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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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NORTH VIDZEME |
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| General Description | North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve comprises 53 km of the coastline of the Gulf of Riga and borders to the north the frontier with Estonia. It covers 474,447 hectares corresponding to the catchment basins of the Salace, Svetupe and Vitrupe Rivers. Lakes characterise the landscape (over sixty greater than 3 hectares) as well as gentle glacially formed hills and rolling plains. The coastal part consists of sandy beaches, coastal meadows and areas of bare rocks. The area is important from a conservation point of view since it harbours raised bogs, wild rivers with wild Baltic salmon, coastal meadows which are traditionally maintained by grazing and remnants of the ancient broadleaf forest. 60 people live in the core area of the biosphere reserve (1997). In the surrounding areas, agriculture is the economic main activity, although traditional grazing practices are declining. There are 25,000 visitors per year and tourism is increasing (1997). Monitoring focuses on topics such as water quality, air pollution, plant communities and insects. There are also many training and environmental education activities. | |||
| Major ecosystem type | Temperate and sub-polar broadleaf forests and woodland, including mire, riverine systems and coastal/marine component | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Boreal coniferous and mixed forests; wetlands; raised bogs and open bog pools; fens and wet meadows; lakes and rivers; coastal dunes and marine littoral area; extensive agricultural and urban areas | |||
| Location | 57°20' to 58°10'N; 24°20' to 26°00'E | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 474,447 | |||
| Core area(s) | 9,728 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | 0 to +127 | |||
| Year designated | 1997 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Administration of Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve | |||
| Last updated: 3/9/2005 |
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