Environment - Vidzemes plānošanas reģions

ABC project partners explore sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy solutions in Romania

Marta Riekstiņa — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:05:43 +0000

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 post ABC project partners explore sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy solutions in Romania appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Second Rural Climate Resilience Working Group seminar held within the GRACE project

Krista Blūma — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:33:00 +0000

On 28 May, the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) organised the climate resilience working group seminar “Community Engagement for Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Vidzeme Region – From Understanding to Action” in Cēsis. The event brought together representatives of municipalities, non-governmental organisations, educational and research institutions, as well as other active stakeholders to jointly explore how to strengthen the capacity of communities in Vidzeme to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

Using the CoSMoS methodology, participants analysed the region’s strengths, available resources, and key risks. By identifying natural assets, infrastructure, local knowledge, cooperation networks, and cultural heritage, participants explored solutions that could enhance community resilience and support sustainable development. Through discussions and practical exercises, they identified major trends and challenges affecting Vidzeme’s ability to adapt to climate change.

The insights gained during the workshop will serve as a foundation for future activities within the GRACE project, helping to develop solutions that are rooted in the real needs and experiences of the Vidzeme region. Participants’ expertise and practical knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of how to strengthen cooperation, make informed decisions, and use regional resources more effectively in the future.

One of the key conclusions highlighted by participants was that the most important resources for strengthening climate resilience in Vidzeme are people, knowledge, financial capacity, and strong communities. These were described as the four cornerstones upon which the region’s development and adaptive capacity should be built. At the same time, participants emphasised the importance of natural capital—including forests, water resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity—as a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Discussions acknowledged that while Vidzeme continues to benefit from abundant natural resources, various risks are also increasing, including intensive land use, urban development pressures, and biodiversity loss. Participants agreed that climate resilience can be strengthened through community cooperation, capacity-building, adequate financial resources, and the sustainable management of natural assets.

The seminar also featured a lecture by Professor Andra Blumberga of Riga Technical University, who introduced participants to systems thinking and system dynamics approaches. Her presentation, “Thinking Long-Term: A Systems Approach to Climate Change,” generated particular interest and engagement among attendees. Rather than approaching climate change solely from an academic perspective, the lecture explored the issue through the lens of everyday human behaviour and choices.

Through an interactive exercise, participants were encouraged to reflect on climate change in the context of daily actions, recognising that the way people travel, eat, consume services, purchase goods, and live their everyday lives all contribute to the generation of CO₂ emissions.

Complex processes were explained in a clear and visual manner, including the use of bubble visualisations to illustrate emission volumes and their impacts. Discussions also addressed the concept of the “tragedy of the commons,” which describes situations where shared resources are used primarily for individual benefit without sufficient consideration for their long-term preservation. In the context of climate change, this concept highlights how actions that may be beneficial for individuals are not always beneficial for society as a whole. Participants also reflected on patterns of resource use and the need for greater public awareness, engagement, and responsibility regarding climate-related issues.

During the final session of the seminar, participants focused on mapping cooperation networks and governance processes within the Vidzeme region. Together, they developed a stakeholder map for climate governance, identifying municipalities, government institutions, communities, businesses, non-governmental organisations, and many other actors who play important roles in reducing climate-related risks and strengthening regional resilience.

The discussions examined existing forms of cooperation, information-sharing mechanisms, and opportunities for strengthening collaboration in the future. At the same time, participants concluded that despite the broad range of stakeholders involved and the diversity of existing cooperation formats, interactions are often largely formal in nature. They emphasised the need for more meaningful and effective collaboration that promotes knowledge exchange, joint learning, and the development of new initiatives, thereby strengthening communities’ ability to drive change and address shared challenges.

The seminar demonstrated that climate change and community development are closely interconnected issues, although this perspective has not yet become a common part of public discussion. Participants therefore stressed the importance of continuing to organise similar events that foster shared understanding and strengthen the links between these topics.

The seminar was organised within the framework of the GRACE project – “Growing Climate Resilience in Remote rural Areas through Community Empowerment”, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme.

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.

