On 10–11 June 2026, the Interreg Europe project CLIMATE partner meeting took place in Cēsis, Latvia, where the Vidzeme Planning Region welcomed project partners and experts from Greece, Finland, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Hungary. Over the course of two days, participants discussed the impacts of climate change on regions, explored Vidzeme’s experience in strengthening climate resilience, and sought solutions to help municipalities and communities better adapt to increasingly frequent climate-related risks.

Opening the meeting, Dr. Inese Suija-Markova, Deputy Mayor of Cēsis Municipality and Chairwoman of the Development Board of the Vidzeme Planning Region, presented Vidzeme’s approach to sustainable development and climate resilience. She emphasized that the region’s greatest asset is its rich natural capital, with more than half of its territory covered by forests that provide essential ecosystem services and enhance resilience to climate change impacts. She also highlighted Vidzeme’s high share of organically managed agricultural land, which exceeds both Latvian and European Union averages.

Inta Ādamsone, Head of the Environment and Climate Neutrality Division of the Development Department at Cēsis Municipality, introduced the municipality’s environmental and climate neutrality policy framework. She stressed that climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are implemented in close connection with sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and public engagement. Ādamsone noted that one of the priorities of the Cēsis Municipality Development Programme is “Nature and Environment – the Green Course”, which promotes biodiversity conservation based on scientific research, as well as the expansion of green spaces, pedestrian streets and cycling infrastructure to improve environmental quality and residents’ well-being. To achieve these objectives, the municipality actively participates in several international environmental and climate projects, including LIFE LATESTadapt, through which nature-based solutions are being developed to strengthen urban resilience in Cēsis.

Meanwhile, Līga Bieziņa, Development Planner at the Development Department of Valmiera Municipality, presented Valmiera’s approach to strengthening climate resilience. She explained that climate-related risks are systematically integrated into municipal planning documents and infrastructure development projects. Particular attention is paid to flood risk reduction, stormwater management and the development of green infrastructure. The Green Infrastructure Development Plan for the city of Valmiera envisages the creation of an integrated green infrastructure network, reduction of flooding risks caused by heavy rainfall, mitigation of the urban heat island effect and enhancement of biodiversity.

Anda Briede, Expert at the Vidzeme Planning Region, presented the Gauja National Park Bioregion Initiative – the first bioregion in the Baltic States. She introduced the process of establishing the bioregion and the collaborative governance model involving municipalities, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and businesses, promoting sustainable natural resource management, circular economy principles and community engagement. Concluding her presentation, Briede stressed that building climate resilience requires the ability to look ahead and create a shared vision for the future:

“We cannot change the world with today’s mindset – we must be able to imagine the future, think ambitiously and consistently move towards our chosen goals.”

In the afternoon, Dr. Vita Brakovska, Chairperson of the Association ZINIS, led a workshop on systems thinking and the role of societal behaviour in fostering climate resilience. She emphasized that effective solutions are only possible when the connections between individual habits, community actions and climate-related challenges are fully understood.

“A key prerequisite for building a resilient society is shared responsibility and regular preparedness for potential crises, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge,” Brakovska noted. She highlighted that lasting behavioural change can only be achieved when at least 25% of a community becomes actively involved. Participants were encouraged to identify so-called leverage points – small but strategic actions capable of generating significant changes in public behaviour and engagement.

At the end of the workshop, international working groups presented ideas for increasing public engagement in climate resilience issues. Working with different target audiences – young people, climate sceptics and the wider public – participants explored ways to make climate challenges more understandable and personally relevant. The discussions demonstrated that effective communication requires more than facts and data; it must connect climate resilience to people’s everyday experiences, values and practical benefits. Participants also highlighted the importance of creative, interactive and visually engaging approaches that help build understanding and motivate action.

On the second day, project partners visited the Institute for Environmental Solutions in Priekuļi, where Jevgenijs Filipovs, Data Analyst, presented recent developments in mapping urban green areas and heat islands using freely available satellite data. Participants gained insight into technologies that enable municipalities to identify climate risks more accurately and plan adaptation measures more effectively.

The study visit concluded in Smiltene Municipality, where participants learned about local projects implementing nature-based solutions for water management and climate adaptation. These examples demonstrated how municipalities can use natural processes to improve stormwater management, reduce flood risks and enhance environmental quality at the same time.

