2024 Review of the Paramelis Fund: Achievements and Highlights
From growth in donations and groundbreaking research to the protection of rare species and special events, 2024 has been a year full of important milestones for the Paramelis Fund for Nature Recovery. We are pleased to share the highlights of the Foundation's activities over the past year.
Financial Support
A total of €67,823 was donated to the Foundation throughout the year. Most donors were from Lithuania, while the largest contributions came from Germany. Some of these donations were raised during Ornitostogos' 5th birthday celebration, as well as through an advertising campaign encouraging people to allocate 1.2% of their personal income tax (PIT) to the Fund.
Completion of the Nature Trail
A two-year project, funded by the GGP Foundation and overseen by the NABU Association, was successfully completed in autumn. A 360-meter wooden nature trail, featuring information boards about local habitats and species, was built on the "island" of Paramelis. At the end of the trail, an observation tower designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural team Biotope was constructed, providing visitors with an exceptional view of the landscape.
Forest Buyout Initiative
Throughout the year, we conducted a thorough assessment of the forests surrounding the island of Paramelis. We successfully established communication with some of the landowners in the region and identified two particularly valuable forest areas. Using funds raised by the Foundation, we have started negotiations to purchase these lands to protect them from logging. We hope to secure their conservation in the near future.
Wildlife Monitoring with Cameras
Our nature monitoring cameras captured remarkable wildlife activity within the Foundation's protected area throughout the year. The footage documented lynx, a wolf family, a moose family, and numerous other animal and bird species inhabiting the vicinity of Paramelis.
Visits by Sponsors and Scientists
In May, we hosted a special tour for potential sponsors from Germany (20 guests in total), introducing them to the rich biodiversity of Paramelis Island and encouraging them to support its conservation efforts.
In August, we invited five scientists to conduct a week-long biodiversity study within the protected area. Their research resulted in a comprehensive report, along with recommendations for conservation measures.
Additionally, in July, we organized a survey of nocturnal moths in the Katra River Valley. The survey was carried out by Lithuanian entomologist Tomas Ūsaitis, who compiled a detailed report on his findings.
Rally of the Species
In May, the 11th annual Rally of the Species took place on and around Paramelis Island. This event brings together naturalists from across the country, challenging them to record as many plant, animal, and fungal species as possible within a 24-hour period at a designated location. The event not only expands scientific knowledge but also contributes to a deeper understanding of Lithuania's biodiversity. Over the course of the day, 16 teams documented more than 1,000 different species.
Annual Environmental Clean-Up
During the summer, we organized a large-scale reed removal project in the Katra River Valley, under the Foundation's supervision. A specialized Truxor Dorotea amphibious vehicle was used to clear 5 hectares of reed overgrowth.
In October, we held our traditional clean-up event in the valley, where approximately 30 volunteers cleared 4 hectares of land by removing shrubs and reeds. This effort has helped restore crucial breeding habitats for rare birds and amphibians, as well as supporting the annual flowering of endangered plant species.