Enhancing the Skills of Municipal and Regional Planning Specialists in Climate-Neutral Economy and Mitigation of Socio-Economic Impacts Related to Climate Change

Title	About
Programme	Just Transition Fund

1. Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (Latvia) (Beneficiary)
2. Vidzeme Planning Region (Latvia)
3. Latgale Planning Region (Latvia)
4. Kurzeme Planning Region (Latvia)
5. Zemgale Planning Region (Latvia)

Project objectives

Enhancing the skills of municipal and regional specialists to ensure progress towards a climate-neutral economy and reduce risks related to climate change in the most affected regions, promoting the mitigation of socio-economic impacts.

Activities

1. Assessment, enhancement, and practical application of the knowledge and skills of municipal and regional planning specialists to ensure progress towards a climate-neutral economy and reduce risks related to climate change in the most affected regions, taking into account the identified needs of municipalities and planning regions: On the circular economy and the promotion of entrepreneurship in municipalities to achieve climate goals; on renewable energy sources, their management, and the development of energy communities; on infrastructure and construction solutions for achieving climate goals; on the application of renewable energy sources in the provision of municipal services, as well as a set of capacity-building activities for municipal and regional planning specialists on cross-cutting issues identified by the planning regions.
2. Support for regional development measures aimed at transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, including their planning, implementation coordination, and evaluation.
3. Ensuring project management and implementation.
4. Measures to ensure compliance with communication and visual identity requirements for project implementation.

Results

1. Four regional-scale training programs implemented to enhance the qualifications or retrain municipal and regional specialists.
2. At least 190 municipal and regional specialists with improved knowledge and skills in climate-neutral economy and the mitigation of socio-economic impacts related to climate change – at least 12 specialists from supported regions or their municipalities receiving flexibility funding.

Budget

The total funding available for project implementation: 1,684,987 euros

including Just Transition Fund: 1,432,238 euros

national budget co-financing: 252,749 euros

Implementation period

15.07.2024.-31.05.2027.

Contacts

Zelma Mičule
Phone: +371 28327962
Email: zelma.micule@vidzeme.lv