During the meeting, project partners also discussed the future direction of the project and reviewed progress achieved so far. Particular attention was paid to how successful practices from different European regions can be adapted to local needs and used to strengthen climate resilience in the long term.

The CLIMATE project aims to strengthen the capacity of European regions to adapt to climate change by promoting the exchange of experience and improving policy instruments for climate risk management. Project partners analyse and transfer good practices in areas such as climate monitoring, nature-based solutions, public engagement and the development of civil protection systems.

About the Project

This publication has been prepared with the financial support of the European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Vidzeme Planning Region and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The project “Improving EU regions’ environmental and socioeconomic resilience to climate change” (CLIMATE) is being implemented under the Interreg Europe cross-border cooperation programme from 2021 to 2027. It aims to support participating regions in strengthening their ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change by improving disaster risk prevention, enhancing civil protection capacities, and fostering inclusive, cross-sectoral cooperation.

The Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia’s TechSocialcare partner, has published a policy assessment on the use of assistive technology (AT) in social and health care in Latvia. The report was produced by social anthropologist Līna Orste, drawing on a review of policy documents and in-depth input from professionals, service providers across the sector and users.

Key findings: communication gaps and mismatched needs

The assessment identifies a recurring problem at the heart of Latvia’s AT provision: insufficient communication between the parties involved at different stages of the process – from initial assessment and allocation through to day-to-day use.

As Orste notes, this breakdown has practical consequences: the process of obtaining an assistive device can take longer than necessary, and the devices themselves may prove uncomfortable or unusable, either because those involved lack the knowledge to use them correctly or because the technology does not match the actual needs of the user.

Recommendations spanning policy and practice

The report offers a broad set of recommendations – from strengthening coordination between the health and social care sectors to addressing ethical questions in the adoption of new technologies. Key directions include improving communication between all parties involved in AT provision, ensuring that devices are matched to actual user needs, and building knowledge and support structures around their use.

The aim is to identify what changes are needed – both at the policy level and in everyday practice – to make assistive technologies more accessible and effective in care settings. As population ageing and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions drive growing demand for care services, getting these right matters beyond Latvia’s borders.

Next steps within TechSocialcare

From 2–4 June, the third interregional exchange visit of the Interreg Europe 2021–2027 project Agro Building Carbon/ABC: quantifying carbon removal farm-sourced building materials took place in Bucharest and several regions of Romania. Representatives of the Latvian partners – Vidzeme Planning Region and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences – participated alongside regional experts involved in the project: Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Organic Agriculture Association and owner of the “Gaiķēni” farm, Mārtiņš Gaiķēns, and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences expert Uldis Grīnfelds. The visit focused on agricultural and bioeconomy solutions that promote carbon sequestration, the use of bio-based materials and the implementation of circular economy principles.

During the visit, project partners explored various examples of how agricultural biomass and organic resources can become valuable raw materials to produce bio-based products and construction materials. The programme combined expert discussions with study visits to companies and farms demonstrating sustainable farming practices in action.

In discussions with Romanian farmers, economic challenges facing the sector were a recurring topic. Farmers highlighted the significant increase in the costs of fuel, fertilisers, plant protection products and other agricultural inputs in recent years. Under these conditions, the introduction of new regulations and additional requirements often places further pressure on farmers. As a result, sustainability measures and climate objectives must not only be environmentally beneficial but also economically viable and practical for everyday farm operations.

Partners from Slovenia noted that change is often driven not only by economic benefits but also by farmers’ personal responsibility towards their land and their desire to preserve it for future generations. This motivation frequently becomes the foundation for new initiatives and policy changes, even when the financial return is not immediate or substantial.

In Latvia, the use of bio-based construction materials is gradually gaining popularity, particularly in private housing. However, development in this field is currently driven more by individual initiatives and market demand than by targeted public policy. According to Inguna Kucina, Project Manager at Vidzeme Planning Region, one of the key challenges is demonstrating the added value created by bio-based materials throughout the entire value chain.

“We are increasingly discussing the use of hemp, straw and other bio-based materials in construction. However, to develop effective policies, it is important to better understand the links between agricultural crops, the construction sector, carbon sequestration and the circular economy,” emphasises I. Kucina.

