the direct environmental effects of such activities are assessed as insignificant.

In general actions to be supported under this Programme will have positive effects on environment, by increased accessibility to basic social and other services for vulnerable groups in the Programme area, preservation and adaptation of cultural heritage. Enhancing the capacity of security and safety in the region could potentially have indirect significant positive environmental and human health effect in short and long term perspective. Reduction of time spent in cross-border point which cause positive effect on air quality in relation to traffic and transport emissions reductions.

The complex investigation of the TO as well as proposed LIPs shows that the Programme has no negative impact on environmental aspects investigated by the SEA process.

Following main recommendations shall be followed in order to avoid negative impacts and to achieve environmentally friendly and sustainable Programme implementation:

- Environmental requirements shall be followed as it is foreseen in EU and national legislation. Required environmental permits or documentation (if applicable) shall be requested with the application for project financing or before issuing construction permit.

- Depending on the scope some of LIP can be a subject of EIA procedures (parking lots, reconstruction of roads, etc.). In this case detailed environmental assessment should be executed before the project implementation with the aim to prevent the negative impact to environment.

- Before planning activities in NATURA 2000 areas, it is recommended projects to consult national authority responsible for NATURA 2000 protection. If necessary special prevention measures for biodiversity shall be applied on case by case basis.

- Natural heritage is an integral part of the heritage of the country and important for the formation and preservation of the artistic and cultural heritage. Therefore, it is proposed, implementing the cultural heritage preservation and conservation, adapt respectively the natural heritage preservation and conservation, where it is appropriate.


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- All projects and activities shall have appropriate solutions for avoiding, minimising and proper management of waste and wastewater.

- If applicable, it is recommended to include environmental/ sustainability criteria among other project’s selection criteria for financing. Simple quantitative criteria shall be created in order to compare the applications from sustainability point of view – for example calculation of total project CO2 emissions based on energy, fuel, travel, other resources use and etc., “0 waste” activities, material reuse. It is recommended to apply environmental/ sustainability criteria for joint events, conferences and educational activities.

- Publicity, community awareness of the planned activities, community involvement. - The Programme should be monitored at least once during the programming period and a monitoring

report of programme’s activities should be planned in 2019 to recognize the direct or indirect effects on the environment within the implementation of the Programme.

1.5 Monitoring

The Programme foresees result indicators corresponding to the specific objective. Environmental monitoring measures are not included for any objective.

It is recommended to perform monitoring on site after completing any kind of infrastructure constructions works (for example LIP), especially in the environmentally sensitive territories such as protected areas or Natura 2000 sites.


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1 INTRODUCTION Strategic Environmental Assessment (hereinafter – SEA) procedures are carried out, as part of the European neighbourhood instrument cross – border cooperation programme Latvia – Lithuania – Belarus 2014-2020 (hereinafter – Programme). This Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) Programme is financed by the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), created to support the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

Overall, the goal of the Programme encompasses objectives to contribute to the positive changes in specific fields including social, educational, health care, environmental, tourism, safety and security sectors. The Programme aims to facilitate a two-fold improvement. On the one hand, the Programme shall support enhancement of public sector skills and tools for providing services at a regional level. On the other hand, the Programme shall pay particular attention to developing the social capital of the region, encouraging activity of the third sector – NGO’s, communities, local inhabitants’ initiatives.

The SEA process and SEA reports are carried out by the Environmental Consultant AF–Consult under the contract No. PPS-004 concluded between JTS and contractor AF-Consult JSC on February 24th 2014.

The SEA process has been carried out in line with the requirement of Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (hereinafter – SEA Directive) and national SEA legislation of Programme Members.

The SEA Report has been prepared on the basis of the SEA Scoping report, Terms of Reference, the draft Programme document made available during the period (draft Programme version 2). The SEA report includes the following:

- Programme objectives and contribution to other strategies, - Description of the territories that can be affected, - Likely significant effects on the environment, - Summarised results of strategic environmental assessment, - Monitoring, - Recommendations and conclusions.

The SEA report presents the result of the Programme investigation and environmental assessment of Programme priorities, objectives and measures including determination of effects significance on certain environmental components. The analysed effects include direct and indirect, secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term, positive and negative effects on the environment

The draft Programme and SEA report is available to the environmental and other authorities and the public in accordance with SEA Directive and national legislation requirements.


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2 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES AND CONTRIBUTION TO OTHER STRATEGIES

2.1 Programme initiator

Managing Authority: Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania

Correspondence: Šventaragio st. 21, LT-01510 Vilnius, Lithuania

Contact person: Gediminas Česonis

Telephone: +370 5 2718987

Fax: +370 5 271 8551

E-mail: [email protected]

2.2 SEA Report prepared by

Organization: AF-Consult UAB

Correspondence: Lvovo st. 25 LT-09320 Vilnius, Lithuania

Contact person: Viktorija Podgaiskytė, Environmental consultant

Telephone: Tel. +370 5 2107210

Fax: Fax. +370 5 2107211

E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

2.3 Legal framework

The requirement to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment is based on the Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment adopted by the Council of the European Union on 27 June 20011 (SEA Directive). The purpose of the SEA Directive is to “provide for a higher level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development”.

Article 4 (e) (viii) of the draft ENI CBC Implementing Rules requires that “information on fulfilment of regulatory requirements laid down in Directive 2001/42/EC” shall be included in the Joint Operational Programme (JOP) as part of the programme implementation description.

The SEA is an integral part of the programming exercise. The process has been started in parallel with the programme strategy development and will, whenever relevant, influence the content of the JOP.

According to Article 3(2)2, an SEA is mandatory for all types of programmes "which are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use and which set the framework for future development consent for projects listed in Annexes I and II to Directive 2011/92/EU3" (EIA Directive); or which in view of their likely effects on

1 OJ L 197, 21.7.2001 2 Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment adopted by the Council of the European Union on 27 June 2001 3 OJ L 26, 28.1.2012.


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NATURA 2000 sites have been determined to require an assessment pursuant to Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive4.

The Programme includes Large Infrastructure Projects (further in the text – LIP) which may have significant environmental effects and in accordance with the provisions of article 3 SEA procedures are applicable as well as the some of the LIPs covered under EIA Directive 2011/92/EU.

In relation, an environmental assessment according to the SEA Directive involves the following steps: − scoping of SEA and preparation of SEA report; − consultations with environmental authorities and the public; − inclusion of environmental report conclusions and consultation results in the JOP; − monitoring and recommendations; − informing consulted authorities and the public about the programme approval.

The main principles of the SEA Directive set in Latvian, Lithuanian and Belarusian national legislation are: − The law “On Environmental Impact Assessment”. Republic of Latvia; − Cabinet Regulations of 23 March 2004 No. 157 “Procedure for implementation of strategic environmental

impact assessment”. Republic of Latvia; − The law “Regarding Environment Impact Assessment of planned economic activity”. Republic of Lithuania

(2013); − Manual for strategic environmental assessment (2006). Republic of Lithuania; − Lithuanian Government Regulation No. 967 Regarding strategic environmental assessment procedures

for plans and programmes (Zin., 2004, Nr. 130-4650); − The Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the UNECE Espoo Convention (SEA protocol)5 is

validated in the Republic of Belarus.

All the targeted consultations with designated environmental and other authorities, the public and adjacent EU Member States have to been carried out in accordance with the SEA directive and national legislation framework.

The target group of the Programme as well as environmental reports, regarding the SEA process, are Programme Member states, EC institutions responsible for the Programme and other stakeholders (economic and social partners, communities, etc.)

The Strategic Environmental Assessment will be issued through one SEA report including a complex investigation on all Countries of Programme Member States. The SEA report will be published in English (including a non-technical summary of the SEA report in Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian and English).

2.4 Programme eligible area, objectives and priorities

The strategic goal defined for the Programme is:

To strengthen relations, raise capacities and share experience among people and organisations from Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus through the implementation of joined actions aimed at increase of overall quality of life in the border region.

This overall goal encompasses objectives to contribute to the positive changes in specific fields including social, educational, health care, environmental, tourism, safety and security sectors. The Programme aims to facilitate two-fold improvement. On the one hand, the Programme shall support enhancement of public sector skills and tools for providing services at regional level. On the other hand, the Programme shall pay a particular attention to develop the social capital of the region, encouraging activity of the third sector – NGO’s, communities, local inhabitants’ initiatives.

In order to contribute to the achievement of the strategic goal, the Programme addresses the following Thematic Objectives (TO):

TO1. Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty;

4 OJ L 206, 22.7.1992. 5 List of countries which are party to the SEA protocol: https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVII-4-b&chapter=27&lang=en


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TO2. Support to local and regional good governance;

TO3. Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage;

TO4. Promotion of border management, and border security.

An overview of the Programme strategy (including the priorities and result indications) is presented below. The eligible area of the Programme includes 11 territorial units (

Table 2-1, Fig. 2-1) of the three following countries – Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. These include 2 regions in Latvia – Latgale and Zemgale, 5 counties in Lithuania – Utena, Vilnius, Alytus, Panevezys and Kaunas, 5 regions in Belarus – Grodno, Vitebsk, Minsk, Mogilev and the capital city of Belarus – Minsk. Belarusian territorial units constitute the largest share of the eligible area of the Programme.

Fig. 2-1. Programme area

Table 2-1. The eligible area of the Programme Core regions: Adjoining regions:

Latgale region (Latvia) Zemgale region (Latvia)

Utena county (Lithuania) Kaunas county (Lithuania)

Vilnius county (Lithuania) Panevezys county (Lithuania)

Alytus county (Lithuania) Minsk region (Belarus)

Grodno region (Belarus) Mogilev region (Belarus)

Vitebsk region (Belarus) Minsk city (Belarus)

The Programme area (with adjoining regions) covers a territory of 198.221 km2, of which 25.289 km2 are located in the territory of Latvia, 38.327 km2 in Lithuania and 134.605 km2 in Belarus. 78.163 km2 (39.43%) of the territory are situated inside and 134.605 km2 (60.57%) outside of the European Union. The whole Programme area lies within the Baltic Sea Region. The length of the external EU border addressed by the Programme is 835.3 km (170.6 km of Latvia – Belarus border and 664.7 km of Lithuania – Belarus border).