The post Second Rural Climate Resilience Working Group seminar held within the GRACE project appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Marta Riekstiņa — Wed, 13 May 2026 08:10:06 +0000

On 17 April, an experience exchange visit was held in the Valmiera region as part of the project “Agro Building Carbon/ABC”, focusing on practical examples for the development of agro-based construction in Latvia. The aim of the visit was to discuss the use of local bioresources in construction, the availability of raw materials, and circular cooperation models between the agricultural and construction sectors, as well as to explore practical solutions in which agricultural materials can become higher value-added construction products.

One of the most significant insights gained during the visit was the opportunity to see straw panel production not as a niche experiment, but as a real technology with clear advantages and, at the same time, very specific limitations. The thickness of straw panels reaches up to 40 centimetres, and rye and winter wheat straw are used in their production. This choice is determined by the material properties — due to their one-year growth cycle, these types of straw contain a higher level of cellulose, which is important for producing high-quality panels. Together with wood and clay, they form a material system based on the use of local resources.

During the visit, it became clear that the main challenge for the development of straw panels at the moment is not only interest in the material itself, but also production capacity. One day is needed for timber preparation, while two people can prepare a large panel in approximately one and a half to two hours. A panel weighs around 200 kilograms, demonstrating that production is a physically intensive and carefully organised process. With the current resources, two people can produce enough panels for a house of approximately 100 m² within a month. This is a good indicator for small-scale production, but at the same time a reminder that the further development of the technology is closely linked to increasing production capacity.

The availability of raw materials is equally important. This is where the topic of agro-based construction becomes particularly interesting, because the discussion is not only about straw as a construction resource, but also about a much broader circular economy model. Farmers often have bioresources or residual materials that are not fully utilised in everyday farming practices, yet they can become valuable raw materials for new products. This perspective was further illustrated by the experience of the farm “Gaiķēni”, where all approximately 300 hectares are dedicated to seed production, cultivating crops such as peas and buckwheat. This example demonstrated how organic farming methods help reduce dependence on external resources, as there is no need to purchase pesticides or chemical mineral fertilisers. Instead, greater focus can be placed on internal cycles and resource circulation within the farm. This is where the connection with agro-based construction becomes especially clear — agricultural by-products and bioresources can become part of a broader value chain in which the residual output of one sector becomes the raw material for a new product in another sector.

The visit also provided an opportunity to highlight the technical properties of straw panels, which are still sometimes viewed with scepticism by the public. It was emphasised that straw panels demonstrate a high level of fire safety, as confirmed by empirical experiments. A key factor is the high density of the panels, approximately 120–130 kg/m³. This dense structure reduces the amount of air within the material and therefore significantly influences its behaviour when exposed to fire.

At the same time, the fibrous and dense structure of straw also provides protection against rodents. This is an important aspect, as one of the most common misconceptions regarding natural materials is the assumption that they necessarily require additional chemical treatment. During the visit, it was explained that the straw panel production technology and the specific properties of the material itself make it possible to avoid the use of fungicides, repellents, and flame retardants, while still meeting the quality requirements expected from modern building materials. This is a strong argument in favour of the wider use of natural materials, as it demonstrates that high quality does not always require more complex or chemically intensive solutions.

The post appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Sustainability as a value, not a project: discussions in Smiltene on a practical approach to shaping living environments

Krista Blūma — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:51:43 +0000

On 23 April, the fifth regional stakeholder meeting of the Interreg Europe project “PIloting COllaborative ways to BEtter Living LOcally ” (PICOBELLO) took place in Smiltene. The event focused on the theme “The New European Bauhaus in Vidzeme – Recommendations for Developing Relevant Policies.”

The meeting was opened by PICOBELLO project expert Krišjānis Pundurs, who provided an overview of the project’s progress and achievements to date. He also reflected on the previous regional stakeholder meeting in Gulbene and the lessons learned during study visits to Amsterdam and Katowice. Particular emphasis was placed on the placemaking approach, which puts people, their needs, and inclusive, accessible environments at the centre of development, while also highlighting the importance of connections—not only physical, but social as well.

Further insights from the partner meeting in Katowice, Poland, were presented by Laima Šmite-Ūdre, Landscape Architect at the Municipality of Gulbene. She highlighted several ways in which the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) are being implemented in practice across Europe and discussed the lessons that municipalities in the Vidzeme Planning Region can draw from these examples.

