Due to different situations in the project sites different socio-economic activities were foreseen from site to site.

Čepkeliai state strict nature reserve

Most of the focus is on development of sustainable tourism in the region.

A number of activities were carried out:

Grybaulia fish ponds that are important for many bird species breeding in Čepkeliai reserve were adapted for bird-watching and fishing tourism in order to stimulate development of alternative incomes and to secure interest in developing suitable conditions for birds. Nature observation facilities were installed and information/promotion material was prepared.

Musteika traditional beekeeping nature trail - exposition was established for promotion of traditional beekeeping, conservation of local bee breeds and generation of alternative incomes from honey production and tourism services. Furthermore, development of bee-keeping has direct relationships with maintenance of natural meadows that maintain high biodiversity.

UNDP/GEF and EU Phare funds were combined for cleaning of the Kastinis Lake and establishment of recreational facilities on the banks. Kastinis Lake, being the only water body in the area suitable for bathing  is very important for development of recreational tourism.

Viešvilė state strict nature reserve

One of the goals - changes in forestry practices in the surroundings of Viešvilė reserve, as this have direct negative impact on certain species. Therefore there was initiated a sub-project “Sustainable forest use. Ensuring of the balance among economic, ecological and social functions of the forest”. Experts from Lithuania, Netherlands and Sweden were involved to combine relevant experience from different countries. Forest management plan was adapted basing on experts' proposals as well as suggestions for ammendments to legal basis were raised and analysed with relevant national authorities. Improved forest management plan has a stronger emphasis on biodiversity monitoring, management of high biodiversity value forest, management of certain species (like wild boar, mink), redirection of recreational visitors from vulnerable sites to less sensitive areas and improved accessibility to attraction sites.

Another goal - reduction of cranberry picking preasure in the reserve by establishing artficial cranberry farm for local inhabitants. Several seminars were organized for local community on cranberry farming, education material was prepared and suitable land plot was selected in the exploited part of neighbouring peatland.

Žuvintas biosphere reserve

The main goal of socio-economic activities in the Žuvintas biosphere reserve and surroundings – support and promotion of environmentally friendly farming practices as alternative to intensive farming, responsible for load of nutrients to the wetland.
Sustainable agriculture development strategy was prepared for part of the Dovinė river basin having the strongest influence on the wetland. It mainly focuses on sustainable farming practices that can be materialized by employing EU agro-environmental schemes. The crucial milestones for reaching this goal – awareness rising in local municipalities, updating of municipal development strategies and strengthened promotion of EU funding mechanisms. All of these milestones are addressed in the project through seminars, trainings, education and information campaigns.

Another goal - strengthen cooperation with local community in nature management.
Starting herd of Hereford cattle was bought and provided to local farmers on the contract base in order to restore abandoned meadows in the Žuvintas biosphere reserve, strengthen local community and increase involvement in management activities.