The Programme addresses four Thematic Objectives (TO) and six priorities which are presented in Table 2-2 together with a brief description of the priorities.


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Table 2-2. Programme thematic objectives and priorities

Thematic Objectives Priorities Result indicators corresponding to the Priority

1. Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty

1.1. Enhancing the access to social and other services for vulnerable groups

Number of new/improved and/or more accessible social or other services for vulnerable groups in the Programme area

1.2. Stimulating employment through entrepreneurship and innovations

Number of people in the Programme area who have received support in developing their employability and entrepreneurial capacities, of whom: - youth; - pre-retirement age people; - other.

2. Support to local and regional good governance

2.1. Increasing capacity of local and regional authorities to tackle common challenges

Number of institutions involved in joint decision making process with regards to the common challenges

2.2. Strengthening society Number of organisations that have established or maintained durable cross-border cooperation links

3. Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage

3.1. Promoting and preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage and traditional skills

Number of tourists accommodated per 1000 population in the Programme area.

4. Promotion of border management, and border security

4.1 Enhancing border-crossing efficiency Will be provided later

Technical assistance N/A N/A

TO1: Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty

Priority 1.1. “Enhancing the access to social and other services for vulnerable groups” Activities financed under this Priority could result in numerous positive short-term, mid-term and long-term changes in the Programme area. The most important of these include, first of all, emergence of alternative social and other service providers (including NGOs and local communities) cooperating with cross-border partners and, thus, increased diversification of service providers, secondly, increased availability and wider variety of social and other services for vulnerable groups, including higher availability/accessibility of non-residential social services, in addition, increased capacities and gains in experience of NGOs operating in the Programme area, finally, reduction of social exclusion and increase in the quality of life of residents of the Programme area.

The Programme provides the indicative list of actions to be supported: - Development and provision of social and other services for vulnerable groups; - Development of regional/local programmes encouraging new/non-traditional actors to involve in the

provision of social and other services for vulnerable groups; - Applying innovative solutions, including technological, for provision of social and other services for

vulnerable groups; - Promotion of healthy lifestyle; - Capacity building and exchange of good practice; - Acquisition of equipment necessary for providing social and other services for vulnerable groups; - Development of small-scale infrastructure necessary for provision of social and other services for

vulnerable groups.

There are no large infrastructure projects planned.

Priority 1.2. “Stimulating employment through entrepreneurship and innovations” The most important of positive changes include, first of all, increased interaction and resource sharing between educational institutions (schools, universities, vocational training institutions), business support institutions and local labour market (entrepreneurs), secondly, increased cooperation and efforts of actors from the participating countries operating in the field of employment, furthermore, introduction of alternative approaches to the solution of unemployment problem (particularly in the case of young and pre-retirement age people), as well as


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improved system of vocational and professional training in conformity with the labour market needs, finally, increased entrepreneurial skills, enhanced human capital, employability and, consequently, decreased unemployment in the region.

The Programme provides the indicative list of actions to be supported: - Preparation and implementation of programmes promoting and/or facilitating employment (especially of

young and pre-retirement age people); - Preparation and implementation of programmes promoting and/or facilitating business activities

(especially of young and pre-retirement age people); - Promotion of new/innovative business development and employment methods (especially in the case of

youth and pre-retirement age people); - Promotion and implementation of cooperation between business and educational institutions, including

apprenticeship initiatives; - Development of entrepreneurial skills, including business idea generation, business planning, product

and service development, business management, sales and marketing, etc. (especially in the case of youth and pre-retirement age people);

- Development of skills corresponding to the needs of labour market in particular region (especially in the case of youth and pre-retirement age people);

- Promotion of cross-border entrepreneurship; - Strengthening capacities of public business support institutions; - Preparation and implementation of programmes promoting exchange of experience among different age

groups (especially, between youth and pre-retirement age people).

There are no large infrastructure projects planned by Priority 1.2.

TO2: Support to local and regional good governance

Priority 2.1. “Increasing capacity of local and regional authorities to tackle common challenges” The most important of positive changes include, first of all, increased cooperation and experience-sharing among local and regional authorities of the participating countries in developing common systems and tools to manage natural resources, respond to various disasters and eliminate their consequences, secondly, increased cooperation of authorities from the participating countries in environmental, safety and security issues, furthermore, improved policy management and the quality of public services in the fields of environmental protection, safety and security, finally, enhanced capacities of local and regional authorities of the participating countries in tackling common challenges. The Programme provides the indicative list of actions to be supported:

- Promotion of legal and administrative cooperation between authorities and public institutions of the participating countries in the fields of nature and environment management, safety and security;

- Improvement of infrastructure, technical capacities and methods to tackle natural and man-made disasters;

- Development and implementation of training initiatives, strengthening capacities to deal with natural and man-made disasters, and to ensure safety and security;

- Increasing involvement of local communities in public decision-making and implementation processes in the fields of nature and environment management, safety and security by raising public awareness.


Priority 2.2. “Strengthening society” The most important of positive changes include, first of all, increased cooperation and participation of relevant local actors (NGOs, local communities) in local decision-making, implementation processes and local activities, secondly, more active and self-regulated communities, increased cooperation and experience-sharing within and among communities of the participating countries, moreover, enhanced capacities of local authorities and local non-governmental actors, furthermore, improved interconnections among local actors, gain in experience of local actors, finally, introduction of new community-led service models and social innovations (new products, services and models that simultaneously meet community needs) and more efficient governance solutions to local problems.

The Programme provides the indicative list of actions to be supported:


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- Preparation and implementation of initiatives increasing the participation of local communities in public decision making and implementation processes by developing various mechanisms (e.g. e-participation) that facilitate dialogue among local inhabitants and with local authorities);

- Implementation of training/mentoring activities for local communities in provision of community-led services;

- Development and implementation of community-led service provision initiatives; - Transfer of good practices; - Acquisition of a new equipment for community needs; - Development of small-scale infrastructure for community needs.


TO3: Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage

Priority 3.1. “Promoting and preserving cultural heritage and traditional skills” The most important of these include more sustainable and effective use of cultural heritage, increased cultural vitality and attractiveness of the region, increased tourist flows and increased economic growth in the region. Furthermore, special attention has to be paid to enhancing human capital of local communities, strengthening regional identity and a sense of belonging. Encouraging local craftsmen and artists to use their traditional skills could stimulate the development of entrepreneurship in local communities and, in turn, increase attractiveness of the region and positively affect local economic activity.

The Programme provides the indicative list of actions to be supported: - Preservation and adaptation of cultural and historical heritage for cultural, educational and/or tourism

purposes; - Development of joint initiatives in utilisation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage objects,

encompassing organisation of joint festivals, fairs, art exhibitions, etc.; - Preservation and promotion of traditional production networks; - Implementation of trainings for professionals working in in the fields of culture, cultural heritage and

tourism; - Promotion of cross-border cooperation and exchange of good practice among professionals working in

in the fields of culture, cultural heritage and tourism; - Acquisition of basic equipment necessary for organisation of initiatives aimed at utilisation and

promotion of cultural and historical heritage (festivals, fairs, exhibitions, etc.). There are no large infrastructure projects planned.

TO4: Promotion of border management, and border security

Priority 4.1. “Enhancing border-crossing efficiency” The most important of positive changes include, first of all, enhanced infrastructural, administrative and human capacities of border-crossing facilities, secondly, reduction of inconveniences at the border-crossing points, moreover, enhanced efficiency of border-crossing facilities and, finally, smoother exchange of goods and people between Latvia and Lithuania, on one side, and Belarus, on the other.

The Programme shall contribute towards the upgrading of border-crossing infrastructure and equipment as well as development of professional knowledge and skills of staff.

Indicative actions to be supported:

- Development and improvement of infrastructure of border-crossing facilities; - Acquisition and installation of new equipment and/or software in border-crossing facilities; Capacity

building of people working in border-crossing facilities; Exchange of knowledge and good practice among border-crossing points.

Activities financed under these priorities could result in numerous positive short-term, mid-term and long-term changes in the Programme area.

The Programme proposes the priorities for the funded activities, which in general includes the development of infrastructure or/and acquisition of equipment and shall encompass soft measures like events, training or joint marketing.


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Priority 4.1. includes large investment projects (LIP). Lists of projects proposed for selection: 1. Modernization of Medininkai-Kamennyj Log border-crossing point (Lithuania-Belarus); 2. Development of infrastructure in Skorina Secondary School (Lithuania-Belarus); 3. Modernization of Asylum Center in Pabrade (Lithuania-Belarus); 4. Improvement of Paternieki-Grigorovshchina border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus); 5. Bombel 4 (Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus); 6. Modernization of Silene-Urbany border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus); 7. Construction of an X-ray scanning control system for vehicles at the border crossing point „Urbany” of


Preliminary list of LIPS, proposed for the enrolling to the Programme is presented in Table 2-3.


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Table 2-3. Preliminary list of proposed LIPs to enrol to the Programme Initiating Country

Title of the project Project objectives Project outputs and results

Latvia

Improvement of infrastructure of border crossing point “Paternieki” (the Republic of Latvia) and “Grigorovskina” (the Republic of Belarus)

The overall project is to increase throughput capacity of the border crossing at the Latvian-Belarus state border, to address financial and economic losses of companies caused by inadequate throughput capacity, decrease the safety risks and impact on environment by eliminating the existing bottlenecks and improving basic transport infrastructure of cross border point “Paternieki” and “Grigorovskina” .