In her presentation, she emphasised sustainable development approaches that make use of academic potential by linking student innovations with real societal needs. She also shared examples from Spain and Poland, where former industrial areas have been revitalised and adapted for new purposes. Community engagement and placemaking were identified as essential elements in creating high-quality living environments, illustrated by examples such as the “food forest” initiative in Greece and the experience of Smiltene, where residents actively contribute to shaping urban spaces. Additional attention was given to the transformation of industrial heritage from a perceived burden into a valuable resource through its conversion into cultural and public spaces, as well as to various initiatives supporting education, health, and well-being. L. Šmite-Ūdre stressed that creating a safe, collaborative, and attractive environment for local residents naturally enhances the appeal and resilience of the wider region.

To demonstrate how places with strong historical and cultural significance can be successfully adapted to contemporary urban life, participants visited the Jāņukalns Open-Air Stage in Smiltene, a notable example of community participation. The restoration of the venue was made possible through the joint efforts of residents, local businesses, and the municipality, who contributed through volunteer work, practical involvement, and financial donations. As a result, the site has evolved into a modern cultural and social gathering space.

Inese Priedīte, Director of the Smiltene Cultural Centre, emphasised that despite the challenges associated with maintaining the venue, it remains an important part of Smiltene’s identity and cultural heritage, carrying significant intangible value for the local community.

The main objective of the meeting was to develop recommendations for policy documents aligned with the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, in line with the goals of the PICOBELLO project. However, participants acknowledged that strategic concepts are often best understood through practical, existing, and implementable solutions. Consequently, the group work focused on translating the New European Bauhaus concept and its values into practical actions, identifying concrete measures and existing challenges.

Participants noted that many initiatives already being implemented in the Vidzeme Planning Region—including inclusive tourism, nature education, the preservation of local culture, and efforts to strengthen community resilience—already reflect the principles of the New European Bauhaus, regardless of whether they are formally labelled as such. Since the three core NEB principles are open to interpretation, participants agreed that greater emphasis should be placed on practical solutions rather than terminology, ensuring that implementation does not become an unnecessary administrative burden.

The discussions identified two priority areas for future action, particularly highlighted by municipal specialists working in the fields of culture and urban design:

Local cultural events (town and village festivals, concerts, markets, cemetery festivals, and similar activities) that provide added value by preserving traditions, local identity, and a sense of belonging. Over the long term, such initiatives contribute to stronger and more resilient communities.
Resident-led initiatives and the establishment of local advisory councils, which create opportunities for improved cooperation and dialogue between municipalities and residents. These mechanisms facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and a better understanding of local needs and opportunities.

Participants also concluded that sustainability must be embraced as a value at the national level if initiatives and ideas are to become long-term directions rather than one-off projects. A broader shift in public attitudes and ways of thinking was considered equally important, with education playing a key role in building awareness and understanding.

The event brought together representatives from the municipalities of Valmiera, Gulbene, and Smiltene, as well as specialists from the Vidzeme Planning Region. Based on the insights gained during the meeting, the Vidzeme Planning Region will continue its work on proposals for improving regional development policies in line with the objectives of the PICOBELLO project.

About the project

The project “PIloting COllaborative ways to BEtter Living LOcally” (PICOBELLO) is being implemented within the Interreg Europe 2021–2027 interregional cooperation programme. Its objective is to improve regional development policy instruments in the partner regions through a co-creative knowledge exchange process, exploring how European regions integrate the three core values of the New European Bauhaus into their development strategies: sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.

More information about the project: https://ej.uz/86jm

This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Vidzeme Planning Region and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The post Sustainability as a value, not a project: discussions in Smiltene on a practical approach to shaping living environments appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Project partners of “Agro Building Carbon/ABC: Quantifying Carbon Removal in Farm-Sourced Building Materials” discuss soil restoration, bio-based construction materials and carbon sequestration in Greece

Marta Riekstiņa — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:24:30 +0000

From 9 to 13 March, an interregional exchange visit of the project “Agro Building Carbon/ABC: Quantifying Carbon Removal in Farm-Sourced Building Materials” took place in Larissa, Greece, bringing together project partners and experts from eight European countries. The aim of the visit was to discuss the preservation and restoration of soil health in the context of growing materials for agro-based construction, as well as to explore practical examples of building value chains from agriculture to construction while promoting carbon sequestration and soil health.