During the good practice visits, partners explored several examples of how agricultural biomass and organic resources can contribute to circular economy solutions and carbon sequestration. At Genesis Biopartner, participants learned about technologies that convert agricultural biomass and organic waste into renewable energy. At Agri Sol and the farm of Tudor Marian, they were introduced to regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health, increase carbon storage and make more efficient use of available farm resources.

Project partners also met with representatives of the Romanian Farmers’ Club, who outlined key challenges facing the agricultural sector in Romania. They noted that 44.3% of Romanian farmers are over 65 years old, while only 12% are under 45. Romania also ranks last in the European Union in terms of digital service integration. Attention was given to knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial skills development. Partners learned about the Entrepreneur in Agriculture 4.0 programme, which helps farmers strengthen their skills in business management, digital solutions and risk management. More than 110 farmers have graduated from the programme to date, supporting the introduction of new knowledge and innovation across the sector.

At Roman Nurseries (Cherry Paradise), the focus shifted to sustainable fruit production. The farm combines modern orchard management practices with the reuse of plant residues and rural tourism activities. Participants learned how fruit-growing biomass can be used responsibly while improving soil quality, reducing organic waste and creating economic benefits for local communities.

On the final day, partners visited farmers in Giurgiu County, where minimum tillage technologies used in large-scale grain production were demonstrated. The farm serves as an example of how productive agriculture can be combined with soil restoration, biomass utilisation and climate mitigation measures. This approach helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the transition towards a more sustainable agricultural system. Participants also discussed how conditions for establishing agricultural businesses and obtaining the necessary certifications still differ significantly across EU Member States, creating unequal competitive conditions for farmers.

The experience gained during the visit confirmed that the transition towards more sustainable and climate-friendly agriculture is only possible when it also delivers tangible benefits to farmers. As production costs continue to rise and economic uncertainty persists, it is increasingly important to identify solutions that help maintain soil fertility, make better use of local resources, reduce emissions and create new business opportunities. This is precisely the objective of the ABC project – to strengthen cooperation between the agriculture, construction and bioeconomy sectors so that agricultural biomass and bio-based materials can become important resources for sustainable regional development and climate action across Europe.

About the project

This visit was organized within the framework of the INTERREG EUROPE Programme 2021–2027 project Agro Building Carbon/ABC. The project aims to improve regional policy instruments to create economic opportunities for the production of bio-based building materials and the associated value chain. This goal is to be achieved by adopting good practice examples regarding these materials and related support policies, particularly carbon sequestration certification.

The Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 project “Development of joint circular solutions in the CB restaurant sector” (Ce4Re) has come to an end. Over the past three years, the Vidzeme Planning Region, together with partners from Finland and Sweden, worked to introduce more sustainable and efficient practices in the food service sector. The project delivered a wide range of educational activities, digital tools for restaurants and their customers, a recipe competition and masterclass, international knowledge exchange opportunities, and practical cooperation with restaurants to reduce food waste.

The project addressed a growing need to reduce food waste and improve resource efficiency. According to data published by Latvia’s Ministry of Climate and Energy and research conducted within the LIFE project Waste To Resources Latvia, approximately 269,000 tonnes of food waste are generated annually in Latvia, equivalent to around 144 kilograms per person. The food service sector alone accounts for approximately 16,700 tonnes of food waste each year. European Union targets require a 30% reduction in food waste within the food service sector by 2030.

The main objective of Ce4Re was to support food service businesses in integrating circular economy principles into their daily operations by improving resource management, reducing food waste, optimizing processes, and strengthening business competitiveness and sustainability. Throughout the project, sustainability was highlighted not as an added value but as an increasingly essential prerequisite for long-term business success.

At the beginning of the project, restaurants from Vidzeme and other regions of Latvia were invited to participate and become part of the transition towards a more sustainable food service industry. In total, 15 restaurants from Latvia, Finland, and Sweden took part in developing and testing the project’s digital solutions: the Food Waste Reduction Tool, the Menu Design Tool, and the EkoGo application. Testing these tools in real-life restaurant environments provided valuable feedback for further improvements and adaptation to different business needs.

To strengthen the knowledge and capacity of industry professionals, the project organized an extensive webinar series entitled “Implementing Circular Economy Principles in the Restaurant Sector.” Industry experts and practitioners shared practical insights on sustainable business management.

