North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve

North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (Latvian: Ziemeļvidzemes biosfēras rezervāts) is the only biosphere reserve in Latvia, located in the northern part of country along the border with Estonia.

Lauci stone in Vidzeme beach, North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve

Engeli Grotto (Eņģeļu ala) at Salaca River, North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve

Historical larch causeway near Matisi village, North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve

Main characteristics

• Coordinates: 57°20' to 58°10' N; 24°20' to 26°00' E
• Area: 4 576 km² (roughly 6% of Latvia) of which
  • Sanctuaries: 184,4 km²
  • Landscape protection zones: 1 600 km²
  • Neutral zones: 1 625,6 km²
  • Sea littoral until the depth of 10 m: 1 160 km²
• Height above the sea level: 0 - 127 m
• Main ecosystems: temperate coniferous and mixed forests. Represented all forest types of Latvia, high bogs, seaside dune massives, seaside meadows, pristine beaches, natural lakes and streams, sandstone cliffs.

Values

Reserve includes multitude of diverse natural and semi-natural habitats, it includes vast areas of primeval and traditional landscape. Area comprises 51 smaller nature protected areas.

From touristic point of view points of interest in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve are:

• Salaca river - with mostly fast stream, multiple sandstone cliffs and caves, suitable for several days long boat trip. Popular destination of local tourism is Mazsalaca town where Salaca river has got especially impressive canyon including locally famous echo cliff - Skaņaiskalns. Longest natural caves of Latvia are located at Salaca - so called X caves (more than 300 m long).
• Vidzeme beach - pristine, sandy beach with sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, boulders;
• Burtnieks Lake

History

In 1990 Latvian government created North Vidzeme regional nature conservation complex in the borders of present biosphere reserve. There was created administration with the seat in Salacgrīva town and started active planning work for creation of the first biosphere reserve in the country. Project has been ambitious because the new nature protected area took approximately 6% of the area of Latvia, including multiple towns, industries and infrastructure objects.

North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve officially was created in 11 December 1997, it is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Administration

Administration is located in the seaside Salacgrīva town, in redesigned historical building. Staff - 11 people. Some members of the staff are located in other areas of the vast reserve.

External links

• North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve - official Webpage with pictures, information, current events

Coordinates: 57°20′00″N 24°20′00″E / 57.3333°N 24.3333°E / 57.3333; 24.3333