The visit was organised by the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (IED) in cooperation with local partners. The three-day programme combined thematic workshops, partner meetings and study visits to organisations working with bioeconomy solutions, renewable energy and bio-based construction materials.

During the first day of the visit, project partners discussed the importance of crop rotation within regenerative agriculture systems and the potential of carbon sequestration in the bioeconomy and construction sectors. By focusing on good practice examples from project partners, participants gained insights and new ideas that could be transferred and adapted in their own countries.

Field visits to bioeconomy initiatives

On the second day, project partners visited several locations in the Thessaly region to explore practical examples of how bioeconomy and sustainable construction solutions are implemented at the local level.

The first stop was Nesson Ecovillage – one of the first ecovillages in Greece developing approaches to natural building and regenerative agriculture. During the visit, partners learned about the village’s development concept, which combines sustainable lifestyle practices, the use of local resources and environmentally friendly construction methods.

Natural building technologies are used in the ecovillage, including structures made from clay, wood, straw and other biological materials. These materials help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings while improving indoor microclimates. Participants had the opportunity to visit several buildings constructed using both traditional and modern natural building techniques.

In addition to construction activities, regenerative agriculture is practised within the ecovillage territory. This approach focuses on restoring soil fertility, promoting biodiversity and supporting sustainable food production. Methods such as permaculture principles, diversified crop systems and circular use of natural resources are applied. The main products produced in the village include nut butters, jams and muesli.

The delegation then continued to Karditsa, where they visited the Department of Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design of the University of Thessaly. This research centre studies the use of biomass in construction and the integration of agricultural by-products into building materials. The institute provides the necessary equipment for students and researchers to develop prototypes and analyse materials. Panels made from wood combined with sheep wool and other natural materials are developed here, and some of these materials later reach industrial production.

During the visit, project partners also visited the Energy Community of Karditsa – an experimental energy community that brings together around 400 members, including residents, companies and other local partners. A representative of the organisation introduced the community’s approach to using local resources for energy production, with particular focus on agricultural biomass residues.

“Our goal is to mobilise local resources and use them to produce energy for our own needs – both for households and for industry. As we are located in an agricultural region, we have access to a significant amount of biomass, such as cotton cultivation residues, straw and other crop by-products. We cooperate with farmers and cooperatives to collect this biomass, process it and use it as fuel for energy production,” explained a representative of the Energy Community of Karditsa, highlighting that this approach helps reduce agricultural waste while strengthening local energy independence.

Experience exchange for policy improvement

At the end of the visit, project partners participated in discussions and working sessions analysing the examples observed during the visit and discussing opportunities to replicate similar solutions in other European regions. Participants emphasised that interregional experience exchange is essential for developing sustainable bioeconomy approaches and promoting the use of bio-based construction materials in the building sector.

About the project

Project website:
https://www.vidzeme.lv/en/projects/agro-building-carbon-abc-quantifying-carbon-removal-farm-sourced-building-materials/agro-building-carbon-abc-quantifying-carbon-removal-farm-sourced-building-materials/

The post Project partners of “Agro Building Carbon/ABC: Quantifying Carbon Removal in Farm-Sourced Building Materials” discuss soil restoration, bio-based construction materials and carbon sequestration in Greece appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Fee or free – how to enjoy nature sustainably?

Zane Kaķe — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:52:26 +0000

How should nature-based recreation be financed sustainably? Vidzeme Planning Region explored this pressing European question at a CIBioGo stakeholder meeting, attracting 3,000+ Latvian viewers to an online discussion on fees, access, and shared responsibility.

Across Europe, protected natural areas face a growing tension: increasing demand for outdoor recreation is depleting natural values, while public budgets for maintaining nature infrastructure continue to shrink. Vidzeme Planning Region in Latvia tackled this challenge head-on through a regional stakeholder meeting under the “Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance” (CIBioGo) project, bringing together representatives from forest management, nature conservation, and sports organisations to explore sustainable financing solutions. Three key stakeholders – SIA “Rīgas meži” (Riga Forests Ltd), the Nature Conservation Agency, and the Latvian Orienteering Federation – shared their perspectives on maintaining high-quality recreation infrastructure, especially in protected areas.

