Wetland Area Change in Klaipeda County

Abstract

Wetlands are the most important natural resources, they are the sources of biological, cultural, and economic diversity. The article presents an analysis of the current situation of the wetland area in Klaipeda county. Analytical, comparative, statistical, and logical analysis methods were used for the investigation. The aim of the investigation is to carry out the analysis of Klaipeda county's wetland area during the period between the years 2002 and 2022. In 2022, wetlands occupied 1.21 percent of Klaipeda's county, i.e. 6,337.53 ha. In 2002, the area of wetlands in Klaipeda county was 1.68 percent and occupied 8,748.33 ha. So, in Klaipeda county during the period between the years 2002 and 2022 wetland area decreased by 2,410.80 ha or 27.56 percent. After the analysis of the change in wetland areas in the districts of Klaipeda county, it can be seen that in all municipalities, wetland areas decreased in the period of 2002 – 2022. Many wetlands in Klaipeda county have been exploited and managed for various purposes. Large wetland areas have been drained and reclaimed mainly for agriculture and the establishment of human settlements. Monitoring and inventory of wetlands are important for of conserving and managing wetland resources. An important element of all peatland restoration projects is a programme of monitoring to check results and progress. The aim of the investigation is to carry out the analysis of the Klaipeda county wetland area during the period between the years 2002 and 2022.