Statistics on the total number of micro-reserves established in recent years show that they are primarily created for the lesser spotted eagle. This is linked to the Life+ project LIFE 13 NAT/LV/001078 implemented by the Latvian Fund for Nature, with a total budget of €2.5 million. The project aims to provide protection status for an additional 500 lesser spotted eagle nesting sites beyond the current conservation status, by designating micro-reserves. Since 2013, the State Forest Service (VMD) has not been granted funding to pay for species and habitat expert services, contrary to what was provided for in the Cabinet of Ministers "Regulations on the procedure for the establishment and management of micro-reserves, their protection, as well as the determination of micro-reserves and their buffer zones" (No. 940). During this period, the VMD has paid for expert opinions from its own budget funds. Since late 2018 and throughout 2019, the VMD's financial resources for this purpose have been limited.