On 19th February, the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) organised the first online meeting of the Rural Climate Resilience Group as part of the project “Growing Climate Resilience in Remote rural Areas through Community Empowerment” (GRACE). The event marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation aimed at addressing climate change challenges in rural areas across the Vidzeme region.
The meeting brought together 22 participants representing municipalities, businesses, the agriculture and forestry sectors, non-governmental organisations, educational and research institutions, as well as other interested stakeholders.
During the online session, participants were introduced to the objectives of the GRACE project, its planned activities, and the role of the Rural Climate Resilience Group within the region. The event served as the starting point for the group’s activities, which will focus on strengthening the capacity of remote rural areas to adapt to climate change through the development of co-created, nature-based solutions tailored to local needs.
Discussions focused on the most significant climate risks facing the Vidzeme region, as well as participants’ expectations and motivations for becoming involved in the joint effort to enhance climate resilience. Representatives of local municipalities expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that it complements and strengthens climate resilience activities already being implemented at the local level.
Participants’ interest in joining the Rural Climate Resilience Group was primarily driven by a desire to continue and expand ongoing work related to climate change adaptation and to reinforce initiatives already underway within municipalities. Climate resilience is increasingly recognised as a priority in both urban and rural areas, highlighting the need for practical solutions that can be implemented at the local level.
As participants emphasised, one of the key motivations for involvement is the opportunity to gain new knowledge, practical experience, and ideas for future action, while exchanging perspectives and experiences with representatives from other municipalities and sectors. The group is seen as a valuable platform for exploring good practice examples from across the Vidzeme region, building professional networks, and strengthening the integration of climate change considerations into municipal development planning.
Participants also highlighted the importance of using the opportunities provided by the project to launch new climate-related initiatives within municipalities and to share acquired knowledge with businesses, farmers, and local communities.
Membership in the Rural Climate Resilience Group remains open, and all interested stakeholders—particularly representatives of rural communities, municipalities, businesses, and non-governmental organisations—are encouraged to join its future activities. Those interested in becoming involved or learning more about the group’s work are invited to contact the project manager, Maija Rieksta, at maija.rieksta@vidzeme.lv
About the project
The project “Growing Climate Resilience in Remote rural Areas through Community Empowerment (GRACE)” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme (2021–2027).
Its aim is to help remote rural regions in Europe adapt to climate change and strengthen their resilience by promoting community participation, local capacity building, and the implementation of innovative solutions. The project seeks to develop and demonstrate multidimensional climate adaptation measures that enhance social and economic vitality, promote nature-based solutions, and improve local governance.
