Since 1998, the nature protection programmes have been an obligatory part of each district’s forest management plan. The aim is to create a knowledge base to aid in increasing biological diversity in LP forests. Areas of ecological utility host valuable habitats and species, but are too small for designation as nature reserves. They contain remnants of ecosystems, such as natural water bodies, mid-field and mid-forest ponds, clumps of trees and shrubs, swamps, bogs, dunes, and strands of rare or protected plants and animals. Taking all habitat categories together, areas of ecological utility increased from 45 000 ha in 2000 to 52 000 ha in 2012. Smaller than landscape parks, they include fragments of natural and cultural landscapes that are protected for their scenic and aesthetic values.