The direct goal is to improve basic transport infrastructure of “Paternieki” and “Grigorovskina” border crossing points by enlarging the road section between the cross border points increasing the number of driving lanes in both direction as well as providing new parking facilities for transport vehicles before cross border point “Paternieki”.

The result of the project will be improved basic transport infrastructure of two border crossing points “Paternieki” and “Grigorovskina” resulting in time saving for private car owners, cargo vehicles and persons to cross border in both directions (Belarus- Latvia, Latvia-Belarus), as well as decreased queues on national state road A6 before the border crossing point “Paternieki”. The result will also be seen as an increased throughput capacity of border crossing points to manage increasing transport flows in future in reference to all types of transport. The other result is improved safety conditions for persons having decided to cross the border on foot daily, personnel of inspection services, car and truck drivers. A contribution to decrease in air pollution due to vehicle emissions is expected. The trucks will be parked in the newly erected parking lot before cross border point “Paternieki” instead of queuing on road A6 with their engines switched on, polluting the air, blocking the road and impeding the passage of cars and trucks with privileges to cross the border. In overall the project will bring a considerable benefit to the regional and local economic activity due to improved mobility of persons and goods over Latvia-Belarus border, as well as providing basis for new working places for local inhabitants of Kraslava municipality in the perspective transport terminal and service centre before cross border point “Paternieki”.

The following project outputs are expected:

- (3) technical design projects elaborated; - Reconstructed road section between “Paternieki” and

“Grigorovskina”; - increased number of driving lanes between the cross border

points from 2 to 6; - Improved safety conditions (enlarged scope of illuminated

territory, erected 2 walking passages, fenced area); - Transport flow management system installed (barriers,

billboads, road signs, etc.). - Erected parking lot for transport vehicles with modern

premises with all the necessary service infrastructure (connecting road to A6, communications, electricity, fencing, etc.).


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Initiating Country Title of the project Project objectives Project outputs and results

- Etc.

The exact outputs in reference to infrastructure will be identified after elaboration of technical design projects.

Belarus

Development of Telecommunication Infrastructure at the Belarus-Lithuania Border (BOMBEL-4)

To contribute to the completion of a modern telecommunication network on the Belarus-Lithuania border

Modern telecommunication system along the border with Lithuania is completely established;

Border crossings by persons, vehicles and goods have speeded up due to faster and more reliable transmission of relevant information and its cross check by databases;

More efficient counteraction against trans-border crime and other illegal activities thanks to improved inter-communication among border guards on the ground.

Thus, the proposed intervention will facilitate border crossing while contributing to the establishment of more efficient barrier against trans-border crime.

Latvia

Improvement of infrastructure of border crossing point “Silene” (the Republic of Latvia) and “Urbani” (the Republic of Belarus)

The overall project objective is to increase capacity of the border crossing at the Latvian-Belarus state border, to address financial and economic losses of companies caused by inadequate capacity, lack of appropriate border crossing checkpoint infrastructure of Silene- Urbani border crossing. The direct goal is to eliminate bottlenecks for cars and cargo vehicles passage at Silene – Urbani border crossing by improving basic transport infrastructure to synchronise the capacities between Belarus and Latvia and allow for uninterrupted passage of transport flows when entering/leaving Belarus and Latvia.

The project outputs: - Improved transport infrastructure (increased number of

driving lanes between the cross border points from 2 to 6, reconstructed road passage at the length of ~180- 200 m, the exact length will be specified.

- 2 technical design projects developed. - Improved safety conditions (enlarged scope of illuminated

territory, erected 2 walking passages, fenced area ).

The results of the project will be improved basic transport infrastructure in border crossing checkpoints resulting in time saving for private car owners, cargo vehicles and persons to cross border in both directions (Belarus- Latvia, Latvia-Belarus). The result will also be seen as an increased capacity of border crossing checkpoint to manage ever increasing transport flows in reference to all types of transport. The other result is improved safety conditions for those 40-50 persons having decided to cross the border on foot daily.

Lithuania Modernisation of Medininkai To create infrastructure of high quality, utilizing existing infrastructure of Medininkai BCP and complying with the requirements for EU and

Medininkai border checkpoint adapted to operate, according to vehicle


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border crossing point Lithuania border crossing points and using the experience of other countries.

traffic intensity, going to / from the Republic of Belarus.

Good working conditions for the inspection officers, passengers and drivers traveling over the border. Increased throughput (6100 vehicle / day)

Lithuania Reconstuction and building of Pabradė Foreigners’ Registration Centre

Reconstruction and building of Pabradė Foreigners’ Registration Centre.

− Control pass point, − Dormitories for women with children, for restrained women, − Reception and registration building, − Fenced territory, − Installed video surveillance system, − Reconstructed utilities networks.

Lithuania

Creation of a modern ethno-cultural environment in Vilnius Pranciškus Skorina gymnasium and Lida state secondary school No. 4

To create a permanent operating ethno-cultural, educational, sport-promoting, professional cross-regional exchange system to promote cross-regional cooperation in education, culture and sports.

− Reconstructed building of Vilnius Pranciškus Skorina gymnasium and equipped with modern training facilities, leading to high-quality educational services satisfying social needs and meeting the EU requirements.

− Construction of a new Vilnius Pranciškus Skorina gymnasium sports hall.

− Upgrade of The material basis necessary for training. − Necessary facilities and equipment acquired − Reconstructed Lida state secondary school No. 4 conference hall,

sports hall and classrooms equipped with modern equipment for teaching chemistry and physics.

− Equipment needed for Lida state secondary school physics and chemistry classrooms acquired.

− 4 cultural camps to exchange experiences organised (2 Lithuania 2 Belarus).

− 4 sports events arranged.2 cultural events (in order to share information on historical and cultural traditions ) and two seminars (in Lithuania and Belarus) arranged

Belarus

Construction of an X-ray scanning control system for vehicles at the border crossing point „Urbany” of Vitebsk Custom House

The main objective of the project is to protect economic interests of the Republic of Belarus. Implementation of this project will allow accomplishing cross-border development by introducing the new technology of non-intrusive customs inspection of vehicles at “Urbany” BCP. It is planned to create an inspection and scanning set, which includes an X-ray scanning system and protective structure for it, prepare experts to work with the scanning equipment, arrange expedited inspection of cargo transport.

Putting the X-ray scanning system into operation will lead to:

− a reduction in the losses of cargo transporters from Belarus and EU countries (including Latvia) incurred in connection with traffic delays;

− increasing traffic through the territory of Belarusian and Latvian parts of the region, which could eventually bring benefit to entrepreneurs in the area;

− improvement of traffic safety;


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It will make it possible to carry out the main tasks of the project (to raise the effectiveness of border crossing procedures, to increase the border security), and will have a positive impact on the level of social and economic integration in the region.

Time for border crossing will be reduced, modern technologies of customs control will be implemented, effective solutions for the prevention and fight against organized crime and smuggling will be created through common tasks. The project complies with goals and objectives of the National Programme for International Technical Cooperation for 2012-2016, approved by a Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated 04.05.2012 № 411, as well as of the Comprehensive Programme, in frames of which the reconstruction and technical equipment of “Urbany” BCP is being performed.

− prevention of the importation and exportation of smuggled goods.


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2.5 Contribution to other strategies, international and national environmental objectives

This Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) Programme is financed by the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), created to support the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The CBC has three strategic objectives:

− promote economic and social development in regions on both sides of common borders; − address common challenges in environment, public health, safety and security; − promote better conditions and modalities for facilitating the mobility of persons, goods and capital.

The main objective of the ENI programmes is to contribute to the development of a special relationship with neighbouring countries, with the aim of establishing an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation as it is stated in Article 8 of the Treaty on European Union.

The macro-regional strategy connected to the LV-LT-BY ENI CBC Programme is the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) adopted by the European Council in 2009. It is the first macro-regional strategy in Europe, aiming at reinforcing cooperation within the large region in order to face four key challenges. These include increasing the levels of environmental sustainability, prosperity, accessibility and attractiveness, and safety and security in the region. While increasing prosperity foresees “EUSBSR as a frontrunner for deepening and fulfilling the single market”, “EUSBSR contributing to the implementation of Europe 2020 Strategy”, “Improved global competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region”, as well as “Climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management”.

In the previous programming period The Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus Cross Border Cooperation Programme within the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument succeeds the Baltic Sea Region INTERREG IIIB Neighbourhood Programme Priority South IIIA programme for the period of 2007-2013.

The EU strategy Europe 2020 issued in 2010 puts forward three mutually reinforcing priorities – smart growth, sustainable growth and inclusive growth - including the EU headline targets. These targets are interrelated and critical to overall success. The targets are representative of the three priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth but they are not exhaustive.

The Europe 2020 strategy is not only relevant inside the EU, it can also offer considerable potential to candidate countries and our neighbourhood and better help anchor their own reform efforts. Expanding the area where EU rules are applied, will create new opportunities for both the EU and its neighbours.

In relation to the Programme and Europe 2020, cooperation among Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus in organising joint cultural activities and various regional exchanges across the border might contribute to the reduction of social exclusion, strengthen communities and sustain the vitality of rural communities which are the goals emphasized in Europe 2020. It also enables building of social capital – a factor of exceptional importance for strengthening the region’s competitiveness.

The main documents of the EU policy for sustainable development – Europe 2020 and Sustainable Development Strategy – stress commitment to the development of economic, social and environmental policies in a mutually reinforcing way. ENI Regulation distinguishes climate change as one of the great challenges which the Union faces and emphasizes the need for international action in fighting it.


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Fig. 2-2. Europe 2020 priorities (Source: EUROPE 2020. A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Brussels,

3.3.2010 COM(2010) 2020 final)

Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030. The objective of Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030 is to save the originality of Latvia - the diverse natural and cultural heritage, typical and unique landscapes. The Programme address one of thematic objectives – promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage.