The online discussion “From daily walks to active outdoor recreation – only for a fee in the future?”, held on 24 February, attracted more than 3,000 viewers from Latvia both during the live broadcast and in the recording – reflecting the broad public interest this topic generates across the country.

Principles of investment in nature

Discussion moderator Andris Klepers, Professor and Director of the Scientific Institute at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, framed the debate around globally relevant investment principles. He highlighted the growing recognition of nature as capital – comparable to cultural heritage – that requires deliberate, long-term investment. In tourism theory and practice, this is linked to a clear argument: those who benefit from natural values have a long-term interest in sustaining them. He also emphasised the impact principle: the greater the impact on nature, the greater the responsibility to invest back. Crucially, free access would remain for low-impact activities such as walking and using nearby areas.

Balancing conservation and public access

Director General of the Nature Conservation Agency Laura Anteina presented a concrete policy proposal that could offer lessons for other regions. The proposed fee would apply exclusively to large public events in specially protected nature areas – affecting only 1% of Latvia’s territory and events with at least 100 participants. Exemptions would cover children, students, socially vulnerable groups, and large families. The section of the Nature Conservation Agency’s price list relating to public events could come into force on 1 January 2027. The proposal responds directly to a fragmented nature infrastructure and the limits of state budget funding – a reality shared by many European regions.

Finding balance – what the public thinks

One of the meeting’s most valuable features was its interactive format. A rapid survey conducted among 49 broadcast viewers provided real-time insight into public attitudes toward financing mechanisms. The results showed the strongest support (3.8 out of 5 points) for the “those who profit, invest” principle – meaning commercial enterprises with high impact should bear greater financial responsibility. Also highly rated was the mechanism of donations and voluntary work as an alternative to fees. Other mechanisms discussed included management agreements with interested parties and greater commercial organiser responsibility.

This stakeholder dialogue is part of the broader CIBioGo project effort to strengthen citizen participation in biodiversity governance across European regions – demonstrating that inclusive, transparent public debate is key to finding solutions that balance conservation, access, and shared responsibility.

The post Fee or free – how to enjoy nature sustainably? appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Vidzeme Planning Region Strengthens International Cooperation in Climate Change Mitigation in Portugal

Marta Riekstiņa — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:19:12 +0000

From 9 to 12 February 2026, the 4th transnational partner meeting of the project “EchoGreen – Reshaping Our Environment” took place in Vila Nova de Poiares and Coimbra (Portugal). The meeting was dedicated to climate change mitigation (WP4 “Climate Mitigation”). A total of 67 participants from 13 European Union countries attended, representing municipalities, regional development institutions, educational establishments, and non-governmental organisations. Vidzeme Planning Region represented Latvia at the event.

The meeting in Portugal focused on the implementation of climate objectives at local and regional level – reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting circular economy principles.

From Policy Objectives to Practical Action

The programme included thematic conferences on renewable energy and the REPowerEU initiative, interactive workshops, and discussions on the role of local authorities in achieving climate targets. Participants analysed how EU objectives – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050 – are being implemented at local and regional levels.

One of the outcomes of the meeting was the jointly developed “Decalogue EchoGreen” – ten principles for sustainable action that reflect the partners’ shared vision on responsible resource use, circular economy, and community engagement. The document will be presented at the project’s final meeting in Slovenia.

During the visit, partners also learned about local initiatives in the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares. Particular interest was shown in the “Capril da Serra” project, where traditional goat farming is used as a tool for landscape management and wildfire risk reduction, while preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. Participants also met representatives of a local school to learn about the Eco-Schools initiative, which encourages young people’s involvement in environmental issues and the integration of sustainable lifestyle principles into everyday life.

