LTER network management

Information management

Most of long-term research data collected in Lithuanian LTER sites are computerized and compiled in databases. Certain data (like CORINE land cover, geo-ecological state of certain ecosystems, etc.) are available in GIS format. The home page of the Lithuanian LTER network is under development.

Network management

The network management is in initial stage. The Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University arranged the first national meeting of Lithuanian organizations and experts participating in LTER program in May 2004. The management of Lithuanian LTER network and multidisciplinary research programs in LTER sites will be developed till the second national LTER meeting planned in 2005.

Partnerships

The Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Environment, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, universities, research institutes and administrations of different protected territories support LTER in Lithuania.

Application of LTER program

The results of the LTER program have wide applicability in the national and EU environmental management strategy. They are important for evaluation and prognoses of structure and dynamics of ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. The LTER will be used as part of education program of graduate and postgraduate students at different universities.

Collaboration among networks

Collaboration with research institutes of the Baltic States has a long tradition.

The cross-border site-based ecological research was recently initiated in two LTER sites shared with Belarus (Cepkeliai mire and Lake Druksiai) and in the coastal LTER site (the Nemunas River delta) shared with Russia.

Certain research programs on biodiversity and impacts of the global climate change are implemented together with research institutes and universities of the Baltic States, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. They cover the whole Baltic Sea - Black Sea region.

Lithuanian LTER group aims to join the ILTER network and to take part in regional and global networking activities.