Lithuania’s Progress Strategy “Lithuania 2030” also recognizes the need to take care about the environment that is seen as a basis for successful development across all economic sectors. One of the Lithuania’s Progress Strategy’s “Lithuania 2030” priorities for development is a “smart society“- a society that is happy, seeks better economic and personal security, better social inclusion and better involvement in community life. One of strategic goal defined for the Programme - to strengthen relations, raise capacities and share experience among people and organisations from Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus through the implementation of joined actions aimed at increase of overall quality of life in the border region.

Table 2-4. Environmental objectives6

Environmental topic

Environmental Objective Country

Air quality and climate change

− To reduce the harmful effects of global climate change by implementing the requirements laid down by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the regulations of the European Union.

− To take measures with a view to jointly reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, especially CO2.

− To ensure compliance with air quality standards, especially in the bigger towns and companies.

− To reduce air pollution and noise caused by transport. − To develop environmental friendly means

Latvia

− To achieve a much slower increase of the amounts of greenhouse gas emissions into the air than the increase in production and services.

− To promote the use of renewable energy resources in the energy and transport sectors, constantly increasing them so

Lithuania

6 Strategic Environmental Assessment report of the ENPI Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus CBC Programme

EUROPE 2020: PRIORITIES

SMART GROWTH

INNOVATION "Innovation Union"

EDUCATION "Youth on the move"

DIGITAL SOCIETY "A digital agenda for

Europe"

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

CLIMATE, ENERGY AND MOBILITY "Resource efficient

Europe"

COMPETITIVENESS "An industrial policy for the globalisation era"

INCLUSIVE GROWTH

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS "An agenda for new skills

and jobs"

FIGHTING POVERTY "European platform

against poverty"


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that they make up not less than 15% of the total primary energy balance by 2020.

− To ensure air quality corresponding to EU requirements over the whole territory of the country.

− To improve the legal basis and implement other related issues foreseen in the Kyoto protocol.

− To upgrade a network for monitoring the ozone layer and other related parameters.

− To extend a network for monitoring up-to-date climate change indicators.

− To develop and implement approaches for adaptation of economic activities to climate change.

− To improve the risk assessment system. − To improve the system for outdoor air quality assessment. − To develop and introduce measures to protect outdoor air

from pollution from mobile sources. − To improve ecological policy and form flexible economical

promotion system in the field of air protection. − To reduce pollution emissions by using new technologies

and possibilities. − To increase the ecological safety of transport and renew and

modernize the modes of transport.

Belarus

Biodiversity

− To preserve and restore the diversity of ecosystems and their natural structures.

− To preserve and promote the diversity of local wild species. Latvia

Long term: − To preserve landscape and biological diversity, nature and

cultural heritage values, promote the restoration of damaged natural elements, and ensure the rational use of landscapes and biological diversity.

Mid term: − To establish a modern system for the protection and use of

landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage in line with national interests and EU requirements.

Lithuania

− To improve legislation on the protection of biological and landscape diversity correspondingly to the contemporary international requirements.

− To improve management of hunting grounds and fishery zones.

− To rehabilitate the damage done to the environment. − To define the list of priority species requiring protection and

define and implement measures to protect them and their habitats.

− To preserve and rationally use resources of biological and landscape diversity.

− To ensure development of national and trans-border ecological networks.

− To form the national ecological network and set up landscapes of national and European importance.

Belarus

Water

− To improve the quality of ground and surface waters, to prevent their further pollution and to gradually reduce the level of pollution.

− To improve international cooperation with respect to trans-boundary river basins, in order to ensure the joint use of water resources and to reduce the pollution arriving in Latvia.

− To reduce the chemical pollution of the Baltic Sea and to

Latvia


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provide for the fulfilment of international obligations undertaken by Latvia.

− To promote a sustainable and rational use of water, with particular attention paid to the preservation of ground water resources and lakes and water bodies threatened by eutrophication (excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients, resulting in the growth of organisms and the depletion of oxygen).

− To protect water ecosystems and water-dependent terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands.

− To provide for protection against floods and drought. − To provide for the compliance of potable water to quality

standards. Long term

− To establish a modern decentralized river basin water resource management system, enabling the supply of healthy drinking water meeting EU requirements to all inhabitants of the country. Securing the effective protection of water bodies and water ecosystems, the rational use of water resources, the high recreation potential, and the diversity of water ecosystems and their biological productivity.

Mid-term − To fulfil the EU’s requirements on water consumption and

protection, and secure the economic efficiency of the water sector.

Lithuania

− To improve legislation and economical mechanisms for the rational use of water resources.

− To establish new technological standards in the use of water resources by and supply of water resources to industrial organisations.

− To reduce wastewaters, which do not meet standards, by reconstructing existing facilities or constructing new facilities that employ modern technologies.

− To improve the technical state of wastewater cleaning equipment in rural areas.

− To improve the technological systems for the handling of wastewater, and the waste from large enterprises and animal husbandry.

− To introduce protected water areas and coastal zone protection projects.

− To develop a system to monitor environmentally important lakes.

Belarus


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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRITORIES THAT CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED

The eligible area of the Programme includes 11 territorial units of the three following countries - Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. These include 2 regions in Latvia – Latgale and Zemgale, 5 counties in Lithuania - Utena, Vilnius, Alytus, Panevezys and Kaunas, 5 regions in Belarus - Grodno, Vitebsk, Minsk, Mogilev and the capital city of Belarus - Minsk. Belarusian territorial units constitute the largest share of the eligible area of the Programme. Totally the Programme area (with adjoining regions) covers a territory of 198.221 km2

This chapter includes information about the protected areas, Natura 2000 territories, cultural heritage, soil description, water resources and other relevant information regarding the territories that can be significantly affected.

3.1 Republic of Latvia

The Programme area covers two regions of Latvia – Zemgale planning region and Latgale planning region, totally 25.289 km2.

Protected areas and Natura 2000 areas

Important step in the improvement of protection of biological diversity, endangered species and habitats was the establishment of pan-European network of Natura 2000 sites; in Latvia sites cover about 12% of the total countries' area.

As of June 1, 2014 there are 682 specially protected nature territories established in Latvia covering 11,5% from the country’s terrestrial territory. In 2004 when Latvia joined the European Union, network of protected areas of the EU importance Natura 2000 sites was designated in Latvia. As a basis for Natura 2000 network the existing national system of specially protected territories was used and amended. Therefore the total number of national specially protected territories increased from 576 (as of 2003) to 674 (as of 2009), 333 sites out of them being designated or classified as Natura 2000 sites7. Protected areas and Natura 2000 areas map within Programme territory and protected areas in Latgale and Zemgale planning regions are provided in Annex 1.

The Latgale region, crossed by the largest Latvian river Daugava, comprises of four areas of protected landscapes (Augszemes, Augsdaugavas, Nicgalu mezi, Kaucers), 75 protected nature areas (almost 12 % of such areas in Latvia) with special protection regimes and limited economic activity (one of the largest is Razna Nature Park).

Specially protected nature territories in Latvia are geographically determined areas, which are under specific protective status of the State for the purpose of protection and preservation of the diversity of nature - rare and typical natural ecosystems, protected species habitats, singular, beautiful landscapes characteristic for Latvia, geological and geomorphological formations, dendrological plantings and noble trees. Major areas of public recreation and education also can be under this protective status.

There are many species that are endangered in Europe but can be explored in Latvia and Latgale: the black stork (Ciconia nigra), the lesser-spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), the woodpecker (Picoides lucotos), the wolf (Canis lupus), the beaver (Costa fiber), etc.

UNESCO heritage object Meanders of the Upper Daugava is located in Augsdaugavas protected landscape area. The Upper Daugava valley with nine unique meanders (98 km from Piedruja to Daugavpils) is a depositary of outstanding values of nature, biodiversity and landscapes reflecting also historical and cultural significance. This object represents a mixed - natural and cultural - world heritage value. In 2004 Augsdaugavas was included in the European Union NATURA 2000 list, covering 52.325 ha of high biodiversity values and luxurious boreal type landscapes.

7 5th National report to the convention on biological diversity, 2014


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The list of protected areas in Zemgale region is provided in Annex 1. The region is rich with nature parks and Nature reserves; also region covers part of Teicu nature reserve8.

The high soil fertility and relatively unpolluted agricultural and natural areas are significant advantages of Zemgale, which defines the potential for agricultural development and specialisation. Forests cover about 40% of the territory in Zemgale. Taking into consideration the existing forest resources it is a great possibility to develop woodworking successfully.

Forests cover about 40% of the territory in Zemgale. Taking into consideration the existing forest resources there is a great possibility to develop forestry successfully. Two major Latvian rivers - Daugava and Lielupe cross Zemgale. Water resource stocks are sufficient both for economic activities and human consumption. Ground water is mainly used for water supply.

Water bodies in Southern Latvia (Zemgale)

Several of Latvia’s rivers cross Zemgale - the Daugava, Lielupe, Mūsa and Mēmele. The Daugava river is one of the 10 largest rivers of the Baltic Sea catchment area, crossing the territories of three countries: Russia, Byelorussia and Latvia. The Velikaya River basin is comprised of major tributary basins: Veda, Kukova, Ritupe, Ludza, Zilupe and Kudupe. These rivers, flowing eastwards and northeastwards cross the border of Latvia and join the river Velikaya in the territory of Russia. The river Velikaya falls into the southern part of the Finnish Gulf on the Baltic Sea through Lake Peipsi and forms the large river basin of Narva, i.e. one of the largest river basins of the Baltic eastern offshore. The Daugava River Basin District covers 27 000 km2 or 42 % of the total area of Latvia.9

Lielupe -Zemgale largest river, the second most important river in Latvian and major navigable river. Since the Lielupe river basin is the transboundary basin shared between Latvia and Lithuania, two separate management plans were developed.10

Mēmele is a river in northernLithuania and southern Latvia. It originates 75 km in Lithuania, 76 km on the Latvia–Lithuania border and 40km in Latvia before its confluence with the Mūša, near Bauska, forming the Lielupe.