Topics covered included an introduction to the circular economy, circular menu planning, food waste prevention and reduction, sustainability communication and marketing, and the development of efficient and sustainable food service businesses. Recordings of the webinars, translated into Latvian, have been made publicly available, ensuring that restaurants and other interested stakeholders can continue to benefit from the project’s resources after its completion.

One of the most popular sessions was the webinar “An Efficient and Sustainable Modern Food Service Business,” which explored how restaurants can reduce costs, use resources more efficiently, and improve customer experience. Throughout the project, it became increasingly clear that sustainability in the restaurant sector is not only about environmental responsibility but also about smarter business management.

A key project outcome was the development of a Food Waste Monitoring Tool that enables restaurants to track food waste generation, analyze operational processes, and make data-driven decisions to improve resource efficiency.

Practical cooperation with restaurants and pilot testing of the tool became one of the project’s most significant activities. Participating businesses reported that the tool not only helped them measure food waste more accurately but also encouraged meaningful changes in daily habits and mindsets among both staff and customers.

The experience of the Latvian pilot restaurants demonstrates that regular food waste monitoring helps businesses better understand the causes of waste and implement practical improvements. By using the project’s monitoring tool, restaurants Valmiermuiža’s Beer Kitchen, Mieriņš, Wolmar, Bazārs, and Mr. Biskvīts achieved food waste reductions ranging from 18% to 38%. The greatest impact came from improved portion planning, more accurate purchasing forecasts, and increased staff engagement and awareness regarding food waste reduction.

The project results confirm that the principle “You can’t manage what you don’t measure” applies equally to the food service industry. Systematic data collection helps identify major sources of waste, reduce food waste volumes, and lower operational costs.

Baiba Siktāre, manager of Mieriņš Ltd., notes that participation in the project enabled a much deeper understanding of the causes and impacts of food waste. She also observed significant changes in customer behavior, with more guests choosing to take unfinished food home instead of discarding it.

Similarly, Liāna Dance, manager of Hotel Wolmar Ltd., emphasizes that the tool encouraged a more thorough evaluation of everyday processes and resource use. Converting food waste into measurable data and costs helped the team better analyze operations and improve attitudes toward resource management.

Marita Mastiņa, manager of Valmiermuižas Alus Ltd., highlights the importance of staff engagement. She explains that employees’ attitudes changed significantly once food waste was directly linked to financial losses, increasing awareness and motivation to use products more efficiently.

In addition to the Food Waste Monitoring Tool, the project developed a Circular Menu Tool that helps restaurants design more sustainable menus, optimize ingredient use, and adopt environmentally responsible cooking practices. The tool also includes recipes from the competition “Latvia’s Sustainable Menu Recipes of 2025.”

Another important outcome is the EkoGo mobile application, designed to help consumers discover, rate, and recommend sustainable dining establishments while giving businesses greater visibility for their environmentally responsible practices.

As the project concludes, the Vidzeme Planning Region encourages food service businesses to continue using the project’s freely available digital tools:

In April, Valmiera and Cēsis hosted partners from seven European countries during the international Interreg Europe project “Digital Rural” meeting, where participants exchanged experiences on how digital solutions can strengthen public services, support businesses and improve everyday life in rural regions. The visit highlighted Vidzeme’s practical approach to digital transformation, focusing on solutions tailored to regional needs rather than large-scale urban models.

During the meeting, international partners explored examples of digital innovation in Vidzeme, including the work of the European Digital Innovation Centre (EDIC), the Cēsis Digital Centre and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences’ VR-Lab. Discussions emphasized that successful digital transformation starts with digital skills, targeted support and gradual implementation adapted to local communities.

Special attention was also given to the dissemination of the Interreg Central Baltic project Ce4Re, which promotes circular solutions for the restaurant sector. Partners were introduced to digital tools developed within the project to help restaurants reduce food waste, monitor resource consumption and create more sustainable menu planning practices. The examples demonstrated how digital technologies can support both environmental sustainability and business efficiency in the hospitality sector.

The meeting confirmed that rural regions can become important drivers of innovation by combining digital skills, data-driven solutions and cross-sector cooperation to address local challenges in practical and sustainable ways.