Dune3 project partners launch joint efforts to protect and restore grey dunes at first meeting in Klaipėda

On 10–11 July 2026, the first partner meeting of the project “Collaborative planning and pilot actions for Grey dunes restoration in the South-East Baltic” (Dune3) took place in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The meeting brought project partners together in person for the first time to agree on a joint work plan and launch the implementation of project activities.

During the two-day kick-off meeting, partners discussed project management and implementation procedures, reporting and communication requirements, and detailed plans for three main areas of activity:

• development of the Joint Baltic Grey Dune Restoration Plan;
• implementation of practical grey dune restoration pilot activities;
• public awareness, education and engagement activities.

The partners agreed on the key steps and activities needed to achieve the project objectives, clarified partner responsibilities, discussed the involvement of target groups and reviewed the expected results. Particular attention was given to the activities planned for the first project implementation period and the immediate tasks to be undertaken following the meeting.

Grey dunes are particularly valuable coastal habitats, providing a home for many rare and protected plant and animal species, preserving distinctive coastal landscapes and contributing to coastal resilience against erosion. However, these habitats face increasing pressure from overgrowth, invasive species, intensive recreational activities, natural coastal processes and the impacts of climate change.

One of the project’s main results will be the Joint Baltic Grey Dune Restoration Plan, accompanied by country-specific annexes for Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The Plan will provide practical recommendations for grey dune restoration and long-term management, monitoring principles and opportunities for public involvement in the conservation of these valuable habitats.

The project will also implement practical grey dune restoration pilot activities in Latvia and Lithuania. In Latvia, pilot activities are planned in Ventspils, Talsi and Tukums municipalities, specifically in the areas of Užava, Vārve, Mērsrags and Engure. The planned measures include the removal of invasive vegetation, closure of unauthorised roads and paths, and demarcation of sensitive dune areas to protect vulnerable habitats. In Lithuania, pilot activities will take place in the Seaside Regional Park.

Alongside the practical restoration activities, the project will develop a range of educational and communication materials, including a documentary film, podcasts, information materials and citizen science tools. These activities will help raise public awareness of the ecological importance of grey dunes and encourage local communities, volunteers and coastal visitors to become actively involved in their conservation and monitoring.

The two-year Dune3 project aims to protect and restore vulnerable grey dune ecosystems along the south-eastern Baltic Sea coast through a shared approach to restoration and management, practical pilot actions, responsible tourism and the active involvement of municipalities, protected area managers, non-governmental organisations and local communities.

The project is led by Kurzeme Planning Region (Latvia) in partnership with the Latvian Green Movement (Latvia), EUCC Baltic Office (Lithuania), Lithuanian Fund for Nature (Lithuania), “Nerush Natura” Foundation (Poland) and Coalition Clean Baltic (Sweden).

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027.

More information about the project: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/dune3/

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