From October 22 to 24, 2024, the fourth Peer Review Visit within the project “Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance” (CIBioGo) took place in Valmiera and the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. The visit was hosted by the Vidzeme Planning Region and brought together project partners and stakeholders from several European countries.
Citizen science and communication campaigns
On the first day, participants gathered in Valmiera for a thematic seminar and workshop, where various good practice examples from Latvia and other countries were presented, showcasing different approaches to public engagement in biodiversity governance. These examples covered both citizen science and data collection initiatives, as well as public communication campaigns. The presentations included:
- “Attention – Invasive Species!” campaign, encouraging the public to report sightings of invasive species;
- Use of the “Dabasdati.lv” nature observation platform as a public engagement tool;
- Involvement of students in environmental research through collaboration with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences;
- Urban Bioblitz initiatives as part of the City Nature Challenge;
- The “Mednis” mobile app, engaging hunters’ organizations in biodiversity data collection;
Additional campaigns highlighting the role of education and public involvement in environmental communication.
The seminar concluded with group workshops, where participants discussed challenges and shared experiences related to public communication and participation across their respective regions.
Learning from local practices in nature
The second day was dedicated to on-site study visits across North Vidzeme, focusing on practical local initiatives that promote active public participation in nature conservation and management:
- Randu meadows nature trail – citizen involvement through the Reed Sculpture Festival;
- Salaca River valley – community-led river clean-up activities and protection of fish spawning and migration routes;
- Nature Education Centre of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve – public monitoring and engagement programs;
- Skaņaiskalns Nature Park – citizen involvement in governance and local decision-making processes.
Final day – reflection and policy improvement
The last day of the visit took place in Valmiera and focused on reflection and evaluation. Participants shared feedback on the study visits and discussed possible directions for policy improvement and communication activities in their own regions, with the goal of strengthening public involvement in biodiversity-related decision-making.
