Joint management of groundwater dependent ecosystems in transboundary Gauja - Koiva river basin (GroundEco)

Politically Gauja - Koiva river basin is divided by border between Estonia and Latvia, still it has a common water cycle, including groundwater. Joint management of transboundary Gauja - Koiva river basin is demanded not only by geographical and hydrological conditions, but also by requirements from EU water policy (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC) which is binding for both countries. The objective of the project is to enhance sustainable management of common groundwater resources and associated ecosystems in the transboundary Gauja - Koiva river basin. This will be achieved through the development of a joint methodology for GDE identification and assessment, its implementation in pilot areas in cooperation between Estonian and Latvian authorities and research institutions and increased public awareness of groundwater and associated nature protection.

  

Title

Joint management of groundwater dependent ecosystems in transboundary Gauja - Koiva river basin 

Abbreviation

GroundEco

Lead partner Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Hydrogeology Division
Project number Est-Lat 62
Programme Interreg Estonia – Latvia 2014-2020

Partners

  • Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Hydrogeology Division (LV)
  • Ministry of Environment (EE)
  • Geological Survey of Estonia (EE)
  • Tallinn University, Institute of Ecology (EE)
  • Nature Conservation Agency,  Nature Protection Department (LV)
  • University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences (LV)
  • Vidzeme Planning Region (LV)

Associates

-

Objective

To enhance sustainable management of common groundwater resources and associated ecosystems in the transboundary Gauja - Koiva river basin.

Activities

  1. Identification and exchange of data necessary for project implementation;
  2. Development of a joint methodology and its implementation in Gauja - Koiva river basin;
  3. Pilot studies and development of conceptual models (research object - spring mires and spring complex);
  4. Recommendations for better management of transboundary Gauja - Koiva river basin and project result dissemination.

Results

  1. Joint methodology for GDE identification and assessment;
  2. Implementation of methodology and verification in pilot areas in close cooperation between Estonian and Latvian authorities and research institutions;
  3. Increased public awareness of groundwater and associated nature protection;

Budget

Total budget of the project – 411 764,72 EUR

- ERAF co-financing- 350 000.00 EUR

VPR budget – 37 647.06 EUR

- ERAF co-financing - 32 000.00 EUR

Implementation

10.05.2018. – 09.07.2020.

Contact person in VPR

Maija Rieksta

GroundEco project manager 

Ph. +371 26099521

maija.rieksta@vidzeme.lv 

Project website

https://www.meteo.lv/lapas/par-centru/eiropas-savienibas-lidzfinansetie-projekti/joint-management-of-groundwater-dependent-ecosystems-in-transboundary-/joint-management-of-groundwater-dependent-ecosystems-in-transboundary-?&id=2330&nid=1157  

This website reflects the views of the author. The managing authority of the programme is not liable for how this information may be used.