Water bodies in Latgale

For its hilly relief and the great quantity of lakes it homes Latgale has traditionally been regarded as the land of blue lakes. In the region there are 972 lakes and water reservoirs, of which 72 have an area of over 100 ha and 351 8 http://www.daba.gov.lv/public/lat/iadt/dabas_rezervati/teicu_dabas_rezervats/ 9 Daugava river basin district management plan. 2003. http://www.vattenresurs.se/Daugavas%20Projekts%20report.pdf 10 Main facts about Lielupe river basin. 2015. http://lielupe.balticrivers.eu/en/environmental-specialists

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Lithuania&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Latvia&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Latvia%E2%80%93Lithuania%20border&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Latvia%E2%80%93Lithuania%20border&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Confluence%20(geography)&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=M%C5%AB%C5%A1a&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Bauska&item_type=topic

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Lielupe&item_type=topic

http://www.vattenresurs.se/Daugavas%20Projekts%20report.pdf

http://lielupe.balticrivers.eu/en/environmental-specialists


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water bodies with the total area between 10 and 100 ha. The total number of lakes in Latvia is 2256, which makes Latgale the region richest in lakes. Most of the lakes are eutrophic with high productivity. Latgale is also home to Latvia’s two largest lakes - Rāzna (82 sq.km) and Lubāns (57.6 sq.km).

The rivers of Latgale region belong to Daugava and Velikaya river basins. The longest rivers are: Daugava, Dubna, Rēzekne, Malta and other. From ancient times the small rivers of Latgale have had a significant culturally historical and economic significance.11

Soil. The most widespread soils in Latvia are light to moderate sandy clays with low natural fertility. Only 6.9 percent of soils consist of productive luvisols (Zemgale). Both mineral and organic fertilizers are essential to maintain productivity and soil fertility. There are considerable peat, clay, dolomite, rock gypsum, limestone, gravel and sand extraction places in Zemgale, a total of 156 mineral extraction places within the territory12.

The bitty geological structure and founding conditions have led to different mineral resources. Latgale has the biggest clay and dolomite deposits of Devon times. There are peat resources in the flat parts of the region. The sand and gravel resources are located in the highlands. There are a variety of problem areas regarding the protected nature areas, including insufficient exploration and research of the areas and their resources.

Cultural heritage. There are 8'519 cultural monuments registered in Latvia. Monuments by class and type are presented in Table 3-1, Table 3-2, Table 3-3.

Table 3-1. Breakdown of monuments by class Class Number % Architectural Monuments 3395 40

Art Monuments 2455 29

Urban Development monuments 45 0.05

Historical monuments 113 1

Archaeological Monuments 2494 30

Industrial Monuments 8 0.05

Table 3-2. Breakdown of monuments by type Type Number %

Immovable cultural monuments 7118 83.7

Movable cultural monuments 1401 16.3

Table 3-3. Most common immovable monuments13 Type Number

Castle mounds 474

Ancient burials 1233

Medieval castles or ruins 76

Manors 142

Lutheran churches 136

Catholic churches 65

Orthodox churches 36

Homes of prominent people 29

11 Latvian Regions development portal. http://www.latreg.lv/pub/default.php?lapa=81&oid=81 12 http://portal.uni-freiburg.de/silva-network/content/publications/Silva_Publications_2000_FCSE_PartII_Country-Reports.pdf 13 http://www.mantojums.lv/?cat=710&lang=en

http://www.latreg.lv/pub/default.php?lapa=81&oid=81


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3.2 Republic of Lithuania

Programme covers 5 counties in Lithuania – Utena, Vilnius, Alytus, Panevezys and Kaunas, totally 38.327 km2.

Soil. A large variety of subsoils are found in the planned area of the Programme, but light and medium loam Albeluvisol with separate areas of sandy Arenosols dominates in a larger part of the area. Fluvisol occurs in the valleys of the rivers. Light and medium loam wash-off locates in the eastern part of the territory14.

Regarding the national classification (Lithuanian hygiene norm HN 60:2004 (Žn. Nr. 41-1357), most of the soils are classified as medium resistant (loam) and resistant (sand and loam) to chemical pollution.

Subsoil: geological - geomorphological structure15. By geomorphological structure, the North part of the Programme area goes through glacial, glaciofluvial and moraine plains.

Moraine uplands of post-glacial valleys dominate in the West part around the Utena region. And moraine uplands, glacial plateau, with incidents of post-glacial and current valleys dominate in the West part around the Vilnius region.

The southern part of the Programme in Lithuania goes through moraine heights, glacial plateau, bias moraine heights, continental dunes and hills.

Mineral resources16. Alytus county - mineral water. Kaunas County - sand, gravel, mineral water. Panevezys County – peat, limestone, dolomite, clay. Utena - peat, dolomite, quartz sand. Vilnius County - sand, gravel.

Water sources17. Sub-basins of Lielupė small tributaries of Mūša, Dubysa, Nevėžis, Nemunėlis, Šventoji, Dauguva, Žeimena rivers, Neris, Nemunėlis small tributaries Merkys in the Programme area.

The main surface water bodies in the territory are Mūša River, Nevėžis river, Dubysa river, Nemunas river, Neris river, Merkys river, Žeimena river, Šventoji river, Nemunėlis rivers and other.

Utena region is important because of its lakes, of which there are over 1277 in the region. Other regions (Alytus, Kaunas, Panevėžys and Vilnius) have a wide network of the lakes as well. The main lakes are presented in Table 3-4.

Table 3-4. The main lakes in the regions of Lithuania Region Main lakes Alytus Dusia, Metelys, Žuvintas, Didžiulis, Obelija, Simno and Gilutis.

Kaunas Kalvių, Vaišvydavos karjeras, Lappėdis, Aukštieji kapliai, Angirių water reservoir, Paupio tvenkinys, Kaulakių water reservoir, Kauno marios and other.

Panevėžys Viešintas, Pukiškio, Širvėnos, Ruoliškio, Kilučių, Papilio, Dumblio, Skaistės, Ęedaso, Vyžuonos, Ešerinio, Mituvos, Sausos, Juostino and other.

Utena Alaušas, Aknystėlis, Alksnas, Apšlavas, Balčių, Baltys, Bareišių, Bedugnis, Dauniškis, Dubelis, Ilgis, Indrajai, Juodlankiai, Kuojinis, Lydekis, Liminėlis, Minčia, Miškinis, Alaušai, Alnis, Baltys, Gilužis, Juodis, Jaurys, and others.

Vilnius Kernavas, Poškonių water reservoir, Šalčininkų water reservoir, Elektrėnų marios, Akmenos, Totoriškų, Skaisčio, Bitiškių, Monaičio, Neisčiūnų, Drabužis, Spindžius, Vievio, Ilgės, Aujėdos, Gavieko, Gackų and others.

Protected areas18.

Protected areas and Natura 2000 areas map within Programme territory is provided in Annex 1.

14 www.lgt.lt 15 www.lgt.lt 16 www.lgt.lt 17 Gamtos katalogas (Catalog of the Nature), http://ezerai.vilnius21.lt/ 18 www.vstt.lt


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Protected areas occupy 594,316.13 ha, thereafter 779,370.57 ha occupied by Natura 2000, in total - 3822700 ha (Table 3-5, Table 3-6). The map of protected areas is presented in Annex 1.

Protected areas including the Natura 2000 territories which occupy about 15,5 % of the Programme area in Lithuania (Table 3-5).

Table 3-5. Protected areas

Region Region

area (ha)

Strict nature

reserves Reserves Monuments

Regional parks

Biosfere poligons

Nacional parks

Area of protected teritories

(ha)

Number of

Protected areas

(units) Vilniaus region

973100 245,85 34181,86 71,36 64937,45 43824,4 10022,58 153283,5 160

Kaunas region

808900 119,52 15664,28 215,55 45026,14 35630,81 - 96656,3 140

Alytus region

542500 15172,52 10804,08 272,89 27703,85 2122,37 55963,41 112039,12 135

Utena region

710100 - 9846,27 75,75 83307,96 22693,2 31033,14 146956,32 114

Panevėžys region

788100 - 12327,07 2,15 32287,67 40764,0 - 85380,89 81

Total 3822700 15537,89 82823,56 637,7 253263,07 145034,78 97019,13 594316,13 630

Table 3-6. NATURA 2000

Region Region area (ha) Area of Natura 2000 territories (ha)

Number of Natura 2000 territories

Vilniaus region 973100 184511,23 134

Kaunas region 808900 73653,25 103

Alytus region 542500 183752,61 60

Utena region 710100 214769,76 82

Panevėžys region 788100 122683,72 54

Total 3822700 779370,57 433

Cultural heritage19

The Programme area is rich in cultural heritage. The amounts of cultural heritage objects in the regions are the following:

− Cultural heritage objects in Alytus region amount ~ 1178; − Cultural heritage objects in Kaunas region amount ~ 3886; − Cultural heritage objects in Vilnius region amount ~ 5220; − Cultural heritage objects in Panevėžys region amount ~ 1967; − Cultural heritage objects in Utena region amount ~ 2053.

The protected areas of international importance within the Programme area of Lithuania are the UNESCO World heritage (Vilnius historic centre, Kernave vicinities, Zuvintas biosphere reserve), RAMSAR sites (Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve, Cepkeliai strict nature reserve (Cepkeliai mire), Girutiskis bog, Adutiskis-Svyla-Birveta wetland complex), PAN park – Cepkeliai strict nature reserve and Dzukija National Park.

19 http://kvr.kpd.lt/heritage/


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3.3 Republic of Belarus

Programme covers 5 regions in Belarus – Grodno, Vitebsk, Minsk, Mogilev and the capital city of Belarus – Minsk, 134.605 km2 in Belarus.

