River systems shared by several countries are used as a classical example to illustrate the need for common action in the field of environmental protection. Both countries contribute to pollution of rivers therefore join actions are needed to combat the pollution and improve ecological status of water bodies. EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC requires managing waters on the basis of river basins. In 2010 River Basin District Management Plans ( six-year planning cycle) were prepared and approved in Latvia and Lithuania for the national parts of Lielupe and Venta River Basin Districts. Insufficient coordination between the countries left a number of water management issues to be resolved in the next period of the river basin management plans (to be prepared by 2015). The project addresses two water management issues that require cross border approach: 1. Monitoring and assessment of ecological status of rivers. The biological water quality indicators used in Lithuania and Latvia had not been fully intercallibrated. Due to difference in sampling methods, parameters and classification systems, status of the same river may be interpreted differently on Lithuanian and Latvian side of the border. Exchange of experience, collection of new monitoring data and testing of biological indicators will provide a sound basis for coordination of river basin management in the shared river basins. 2. Measures to reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture. The project will carry out a large scale, well structured and scientifically based survey of farmers in Lithuanian and Latvian parts of Lielupe and Venta river basins to find out opinion on feasibility and willingness to implement environmental measures. The survey itself will play a significant role in informing public on status of water environment and measures to improve it. The outputs of the project are of great interest for Lithuanian and Latvian environmental authorities, responsible for river basin management and will contribute to improvement of water quality in the cross border area. Results of river quality monitoring will be used for characterisation of river basins and assessment for the need of actions in the next generation of river basin management plans. Survey of farmers on environmental measures to reduce water pollution from agriculture will have a dual effect. The results of the survey will help to prioritise and justify agri-environmental measures in the river basin management plans and inform public on the importance of agricultural pollution. Long term benefits are targeted to the cross-border region The project will be implemented by four partners: Center for Environmental Policy (LT), Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre , Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Center and Institute of Biology of University of Latvia. Expected Results: 2 trainings and 3 experience exchange visits fro the project partners, 1 seminar and 1 workshop on dissemination of project results, 1 information campaign on raising environmental awareness, development and execution of the joint environmental monitoring programme