PARAMELIS
NATURE RESTORATION FUND
OUR VISION
Increasing biodiversity through tourism
Forest conservation
Old-growth forests are of particular importance but are being cut down without proper protection status. Our goal is to buy back the most valuable forests and leave them to biodiversity.
Educate people
Paramelis island with its unique nature is an excellent environment for education. That is why we organise educational events and tours here that showcase the local nature and invite tourists and locals alike to conserve it.
Increase biodiversity
By protecting forests and wetlands and creating and restoring special natural habitats, we aim to bring back species that have already disappeared from Paramelis and significantly increas populations of rare species.
Restore swamps
Paramelis island is surrounded by numerous swamps, some of which have been damaged by human activities. We know how to wild them, restore the unique biodiversity and reduce CO2 emissions at the same time.
Our story
In one of the southernmost areas of Lithuania lies the fascinating "island" of Paramelis - surrounded by swamps and forests. This unique 190-hectare area borders the strictly protected Cepkeliai Reserve. But Paramelis also offers beautiful nature and diverse wildlife. Our Nature Restoration Fund is dedicated to restoring and protecting this stunning area. A place full of magic and importance for nature conservation.
70
DONATIONS RECIEVED
Thanks to all donors, our NGO is possible because of you.
500+
SPECIES DISCOVERED
Animal and plant species counted by scientists.
64.000 m²
FOREST PROTECTED
Particularly old and valuable forests for many animal species..
80.000 m²
SWAMP MANAGED & RESTORED
Maintenance and renaturation of peatlands for more biodiversity.
Species protection - But how?
WE WANT TO BRING BACK THE GREAT SNIPE
The Great Snipe (on the left) is a so-called umbrella species, whose protection allows entire communities to be preserved. It also makes high demands on its environment and thus guarantees the survival of many other species, some of which are threatened.
The Great Snipe prefers open wetlands and shallow valleys as its habitat, but these have declined sharply due to plant compaction and increased forest fires. Until 15 years ago, this rare bird was still present in Paramelis. Our goal now is to bring back and reintroduce this important keystone species.
In cooperation with partners, work is being done to return the area to its more pristine form by removing young trees and scrub and cutting reeds and grass short.
NEWS
Learn more
A two-year project, funded by the GGP Foundation and overseen by the NABU Association, reached its completion in autumn. A wooden pontoon nature trail has been constructed on the Foundation's designated area—the "island" of Paramelis—and an observation tower has been erected at the end of the trail. The tower was designed by "Biotope," a renowned...
In May 2024, we introduced the biodiversity of the Paramelis "island" to potential sponsors from Germany. Later, in August, we invited five scientists to our protected area for a week to further explore the "island" and its rare species.
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER
Our partners
birdingtours: Birdingtours is the leading provider of bird watching tours, offering people the opportunity to discover, learn and enjoy the fascinating world of birds in unique natural landscapes.
travel-to-nature: A global tour operator of sustainable nature tours that aims to reconcile tourism and species conservation, thus making a positive contribution to nature that goes beyond its own benefit.
Ornitostogos: Ornitostogos is a renowned Lithuanian tour operator offering professional bird watching tours, nature excursions and high quality optics for nature enthusiasts, while being dedicated to nature conservation and exploration of Lithuanian nature.