Specially protected natural areas of the Republic of Belarus20

Natural complexes and ecological systems occupy 11,891.6 thousand ha, or 57.3 percent of the territory of the country (20,759.8 thousand ha). These are forest areas and areas covered with hardy-shrub species (9064.8 thousand ha – 43.6 percent), natural meadow areas (1029.9 thousand ha – 5 percent), marshy areas (889.6 thousand ha – 4.3 percent), areas with water bodies (470.2 thousand ha – 2.3 percent) and territories with lands that are not utilized (437.1 thousand ha – 2.1 per cent).

Protected areas within Programme territory map is provided in Annex 1.

In Belarus is a steady tendency of an increase in forest areas, the average forest age is 51.5 years.

The territory of the Republic of Belarus belongs to two geo-botanical regions which are Eurasian coniferous forest (taiga) and European broad-leaved forest.

Among all the ecological systems the following ones are of special importance for biological diversity: broad-leaved, broad-leaved and spruce and sticky alder forest humidified or seasonally inundated meadows, lowland and upland swamps, lakes, as well as ecosystems of river valleys and beds.

The territory of the country may be subdivided into 5 landscape provinces and 55 landscape zones. The most valuable landscape types are the following ones, which are rare in Europe: swamps (4.3 percent of the territory of the country); inundated territories (4.2 percent); forests (2.3 percent); kame, moraine and lake complexes (1.3 percent).

The flora is represented by 12,000 species (2,100 species of higher plants and over 9,000 species of lower plants (water grass, lichen) and mushrooms. During the recent century the Belarusian territory has lost about 70 indigenous species of wild plants.

The fauna is represented by 472 species of vertebrate animals and over 30,000 species of invertebrate animals. The ichthyofauna is represented by 63 species, including 3 species of lampreys and 60 species of fish with 46 of them being indigenous ones. There are 13 species of amphibians including 2 species of efts and 11 species of the tailless (toads, frogs etc.). There are 7 species of reptiles: 1 species of turtles, 3 species of lizards and 3 – of snakes. Mammals are represented by 6 orders: insectivore – 10 species, bats – 15, predaceous – 16, lagomorphs – 2, gnawing animals – 24, artiodactyle – 6. Three hundred sixteen species of birds have been registered with 227 of them nesting.

Data from 2013 suggests that specially protected natural areas make up 7,8% of the total land area of the country regions.

The main characteristics of specially protected natural areas of the Republic of Belarus, specially protected natural areas by analysed regions, reserves of local importance and Natural monuments in land area and units are presented in Annex 1.

There are five National Parks in Belarus, protected by the State. They have been recognised and are supported by UNESCO.

Wetlands. Belarus presently has 16 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 614,708 hectares. A list of protected Wetlands in analysed regions is presented in Annex 1.

Water resources. Belarus has around 20,800 rivers, 10,800 lakes, 153 water reservoirs and 1,500 ponds. The total length of rivers is 90,600 km; rivers of the Black Sea (Dnieper, Sozh, Pripyat) and Baltic Sea (Western Dvina, Neman, Vilia, Western Boug) basins collect on average 55% and 45% of the accumulated river runoff, respectively. Main characteristics of the largest rivers are presented in Annex 1.

20 STRATEGY on conservation and sustainable utilization of biological diversity for 2011-2020 STRATEGY on conservation and sustainable utilization of biological diversity for 2011-2020

http://www.minpriroda.gov.by/dfiles/000626_393755_bioraznoobr1_entranslater.rtf




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There are 153 water reservoirs in Belarus with the total volume of 3.1 km3 and effective storage of 1.24 km3. Their water resources are primarily intended for irrigation and the water supply of big cities (Vileika and Soligorsk Reservoirs); they also serve as coolers for power plants (lakes of Beloe and Lukomlskoe)21 (Annex 1). Main characteristics of the largest lakes are presented in Annex 1,

Cultural heritage. In October 1988, Belarus joined the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted by UNESCO in 1972. Today 4 Belarusian sites have been already included into the UNESCO World Heritage List22:

− Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (a natural heritage object), a unique European forest reserve protected since the 14th century;

− the Mir Castle Complex, which was built in the beginning of the 16th century. The successful blend of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture makes Mir Castle one of Europe’s most impressive castles.

− The Nesvizh Palace used to be the residence of the Radziwills, one of the richest dynasties in Europe. Today the National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Nesvizh, a wonderful restored castle, is a landmark of Belarus.

− The Struve Arc, a world famous geodetic construction, is a chain of 265 points in 10 countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. According to the historical data, there were 34 geodesic points in Belarus, and only 20 have survived. Five of them, with special plaques, have been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In general the Programme area is rich in natural and cultural heritage and has high value for the social development and collaboration. Indeed, regarding the strategic goal defined for the Programme, this overall goal encompasses objectives to contribute to the positive changes in specific fields including social, educational, health care, environmental, tourism, safety and security sectors. The Programme aims to facilitate two-fold improvement.

Regarding the protected areas and other environmental aspects, the significant negative effects implementing the Programme are doubtful. But during the SEA process special attention was given to LIP related areas. Detailed information about the areas with potential significant effects is presented in the SEA report.

3.4 Existing environmental issues in the Programme area

The Programme territory is rich with natural regions, which have rich biodiversity. The territory can be described as comparably with the good biological diversity situation and clean environment. Nevertheless intensive agriculture and development of territories still have negative impact on biodiversity and natural resources, especially intensive cutting of forests, drainage of swamps increased recreational intensity, the development of transport networks, intensive hunting of wild beasts, air and water pollution. Such a situation requires the protection and renewal of biodiversity at the local, national and European levels. Considering the increasing trends of demand for infrastructure improvements, food and energy, the biological diversity has significantly decreased in the last two centuries in whole European region23. The main problems related to biodiversity in Lithuania are similar - there are risks associated with the development of agriculture, forestry, tourism, urbanization and infrastructure. Especially sensitive to external influences are wetland ecosystems, which were under significant negative pressure during the last decades of 20th century24.

Emissions of the main air pollutants in Europe declined in the period 2002–2011. This resulted in improved air quality across the region — at least with respect to certain pollutants. Certain individual sectors have seen emissions of some pollutants increase during this period. For example, PM emissions from fuel combustion in the commercial, institutional and household sector, has increased by around 7 % since 200225. In Latvia and Lithuania in general and thus also in the Programme regions as compared to the other more densely populated and highly

21 http://www.climateadaptation.eu/belarus/fresh-water-resources/ 22 http://www.belarus.by/en/travel/heritage 23 Assessing biodiversity in Europe- the 2010 report, EEA report; No 5/2020 24 www.vstt.lt 25 Air quality in Europe-2013 report, EEA report no 9/2013

http://www.belarus.by/en/travel/belarus-life/belovezhskaya-pushcha

http://www.belarus.by/en/travel/belarus-life/mir-castle

http://www.belarus.by/en/press-center/press-release/mir-castle-on-british-magazines-list-of-most-beautiful-castles-in-europe_i_4812.html

http://www.belarus.by/en/about-belarus/did-you-know#0000000076

http://www.vstt.lt/


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industrialized European countries air quality is much less polluted. In Lithuania and Latvia Programme area the tendency of pollution decrease has been noticed. Especially SO2 in Lithuania during the last ten years, this is related with industry development decrease26. Particulate matters (PM) concentrations limited values in ambient air are often exceeded in bigger towns and cities in Programme area – Vilnius, Kaunas. This is due district heating emissions in cold season, as well as due to transport emissions. In spite of the fact that air quality in the cities of Belarus has improved in the last decade, air pollution issues remains among the key problems of the urban environment. It takes all possible measures to fulfil its international obligations, and its legislation, nd regulatory and methodological provisions for the prevention and reduction of air pollution are constantly improving.

According to the European Environment Agency - 51 % of surface water bodies in Latvia and Lithuania are currently considered to be of high or good ecological quality. The main cause of inadequate surface water quality is eutrophication due to pollution from point and diffuse sources, morphological changes in rivers and an influx of biogens from neighbouring countries via transboundary watercourses.27

According to the Daugava river basin district management plan - the most significant impacts of human activity are characterized by nutrient load from agriculture, point source pollution load, water abstraction for household and industrial needs and regulation of water flow. Significant transboundary transport of nutrients in the River Daugava – about 50 % - comes upstream from Byelorussia and Russia. How much of the transboundary transport that has anthropogenic origin is not known.

Comparing to the other river basins in Latvia and Lithuania, the water quality of the Lielupe has been assessed as being the worst - agricultural pollution is one of the major sources of pollution with nutrients (N and P) in Lielupe river basin, determining increase of eutrophication and other resulting consequences.28

In general, the nitrogen concentration in rivers is increasing slightly, there is no common trend for the annual average phosphorus concentration in rivers, it varies between rivers and depends on the different socioeconomic, climatic and hydrological conditions in each river basin district. The concentration of oxygen-consuming substances in rivers is low and this generally indicates good water quality.

3.5 Likely evolution thereof without the implementation of the Programme The overall objective of the Programme is to strengthen relations between partners in Lithuania, Latvia and Belarus by promoting exchange of experience and carry out joint actions in order to increase overall quality of life in the border region. Without programme implementation the region will not be strengthen the region will be less attractive in terms of quality of life.

26 Aplinkos būklė 2013, AAA 27 European Environment Agency: Freshwater - State and impacts http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer/countries/lv/freshwater-state-and-impacts-latvia 28 Grande Rio. http://lielupe.balticrivers.eu/en/environmental-specialists


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4 LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Approach and methodology

The methodology was established in the SEA scoping report. The environmental assessment was carried out considering 8 environmental aspects:

- Biodiversity, fauna and flora; - Population and human health; - Soil; - Water; - Air and climatic factors; - Material Assets; - Cultural heritage; - Landscape.

All of them have been investigated by using impact factor and potential positive or negative impact by the Programme.