Vidzeme’s Experience – From Bioenergy to Solar and Wind Projects

During the meeting, Inguna Kucina, Project Manager at Vidzeme Planning Region, presented renewable energy development trends in Vidzeme. The presentation highlighted the region’s specific characteristics – extensive forest areas, low population density, and a historically strong reliance on bioenergy in heat supply – as well as the rapid development of solar and wind energy in recent years.

Kucina introduced the example of the Priekuļi solar park, as well as planned and ongoing wind energy projects, including those in Smiltene municipality. Discussions addressed the challenges faced by sparsely populated areas, including public engagement, spatial planning, and infrastructure adaptation.

“In Vidzeme, we are currently witnessing a significant transition from traditional bioenergy dominance to a more diversified renewable energy portfolio. Solar parks and wind projects are becoming an important component of regional development and energy security – creating new opportunities while also requiring a careful balance between economic, environmental, and social interests. International exchange of experience allows us to assess both good practices and the risks associated with rapid energy transformation in rural territories,” emphasises I. Kucina.

About the Project

The project “EchoGreen – Reshaping Our Environment” is implemented under the EU CERV programme and brings together 14 partners from 13 European Union countries. The project aims to strengthen public awareness of environmental protection, circular economy, and the priorities of the European Green Deal, while promoting active citizen engagement in building a sustainable future.

The post Vidzeme Planning Region Strengthens International Cooperation in Climate Change Mitigation in Portugal appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

Training seminar in Valmiermuiža discusses accessibility in nature tourism – users must be involved in developing solutions

Liene Pelēkzirne — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:26:16 +0000

On February 25, a training seminar “TOGETHER IN NATURE: How to Implement Accessibility in Nature Tourism” organized by the Vidzeme Planning Region took place at the Latvian State Forests (AS “Latvijas valsts meži”) Western Vidzeme Regional Customer Center in Valmiermuiža. The seminar was attended by tourism entrepreneurs, guides, tourism specialists, as well as maintainers and managers of nature trails and other tourism infrastructure facilities, along with representatives of municipalities.

The aim of the seminar was to provide practical knowledge on how to make nature tourism experiences – especially on nature trails and near bodies of water – more accessible to different groups in society, including people with disabilities, seniors, and families with young children.

Accessibility principles and the diverse needs of users

Environmental accessibility expert Jurģis Briedis from the association of people with disabilities and their friends “Apeirons” explained the legal status of people with disabilities and how different functional impairments affect people’s ability to use the environment. In Latvia, there are more than 221,000 people with disabilities, and for some of them, these impairments, such as various internal illnesses or cognitive disorders, are not immediately visible.

The expert emphasized that people with hearing, visual, mobility, or cognitive impairments perceive and use the environment differently. Therefore, when creating an accessible environment, it is important to consider the specific needs of different groups and to follow the principles of universal design whenever possible. During his presentation, the specialist also provided information on the current legal regulations, which are binding for all builders and infrastructure developers and require certain functional standards and the inclusion of accessibility aspects from the early stages of construction.

Good practice examples in water tourism

Aija Neilande, project manager for the Kurzeme Planning Region, presented good-practice examples to make water tourism more accessible to people with functional impairments. The presentation explored various solutions for improving access to water and ensuring opportunities for people with mobility impairments to participate in different water activities, including canoeing and using SUP boards

The lecturer not only presented good practice examples – such as adapted piers, mechanisms that help people get into watercraft, and other solutions already tested elsewhere in Europe, for example in Finland – but also emphasized that these solutions can be adapted to the specific needs of each location. She encouraged everyone to be creative and to look for the approaches that best address accessibility issues in each individual case.

Experiences of tourism entrepreneurs and travelers

Māris Olte, owner of “Ērgļu stacija,” spoke about creating accessible recreational activities near water and shared his experience in organizing inclusive activities in nature. He emphasized that it is important not only to adapt infrastructure but also to design activities so that people with different abilities can participate together. Māris Olte noted that often it is enough to simply provide the basics – an idea, an opportunity, or tools (for example, fishing rods and instructions on how to use them) – and people will create an adventure that suits them best. The speaker also highlighted the importance of communication when working with different tourist target groups.

