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ABOUT THE PROJECT
LIFE Osmo Baltic
LIFE Osmo Baltic: Baltic Wide Web for Osmoderma eremita: Creation of an Ecological Network in the Baltic Region, is an ambitious project implemented by Lithuanian Fund for Nature and its partners in Latvia and Lithuania. The project focuses on researching and protecting the habitats of the hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), which are old deciduous trees. The hermit beetle is listed in the Red List and is an umbrella species, meaning that by protecting it, we also protect many other saproxylic and old tree-dependent organisms.
The project's main goal is to establish a cross-border ecological network of mature trees, also known as the "Baltic Wide Web". This network aims to ensure the successful movement and growth of the rare, hermit beetle.
The main activities of LIFE Osmo Baltic include identifying valuable deciduous trees, providing professional arborist maintenance, digitizing data to create a map of protected trees, and developing and researching Natura 2000 protected areas. The future ecological network for the hermit beetle is based in Lithuania and Latvia.
In order to improve the efficiency of the nature conservation system and ensure the long-term impact of project activities, LIFE Osmo Baltic involves creating effective legal, administrative, and scientific knowledge-based measures, as well as strengthening cooperation between government institutions, local municipalities, scientific institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Involving the general public is also important for the project's success; therefore, it includes various educational and interactive activities, as well as information dissemination and publicity.
The project is based on complex solutions:
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What are we protecting?
The hermit beetle is an umbrella species. Conserving its habitat also preserves the habitats of dozens of other rare organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi.
The hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita) belongs to the hermit beetle family. Its body is 22–32 mm long and black or blackish-brown with a slight metallic greenish tint. It is listed in the Red Data Books of Lithuania and Latvia, protected at the European Union level, and included in the Habitats Directive as part of the Osmoderma eremita species complex. The species is particularly vulnerable due to habitat loss caused by human activity, specifically the destruction of old deciduous trees.
In Lithuania, the beetle larvae develop in the rotting wood of living deciduous trees, most often oaks. The development period is two to four years. In our climate, the most suitable oak trunk for the hermit beetle is one warmed by the sun. Although the beetle can live in woodlands or forests, its typical habitat is pastures overgrown with trees. This habitat is characterized not only by forest flora and fauna. Rare species that are characteristic of open areas can also be found there. Due to its enigmatic nature, encountering a hermit beetle is a truly exceptional occurrence. Adults fly in July and August, the hottest months, and live for only a month.
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Impressive old trees are a historical and cultural legacy that adorns our country's landscape. They are also a unique habitat for many organisms. Oaks over 100 years old, both individually and in groups, are especially valuable. One such tree can harbor several hundred species of animals, plants, and fungi, and more than 1,000 different species of organisms are associated with mature oaks in total. Some of these organisms have adapted to live only in old trees, so their fate is closely linked to them.
Protecting these species is possible only where there is enough suitable habitat for them. Since existing protected species sites are far apart, every suitable tree is important for all the previously mentioned species. Even if a tree is not protected, it can perform an important intermediate function between sites. Insects that settle in such places or fungal spores that establish themselves can later move to another temporary shelter or protected area. Finding and protecting old deciduous trees is one of the project's most important activities.
Project team
The Lithuanian Fund for Nature team is made up of people united by their love for and desire to conserve nature. Each member brings unique experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to help us achieve our goals.
We are dedicated to collaborating with communities, businesses, and governments to promote sustainable resource use and biodiversity conservation. Together, we strive for long-term solutions that will protect our planet's natural wealth for future generations.
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In order to improve the efficiency of the nature conservation system and ensure the long-term impact of project activities, LIFE Osmo Baltic involves creating effective legal, administrative, and scientific knowledge-based measures, as well as strengthening cooperation between government institutions, local municipalities, scientific institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Involving the general public is also important for the project's success; therefore, it includes various educational and interactive activities, as well as information dissemination and publicity.
The project's total value is 11 million euros, and its duration is 6.5 years (from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2030).
LIFE Osmo Baltic LIFE22 NAT/LT/101113698 LIFE OSMO BALTIC is funded by the European Union's Environment and Climate Action Programme (LIFE), the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania and The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development Republic of Latvia.
Disclaimer: Partly funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting institution can be held responsible for them.
LIFE Osmo Baltic partners:
LIFE Osmo Baltic LIFE22 NAT/LT/101113698 LIFE OSMO BALTIC finances:
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.