Evaluation methods used in SEA are the following:

- geographic information system (GIS) data; - matrix of affects and qualitative assessment; - experts evaluation with the goal to determine the effect significance; - relevant literature review and other sources, using the parallel effects of the investigated solutions

already evaluated.

The range of criteria for determining the likely significance of effects of the Programme includes the following:

1. The characteristics of plans and programmes, having regard, in particular, to

− the degree to which the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources,

− the degree to which the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy,

− the relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development,

− environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme, − the relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the

environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to waste-management or water protection).

2. Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, in particular considering:

− the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects, − the cumulative nature of the effects, − the trans-boundary nature of the effects, − the risks to human health or the environment (e. g. due to accidents), − the magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be

affected), − the value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to:

− special natural characteristics or cultural heritage, − exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values, − intensive land-use,

− the effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, Community or international protection status.

After the investigation of the Programme, the detailed impact factors and possible criteria for the monitoring regarding the environmental aspects have been summarised and are presented in table below.


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Table 4-1. Impact factors and possible criteria for monitoring Environmental

aspects Impact factors Possible criteria for monitoring

Biodiversity, fauna and flora

Degree of impact on extent, conservation status and connectivity of protected areas Degree of impact on protected species Degree of impact on ability to generate ecosystem services

Developments in number and size of protected areas Developments in conservation status of protected areas Developments in share of protected areas covered by a management plan Developments in coherence and connectivity of protected areas Developments in indicators on protected species Developments in generated ecosystem service benefits

Population and human health

Degree of impact on risk of flood in living areas Degree of impact on quality of life by deferent aspects

Developments in quality of life

Soil Degree of impact on soil quality Developments in soil quality indicators

Water Degree of impact on water quality of marine and inland waters

Developments in water quality indicators

Air and climatic factors

Degree of impact on air quality Degree of change in CO2 emissions

Developments in air quality indicators Developments in CO2 emissions

Material Assets Degree of impact on resource use Degree of impact on consumption patterns towards increased use of environmentally friendly and renewable resources

Developments in resource use and consumption patterns

Cultural heritage

Degree of impact on cultural heritage sites or events Numbers of cultural heritage sites Developments in state of conservation of heritage sites

Landscape Degree of impact on land form, land use and land cover

Developments in indicators on land form, land use and land cover

The qualitative assessment of the environmental aspects has been conducted according to the following potential impact categories:

- negative contributions; 0 neutral or negligible (e.g. extreme indirect) contributions; + positive contributions; +/- negative (or positive) impacts are possible depending on the details of activities.

Used main data sources: material/information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, methodologies and guidelines containing EU publications, databases, archival, primary and secondary information, as well as Previous Programme (2007-2013) and its SEA Environmental Report; available environmental database information; other available sources of information on the environmental components and relevant situation about the Programme regions were used.

The SEA report presents the result of the Programme investigation and SEA, including the effects significance on certain environmental aspects. The variety of effects include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.

4.2 Summarised Results of Strategic Environmental Assessment

The Programme proposes the priorities for the funded activities, which in general includes the development of infrastructure or/and acquisition of equipment and shall encompass soft measures like events, training or joint marketing. The programme proposes the list of the LIP that are investigated and assessed separately.

Each Priority under the four Thematic Objectives is assessed regarding to the relevant environmental aspects according to impact factors.


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TO1: Promotion of social inclusion and fight against poverty

Priority 1.1. “Enhancing the access to social and other services for vulnerable groups”

The aim of the priority is to emergence of alternative social and other service providers (including NGOs and local organisations) cooperating with cross-border partners and, thus, increased diversification of service providers, increased availability and wider variety of social and other services for vulnerable groups, including higher availability of non-residential social services, increased capacities and gains in experience of NGOs operating in the Programme area, reduction of social exclusion and increase in the quality of life (encompassing various dimensions of human’s well-being, e. g. health, physical rights, leisure, social interactions, etc.) of residents of the Programme area. There are no large infrastructure projects planned regarding the priority.

Actions to be supported under this priority shall directly increase accessibility to basic social and other services for vulnerable groups in the Programme area. The direct environmental effects of such activities are assessed as insignificant. Enhancing the access and foreseen advantages in increase in the quality of life could potentially have indirect environmental effects.

Table 4-2. Assessment matrix of the priority 1.1.

Environmental aspects



Soil Water Air and climatic factors

Material Assets

Cultural heritage

Landscape

Potential impact 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0

Priority 1.2. “Stimulating employment through entrepreneurship and innovations”

The expected result of the priority is increased interaction and resource sharing between educational institutions (schools, universities, vocational training institutions), business support institutions and local labour market (entrepreneurs), increased cooperation and efforts of actors operating in the field of employment from the participating countries, introduction of alternative approaches to the solution of unemployment problem (particularly at specific age), improved system of vocational and professional training in conformity with the labour market needs, increased entrepreneurial skills, enhanced human capital and employability of the youth and pre-retirement age people, and, consequently, decreased unemployment. There are no large infrastructure projects planned by the priority.

The supported actions are based to a large extent on process designs (i.e. governance structures, incentive and funding schemes, networking arrangements) and the direct environmental effects of such activities are assessed as insignificant.






Material Assets

Cultural heritage

Landscape


TO2: Support to local and regional good governance

Priority 2.1. “Increasing capacity of local and regional authorities to tackle common challenges”

In order to tackle common challenges in environmental pollution, safety and security, the Programme enhances development and implementation of common trans-border programmes, which include at least two countries and lead to agreement to cooperate in particular field. The aim of the priority is to improve their skills and build technical capacities to fight against disasters, crimes and to ensure security and safety in the region, implemented in close cooperation between neighbouring countries.

The supported actions are based to a large extent on process designs and the direct environmental effects of such activities are assessed as insignificant. However, it should be kept in mind that enhancing the capacity of


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security and safety in the region could potentially have indirect significant positive environmental and population and human health effect in short and long term perspective.


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Material Assets

Cultural heritage

Landscape


Priority 2.2. “Strengthening society”

The aim of the priority is to increase cooperation and participation of relevant local actors (NGOs, local communities) in local decision-making, implementation processes and local activities, more active and self-regulated communities, increased cooperation and experience-sharing within and among communities of the participating countries, enhanced capacities of local authorities and local non-governmental actors, improved interconnections among local actors, gain in experience of local actors, introduction of new community-led service models and social innovations (new products, services and models that simultaneously meet community needs) and more efficient governance solutions to local problems.

The supported actions are based to a large extent on process designs and the probability of direct environmental effects of such activities is assessed as neutral (no effect). However, the priority supports small-scale infrastructure for community needs and it can have environmental effect (positive or negative). Regarding the aspect the supported projects of small - scale infrastructure, it would therefore be advantageous if the programme (or the selection criteria to be developed in the operations manual) would include criteria to seek and ensure that supported activities considers environmental issues.






Material Assets

Cultural heritage

Landscape


TO3: Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage

Priority 3.1. “Promoting and preserving cultural heritage and traditional skills” The aim of the priority – more sustainable and effective use of cultural heritage, increased cultural vitality and attractiveness of the region, increased tourist flows and increased economic growth in the region. The direct environmental effect of these activities is assessed as insignificant. One of indicative priority actions to be supported - the development of joint initiatives in utilisation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage objects, encompassing organisation of joint festivals, fairs, art exhibitions, etc. This action could have negative impact in case it is implemented in the environmentally sensitive areas, mostly to the biodiversity, water and air (transport). Historic building renovation, might also have negative impact to biodiversity, many of the old buildings, especially churches, also serves as a bat shelter space.29

However, the objective of implementing the priority (as stated in Programme) is to enhance more sustainable and effective use of cultural heritage including in general the preservation and adaptation of cultural heritage and design processes (as training, organization, and so on). The potential wider environmental effect is therefore tentatively assessed as positive.






Material Assets

Cultural heritage

Landscape

29 http://latvijas.daba.lv/dzivnieki/hordainhi/ziidiitaaji / sikspaarnhi / lifestyle / mitnes.shtml


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Potential impact - + 0 - - 0 + 0

TO4: Promotion of border management, and border security

Priority 4.1. “Enhancing border-crossing efficiency”

The aim of the priority is to the upgrading of border-crossing infrastructure and equipment as well as development of professional knowledge and skills of staff enhancing infrastructural, organisational and human capacities of the border-crossing facilities, reduction of inconveniences at the border-crossing points, enhancing efficiency of border-crossing facilities and smoother exchange of goods and people between Latvia and Lithuania on one side and Belarus on the other.

The Priority as described in the Programme document is based to a large extent on process designs (the LIPs are assessed separately) and the direct environmental effect of these activities is assessed as insignificant. However the potential wider environmental effect is described as positive, because the border-crossing efficiency should result the reduction of time spent in cross-border point which cause positive effect on air quality in relation to traffic and transport emissions reductions. As well positive impact from the perspective of energy saving is expected due to infrastructure and some buildings modernisation.






Material Assets

Cultural heritage

Landscape

Potential impact +/- + 0 0 + 0 0 0

Summarizing, the supported actions are mostly based to a large extent on process designs (i.e. governance structures, incentive and funding schemes, networking arrangements) and the direct environmental effects of such activities are assessed as insignificant.

In general actions to be supported under this Programme will have positive effects on environment, by increased accessibility to basic social and other services for vulnerable groups in the Programme area, preservation and adaptation of cultural heritage. Enhancing the capacity of security and safety in the region could potentially have indirect significant positive environmental and human health effect in short and long term perspective. Reduction of time spent in cross-border point which cause positive effect on air quality in relation to traffic and transport emissions reductions.