Meanwhile, traveler Aleksandrs Jevdokimovs, who uses a wheelchair, shared his personal experience of environmental accessibility not only in Latvia but also abroad. He drew attention to practical details that often determine whether infrastructure is actually usable for people with mobility impairments. Using photographs, he clearly demonstrated that formal compliance with requirements does not always make a solution practically usable. The most common difficulties for wheelchair users are surface types in parking areas and elsewhere (small stones, long grass, sand, gravel, paving stones, etc.), ramp slopes that are too steep, thresholds and curbs, and the equipment in sanitary facilities.

Hiking in nature with children

Madara Brūvere, Conference Department Manager at the travel agency “Estravel Latvia,” spoke about planning hikes for families with young children, emphasizing that one of the most important aspects is the ability to move along the route with a stroller. On many nature trails, the main challenges are narrow boardwalks, unstable surfaces, or sections where it is difficult to pass other visitors. Therefore, clear information about trail suitability in different weather conditions is especially important, for example, whether it is passable with a stroller, whether the trail becomes muddy in spring and autumn, and whether alternative ways of getting around (such as sleds) can be used in winter. She emphasized that it is important for tourism service providers not only to warn about limitations but also to offer alternatives, which help families better plan their outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, Rūta Brakovska, Tourism Work Organizer at the Entrepreneurship and Tourism Department of Smiltene Municipality, shared her experience in organizing family-friendly hikes in Smiltene Municipality, particularly when working with groups of children. She emphasized that for children, both spending time together and the educational aspect are very important during hikes, so nature activities should be engaging and adapted to children’s perception. In practice, simple organizational solutions also work well, for example, the possibility to transport tired participants back from the more distant points of the hiking route, as well as various simple methods that help the group move safely and stay together. Such solutions help make nature hikes more accessible and enjoyable for younger participants.

Traveler and “Ervīna Video Blogs” author Ervīns Elliņš also spoke about his experience of hiking and traveling with children. Together with his family, he actively travels both in Latvia and abroad. He shared how his family plans hikes and what solutions help make these activities more comfortable and accessible. While traveling in different countries, Ervīns has noticed several good examples of infrastructure and information accessibility, such as well-designed rest areas, clear signage, opportunities to conveniently stop and rest along the way, and other solutions that make nature hikes more pleasant and accessible for families. The speaker emphasized that many of these practices could be relatively easily adopted in Latvia. At the same time, he described situations where plans did not work out in practice, highlighting the importance of careful planning for hikes and trips and the need to keep the daily schedule flexible.

During the seminar, it was repeatedly emphasized that when planning and implementing accessibility solutions in nature tourism, it is very important to involve the target groups. The speakers encouraged infrastructure planners and tourism service providers to actively consult with the people who will use these solutions in practice – people with disabilities, wheelchair users, seniors, and families with young children. Such dialogue helps to better understand real needs and ensures that the planned solutions are truly functional, convenient to use, and beneficial for as wide a segment of society as possible.

At the end of the seminar, participants tested their knowledge in the quiz “Together on Trails, Rivers and Lakes”, and continued discussions and exchanging experiences.

The event was organized within the framework of Vidzeme Innovation Week 2026, with support from the Interreg Estonia–Latvia Programme projects “Accessible Hiking Trails” and “Riverways II.”

The post Training seminar in Valmiermuiža discusses accessibility in nature tourism – users must be involved in developing solutions appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.

ABC project event: soil regeneration as a foundation for sustainable agro-building in Latvia

Marta Riekstiņa — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:40:12 +0000

On 20 February, the Vidzeme Planning Region, in cooperation with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, organized an online event within the project “Agro Building Carbon/ABC: Quantifying Carbon Removal in Farm-Sourced Building Materials.” The event focused on the importance of soil regeneration for the development of agro-building in Latvia.

The meeting brought together professionals from agriculture, construction, research, and regional development to discuss the role of soil health, carbon sequestration, and circular economy principles in the development of sustainable building materials.

From Soil to Building Material – A Circular Approach to Resources

Opening the event, Gunita Ķiesnere, Head of the New Construction School at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, emphasized that agro-building in Latvia is still at an early stage of development, but it holds significant potential.

“If we take something from agriculture, we must be able to give something back. The system needs to function in a cyclical and regenerative way,” Ķiesnere stressed.

