Vilnius, Lithuania 15-17 September 2010

Due to the unfortunate cancellation of the first partnership meeting planned in Riga in April 2010, there has not been a chance to gather the entire partnership together and establish a shared understanding about the project as a whole. The purpose of this meeting in Vilnius 15-17 September 2010, was to do that with tangible connections elaborated across the project under the notion of ‘integrated tasks’.

The Meeting discussed in mixed groups, crosscutting work packages, the implementation of the integrated tasks with reference to particular thematic issues and case study areas. It was acknowledged, that WP3 will lead the “integrated task” on Best available practices and technologies; WP4 the Integrated task” on “Innovation and Technology support”;WP5 the “Integrated task” on Management of High Risk Areas and WP6 the “integrated task on “Transnational action planning”.

The Meeting decided to establish one or more parallel projects in Russia focusing on selected thematic areas of Baltic COMPASS: 1) ecosystem assessment; 2) linkages with water protection and biosecurity and animal health considerations; and 3) investments. PP5 SIDA is leading this activity with the plan to combine available project resources (theoretical maximum of 10% of ERDF budget) with other sources of funding.

The project was greeted by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and the advisor on agricultural issues to the President of Lithuania. It was understood that Baltic COMPASS project has high strategic relevant for Lithuania and that the represented governmental units are willing to continue cooperation with the project and adapt the results to their work. Of particular interest for Lithuania were transboundary issues with Belarus, agricultural risk area mapping, and the creation of tools for more cost-efficient agro-environmental schemes.