4.3 Large investment Projects (LIPs)

Priority 4.1. includes number of LIP: 1. Improvement of Paternieki-Grigorovshchina border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus); 2. Bombel 4 (Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus); 3. Modernization of Silene-Urbany border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus). 4. Modernization of Medininkai-Kamennyj Log border-crossing point (Lithuania-Belarus); 5. Modernization of Asylum Center in Pabrade (Lithuania-Belarus); 6. Development of infrastructure in Skorina Secondary School (Lithuania-Belarus); 7. Construction of an X-ray scanning control system for vehicles at the border crossing point „Urbany” of


More detailed description of LIPsis presented in Chapter 2.4 in Table 2-3.

Environmental assessment of LIP has been conducted taking special attention to the Natura 2000 territories and other related aspects in relation to the Programme area, LIPs territories (areas), activities to be financed and sustainable development objectives in relation to a legal framework. Summarised assessment matrix on LIPs is presented in Table 4-8.

LIP No. 1. Improvement of Paternieki-Grigorovshchina border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus).


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The project includes such activities as: reconstruction of road - enlarging the passage into 3 driving lanes; reconstruction of engineering communications; erection of walking passages; fencing; construction of a fenced parking lot with modern facilities. Overall project will have positive impact to a safety issues and environment by eliminating the existing bottlenecks and improving basic transport infrastructure of cross border point “Paternieki” and “Grigorovskina”. The project depending on its scope can be a subject of EIA procedures. Detailed environmental assessment should be executed before the project implementation with the aim to prevent of negative impact to environment.

LIP No 2. Development of Telecommunication Infrastructure at the Belarus-Lithuania Border (BOMBEL-4). The project includes mostly small scale infrastructure activities such as IT equipment, communication lines, local area networks, as well as workshops for the best practice exchange. Therefore the project has only indirect insignificant effect on environment. In the mid and long-term perspective the project indirectly can have cumulative and synergetic effects with other related LIPs by speeded up border crossing by people, vehicles and goods locally and at the same in general investigating all the proposed LIPs by Programme and related in macro-regional strategies.

LIP No 3. Improvement of infrastructure of border crossing point "Silene" (the Republic of Latvia) and “Urbani” (the Republic of Belarus). The project includes such activities as: reconstruction of road section between “Silene” and “Urbani” enlarging the passage into 3 lanes; reconstruction of engineering communications; other small scale infrastructure as well as improvement of transport management infrastructure (vehicle stopping equipment, electric billboards, etc.). The project depending on its scope can be a subject of EIA procedures. EIA procedures should be executed before the project implementation with the aim to prevent of possible negative impact to environment. The projects have indirect insignificant effect on environment. In the mid and long-term perspective the project indirectly can have cumulative and synergetic effects within the frame of time saving for the persons crossing the border in both directions as well as border cross point capacity. There are no nature protected sites in close surrounding of the border cross point.

LIP No 4. Modernisation of Medininkai border crossing point. The project includes such activities as:

- new infrastructure (parking, traffic lanes, control sites, etc.) for outgoing transport and passengers on Lithuanian side of Medininkai border check point;

- renovation of existing office building; - 300 places parking for heavy vehicles and service building; - Medininkai border checkpoint is extended from 18 to 27 lanes; - The A3 road on Lithuanian side is expanded to 6 lanes instead of existing 3 lanes; - The roadway between Belarusian and Lithuanian border checkpoints is expanded to 6 lanes, 3 in each

direction. The project depending on its scope can be a subject of EIA procedures. Detailed environmental assessment should be executed before the project implementation with the aim to prevent of negative impact to environment. The project would create better working conditions for the inspection officers, passengers and drivers traveling over the border; increased throughput (6100 vehicle / day).

LIP No 5 and LIP No 6. Reconstruction and building of Pabradė Foreigners’ Registration Centre and creation of a modern ethno-cultural environment in Vilnius Pranciškus Skorina gymnasium and Lida state secondary school No. 4.

The LIPs are environmentally friendly with respect to climate change and material assessment in case of energy efficiency would be developed. Moreover, the LIP No 6 encourages the cultural aspects and summarising the projects has positive local impact on environmental aspects, cultural heritage, as well as human health (quality of life), but in general the impact is insignificant.

LIP No 7. Construction of an X-ray scanning control system for vehicles at the border crossing point „Urbany” of Vitebsk Custom House.

The scanning control system has no direct impact no environment, but indirect cumulative and synergetic effect can have effect on environment by positive and negative aspects due to potential project outputs: increase in traffic, improvements in traffic safety and eventually bring benefit to entrepreneurs in the area.


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Table 4-8. Assessment matrix on the LIPs

No.

Title of the LIP

Environmental

aspects

Biod

iver

sity

, fau

na a

nd f

lora

Popu

lati

on a

nd h

uman

hea

lth

Soil

Wat

er

Air

and

clim

atic

fact

ors

Mat

eria

l Ass

ets

Cultu

ral h

erita

ge

Land

scap

e

1

Improvement of Paternieki-Grigorovshchina border-crossing point (Latvia-Belarus);

Potential impact +/- +/ - +/- 0 +/- + 0 0

Possible criteria for monitoring -

2

Development of Telecommunication Infrastructure at the Belarus-Lithuania Border (BOMBEL-4)

Potential impact 0 + 0 0 0 + 0 0


3

Improvement of infrastructure of border crossing point "Silene" (the Republic of Latvia) and “Urbani” (the Republic of Belarus)



4 Modernisation of Medininkai border crossing point



5 Reconstuction and building of Pabradė Foreigners’ Registration Centre



6

Creation of a modern ethno-cultural environment in Vilnius Pranciškus Skorina gymnasium and Lida state secondary school No. 4

Potential impact 0 + 0 0 0 + + 0


7

Construction of an X-ray scanning control system for vehicles at the border crossing point „Urbany” of Vitebsk Custom House



Summarising, planned LIPs will not have significant impact on environmental aspects. However some projects depending on the scope can be a subject of EIA procedures (parking lots, reconstruction of road, etc.). In this case detailed environmental assessment should be executed before the project implementation with the aim to prevent the negative impact to environment.

Also the potential wider environmental effect is described as positive, because the border-crossing efficiency should result the reduction of time spent in cross-border point which cause positive effect on air quality in


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relation to traffic and transport emissions reductions. As well positive impact from the perspective of energy saving is expected due to infrastructure and some buildings modernisation.

The complex investigation of the TO as well as proposed LIPs shows the Programme have no negative significant effect on environmental aspects investigated by the SEA process.


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5 MONITORING

According to the SEA Directive Article 10, significant environmental effects of implementation of plans and programmes shall be monitored in order to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action.

The Programme foresees result indicators corresponding to the specific objective. Environmental monitoring measures are not included for any objective.

It is recommended to perform monitoring on site after completing any kind of infrastructure constructions works (for example LIP), especially in the environmentally sensitive territories such as protected areas or Natura 2000 sites.


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AF-Consult UAB 2015

6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In general the Programme area is rich in natural and cultural heritage and has a high value for the social development and collaboration. Indeed, regarding the strategic goal defined for the Programme, this overall goal encompasses objectives to contribute to the positive changes in specific fields including social, educational, health care, environmental, tourism, safety and security sectors. The Programme aims to facilitate two-fold improvement.

The Programme proposes the priorities for the funded activities, which in general includes the development of infrastructure or/and acquisition of equipment and shall encompass soft measures like events, training or joint marketing. The programme proposes the list of the LIP that were investigated and assessed separately.

The complex investigation of the TO as well as proposed LIPs shows that the Programme has no negative impact on environmental aspects investigated by the SEA process.

Regarding the protected areas and other environmental aspects, the significant negative effects implementing the Programme are doubtful, in general it is insignificant or positive in short and long-term. Therefore, impact prevention, reduction measures for significant adverse effects are not proposed.

A potential wider environmental effect is described as positive, due preservation and adaptation of cultural heritage, enhancing the capacity of security and safety in the region. The border-crossing efficiency should result the reduction of time spent in cross-border point which cause positive effect on air quality in relation to traffic and transport emissions reductions. As well positive impact from the perspective of energy saving is expected due to infrastructure and some buildings modernisation.

Following main recommendations shall be followed in order to avoid negative impacts and to achieve environmentally friendly and sustainable Programme implementation:

- Environmental requirements shall be followed as it is foreseen in EU and national legislation. Required

environmental permits or documentation (if applicable) shall be requested with the application for project financing or before issuing construction permit.

- Depending on the scope some of LIP can be a subject of EIA procedures (parking lots, reconstruction of roads, etc.). In this case detailed environmental assessment should be executed before the project implementation with the aim to prevent the negative impact to environment.

- Before planning activities in NATURA 2000 areas, it is recommended projects to consult national authority responsible for NATURA 2000 protection. If necessary special prevention measures for biodiversity shall be applied on case by case basis.

- Natural heritage is an integral part of the heritage of the country and important for the formation and preservation of the artistic and cultural heritage. Therefore, it is proposed, implementing the cultural heritage preservation and conservation, adapt respectively the natural heritage preservation and conservation, where it is appropriate.

- All projects and activities shall have appropriate solutions for avoiding, minimising and proper management of waste and wastewater.

- If applicable, it is recommended to include environmental/ sustainability criteria among other project’s selection criteria for financing. Simple quantitative criteria shall be created in order to compare the applications from sustainability point of view – for example calculation of total project CO2 emissions based on energy, fuel, travel, other resources use and etc., “0 waste” activities, material reuse. It is recommended to apply environmental/ sustainability criteria for joint events, conferences and educational activities.

- Publicity, community awareness of the planned activities, community involvement. - The Programme should be monitored at least once during the programming period and a monitoring

report of programme’s activities should be planned in 2019 to recognize the direct or indirect effects on the environment within the implementation of the Programme.


SEA REPORT


AF-Consult UAB 2015

ANNEXES:

ANNEX 1. PROTECTED AND NATURA 2000 AREAS

ANNEX 2. CONSULTATIONS WITH PUBLIC

ANNEX 3. CONSULTATIONS WITH COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

strategic environmental assessment report · the eligible area of the programme includes 11...

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