She pointed out that alongside wood, Latvia could more widely use other materials of agricultural origin – fibres, stalks and other biological resources. The project aims not only to promote the use of these materials but also to strengthen policy planning at regional and national levels, based on practical examples and cross-sector cooperation. The ABC project is a European-level initiative gathering 11 partners.

Soil Fertility as the Basis for Sustainability

Agnese Radžele-Šulce, a representative of the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre, highlighted that soil fertility forms the basis for both food security and sustainable construction.

Her presentation also explored different agricultural system models – conventional, integrated and organic – raising the question: how can farmers be supported in transitioning to more sustainable practices without losing economic stability?

Radžele-Šulce identified industrial crops (such as flax and hemp) – plants grown for fibre and building material production – as a potential bridge for synergy.

“If our knowledge in organic farming becomes stronger, land resources will be used more sustainably and carefully, and products grown in organic systems will undoubtedly have higher added value,” she noted.

Dace Zariņa, also from the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre, invited participants to look at soil from a closer perspective – at the microbiological level. She stressed that soil is a living organism.

The presentation explained that typical soil consists of approximately 45% minerals (sand, clay, sediments), 25% water, 25% air and only 5% organic matter. However, it is precisely this 5% that determines the vitality of the system.

“Organic matter represents a small proportion, but it has enormous importance. It structures the soil, stores water and ensures the availability of nutrients.”

Regenerative Agriculture in Practice

Practical experience was shared by Aivars Cimmermanis, owner of the family farm Aņģi, whose family has managed 340 hectares of land in Zemgale for five generations.

Until 2019, the farm used a traditional crop rotation and ploughing system with intensive nitrogen fertilization (180–200 kg/ha). This created significant challenges: during wet periods, clay soils quickly dried out and became difficult to cultivate, while during droughts crop yields suffered. Fuel consumption for ploughing technologies reached 40–50 litres per hectare.

After transitioning to direct seeding and no-till technologies, fuel consumption was reduced to 9–15 litres per hectare, while crop establishment costs decreased by approximately 80–100 euros per hectare. Mineral fertilizer use has been gradually reduced (by around 40%), year-round soil cover has been ensured, and cover crops have been introduced.

The farm’s long-term goals include replacing synthetic mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers, using fermented products, significantly reducing pesticide use, and eventually eliminating insecticides and fungicides.

This example clearly illustrates the essence of the ABC project: sustainably managed soil is a prerequisite for high-quality agricultural raw materials that can become competitive construction products with a lower carbon footprint.

Discussion: Publics’ Opinion and Personal Responsibility

At the end of the event, participants were invited to join a discussion. The conversation included critical reflections on society’s opinion toward soil issues.

“If something is wrong with the soil, we only notice it when the situation is already very bad. Plants find ways to adapt beforehand. And when things fail, we blame external conditions and try again next year,” said Dagnija Lazdiņa, leading researcher at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava.

The discussion highlighted that smaller farms in particular need the ability to think creatively and flexibly. Unlike larger farms with greater resources and scale, smaller farmers need to seek diverse markets and wider applications for their products. The more diverse the uses of what is produced – in food and in other sectors such as construction – the stronger the economic resilience of the farm and its ability to adapt to market fluctuations.

Lazdiņa noted that after a period when humans saw themselves as “masters of the world” and believed that chemistry and engineering could outperform nature, there is now increasing recognition that many solutions already exist in nature.

“When we achieve results through chemistry or engineering, natural sciences often show that it is actually the same thing that nature has been doing for a long time. We are simply repeating nature.”

At the same time, participants acknowledged that working in harmony with nature is not simple. Natural materials require careful harvesting, processing and storage. Biomass naturally hosts organisms that decompose it – which creates challenges for construction.

The discussion highlighted an important conclusion: agro-building is not only a technical issue. It requires a shift in thinking and a search for balance between human needs and natural processes.

The involvement of sector professionals is essential for building a community and developing policy recommendations so that agro-building in Latvia can become a real instrument for achieving climate goals and supporting sustainable regional development.

This event 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 post ABC project event: soil regeneration as a foundation for sustainable agro-building in Latvia appeared first on Vidzemes plānošanas reģions.