PARAMELIS

NATURE RESTORATION FUND

OUR VISION

Increasing biodiversity through tourism

FOREST CONSERVATION

Old-growth forests are of particular importance but are being cut down without proper protection status. Our goal is to buy back the most valuable forests and leave them to biodiversity.

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY

By protecting forests and wetlands and creating and restoring special natural habitats, we aim to bring back species that have already disappeared from Paramelis and significantly increas populations of rare species.

EDUCATE PEOPLE

Paramelis island with its unique nature is an excellent environment for education. That is why we organise educational events and tours here that showcase the local nature and invite tourists and locals alike to conserve it.

RESTORE SWAMPS

Paramelis island is surrounded by numerous swamps, some of which have been damaged by human activities. We know how to wild them, restore the unique biodiversity and reduce CO2 emissions at the same time.

Our story

In one of the southernmost areas of Lithuania lies the fascinating "island" of Paramelis - surrounded by swamps and forests. This unique 190-hectare area borders the strictly protected Cepkeliai Reserve. But Paramelis also offers beautiful nature and diverse wildlife. Our Nature Restoration Fund is dedicated to restoring and protecting this stunning area. A place full of magic and importance for nature conservation.

70

DONATIONS RECIEVED

Thanks to all donors, our NGO is possible because of you.

500+

SPECIES DISCOVERED

Animal and plant species counted by scientists.

180.300 m²

FOREST PROTECTED

Particularly old and valuable forests for many animal species..

80.000 m²

SWAMP MANAGED & RESTORED

Maintenance and renaturation of peatlands for more biodiversity.

Species protection - But how?

WE WANT TO BRING BACK THE GREAT SNIPE

The Great Snipe (on the left) is a so-called umbrella species, whose protection allows entire communities to be preserved. It also makes high demands on its environment and thus guarantees the survival of many other species, some of which are threatened.

The Great Snipe prefers open wetlands and shallow valleys as its habitat, but these have declined sharply due to plant compaction and increased forest fires. Until 15 years ago, this rare bird was still present in Paramelis. Our goal now is to bring back and reintroduce this important keystone species.

In cooperation with partners, work is being done to return the area to its more pristine form by removing young trees and scrub and cutting reeds and grass short.

NEWS

Learn more

The Paramelis Nature Restoration Fund has successfully preserved its first two forest areas

31/10/2025

The Paramėlis Nature Restoration Fund, dedicated to preserving valuable natural habitats in southern Lithuania, has reached a historic milestone. This autumn, the Fund successfully acquired its first two forest areas — a combined 4.5 hectares within the vast Dainava Forest. These will be permanently protected and left to natural...

In the spring, an ornithological expedition was conducted in Paramėlis: 64 bird specieswere recorded

15/05/2025

In early April, members of the "Ornitostogos" team — Gediminas Kukta and Audrius Antanavičius — embarked on a three-day expedition across the territories managed by the Paramėlis Nature Restoration Fund and the surrounding habitats. The aim of the expedition was to study the local bird species in greater detail and to install nest boxes for owls...

2024 Review of the Paramelis Fund: Achievements and Highlights

10/01/2025

From growth in donations and groundbreaking research to the protection of rare species and special events, 2024 has been a year full of important milestones for the Paramelis Fund for Nature Recovery. We are pleased to share the highlights of the Foundation's activities over the past year.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

Our partners

birdingtours: Birdingtours is the leading provider of bird watching tours, offering people the opportunity to discover, learn and enjoy the fascinating world of birds in unique natural landscapes.

travel-to-nature: A global tour operator of sustainable nature tours that aims to reconcile tourism and species conservation, thus making a positive contribution to nature that goes beyond its own benefit.

Ornitostogos: Ornitostogos is a renowned Lithuanian tour operator offering professional bird watching tours, nature excursions and high quality optics for nature enthusiasts, while being dedicated to nature conservation and exploration of Lithuanian nature.

AND NOW?

Support our species conservation project

DONATE

VOLUNTEERS