Author: Siim Jürima

The year 2025 marked an important intermediate phase for the LIFE LATESTadapt project, focusing on the planning and implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS), the development of demonstration sites, and strong engagement with municipalities, experts, and local communities in Estonia and Latvia. Several partner cities progressed from preparatory work to practical implementation, laying a solid foundation for the following project years.

Planning and Decision Support for Flood-Resilient Nature-Based Solutions

Under the leadership of Tallinn University of Technology, test group meetings were launched to pilot a methodology for assessing risks related to pluvial (stormwater) flooding. In addition to the LATESTadapt partner cities, other interested municipalities and representatives of the Ministry of Climate participated, supporting wider knowledge exchange and cooperation. Project results were also applied in professional training programmes and presented at seminars and workshops, contributing to capacity building in climate adaptation.

High-Potential Plant Communities for Urban Flood Resilience

In 2025, Nordic Botanical tested approximately 62 native plant species under rain-garden conditions. Based on these tests, guidance was provided to municipalities on mapping planting zones and selecting suitable plant communities to enhance urban flood resilience through nature-based solutions.

Demonstration Sites of Nature-Based Solutions

All partner municipalities either carried out preparatory activities for demonstration sites, and several of them constructed demo sites already. More specifically:

Activities in Estonia – Demonstration Sites

In Estonia, activities combined technical planning, construction works, and community engagement to ensure that solutions respond to local needs and spatial contexts.

• Haapsalu
  – The design of the pilot site was finalised, and preparations for construction continued. Community involvement played an important role, including a joint engagement event with local residents. The site was also visited by architects and international partners, and a flood preparedness exercise, “November Storm 2025,” was organised to raise awareness among residents.
• Viimsi
  – In the Haabneeme borough, a demonstration site was completed in autumn 2025. A previously underused green area was transformed into a multifunctional public space featuring a nature-based stormwater management system with retention tanks and a pond, used for irrigating greenery and maintenance. The site also includes a boardwalk, urban furniture, and biodiversity-supporting elements, demonstrating how NbS can improve both environmental conditions and the quality of public space.
• Narva
  – Practical implementation of the pilot site began in 2025 with the construction of a multifunctional drainage system that combines stormwater collection, nature-based purification, and firefighting water storage. Despite an exceptionally rainy summer, most works were completed within budget, with final testing continuing in 2026.
• Rakvere
  – A detailed design for reconstructing the outflow of the Rahvaaed ponds was completed, aiming to improve water quality, reduce nitrate pollution, and increase flood resilience. A stakeholder meeting was held in autumn, and all necessary approvals and the building permit were obtained by the end of the year.
• Võru
  -Activities focused on preparatory work. Due to higher-than-expected procurement costs and land ownership issues, the scope of works was revised, and a new procurement is planned for 2026.

Activities in Latvia – Demonstration Sites

In Latvia, Riga, Valmiera, and Cēsis prepared construction design projects and carried out other preparatory work for demonstration sites to be implemented in 2026.

• Valmiera
  – Nature-based solutions were integrated into urban development planning through close cooperation with planners, experts, and residents. Implementation scenarios, functional parameters for green infrastructure, and a thematic action plan with budget impact assessment were prepared. Environmental education activities played a key role.

• Riga
  – A feasibility study and detailed design documentation were completed for the Tērbatas Street demonstration site, identifying cost-effective green infrastructure solutions such as green walls, rain gardens, parklets, and bio-swales. In parallel, the strategic framework for the Riga Urban Greening Plan 2027–2031 was developed. Extensive stakeholder engagement activities, including seminars and workshops, supported the planning process.

Educational and informational materials for stakeholders

The Baltic Environmental Forum Estonia focused on education, community engagement, and knowledge sharing. Key achievements included the development of practical educational materials for kindergartens and primary schools, support for municipal resident engagement activities, and the preparation of an informational leaflet for private property owners on stormwater-related nature-based solutions. The organisation also participated in study visits and cross-project learning activities.

 Co-creation workshops

Baltic Environmental Forum Latvia organised scenario-building workshops involving residents, youth, and experts, helping to identify locally tailored solutions for reducing flood risks and urban heat island effects.  in Riga, Cēsis, and Valmiera. Latvian-language catalogue of nature-based solutions was developed, presenting 16 solutions with practical factsheets.

Replication and Knowledge Transfer

Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development launched  the development of integrated guidelines to support the implementation of nature-based solutions throughout their life cycle. As a key outcome of the LIFE LATESTadapt project,he guidelines will be completed in 2026 and made available in Estonian, Latvian, and English.

In 2025, several international seminars, training events, and participatory workshops were organised, addressing topics such as spatial planning for NbS, urban heat risk mitigation, and climate-resilient stormwater management. Among others Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development  and Baltic Environmental Forum Latvia organised seminars in cooperation with the IMPETUS project to disseminate project results and practical experience.

Insights from these activities were compiled into a stakeholder engagement report, and a consultation forum was established to support ongoing dialogue between municipalities, experts, and stakeholders.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2025 activities demonstrated the strong value of the LIFE LATESTadapt project in advancing climate-resilient urban development through nature-based solutions. Close cooperation between municipalities, experts, and local communities in Estonia and Latvia created a solid foundation for implementation, monitoring, and the scaling up of solutions in the coming years.

On 10–11 December, a two-day joint event was held within the framework of the LIFE LATESTadapt project, during which the Haapsalu and Viimsi demo sites were visited and a joint meeting of project partners took place.

Haapsalu Demo Site and Old Town Visit (10 December)
On the first day, Haapsalu city’s project manager Gerda Algre introduced the demo site established at Potissepa Street 3. During the visit, an overview was given of the challenges encountered during the construction works and the problems that the implemented solutions aim to mitigate in the area. The site is located in a coastal area where sea level plays a significant role, and during heavy rainfall rising seawater can cause damage to properties, building basements, and roads. Therefore, addressing stormwater management in this area is of particular importance.

In addition, a walking tour through Haapsalu Old Town was organised, during which the NOAH pilot site was introduced and an overview was provided of stormwater-related challenges in Haapsalu’s historic areas, including Metsa Street, the Old Town, and the main street.

Viimsi Demo Site and Joint Meeting (11 December)
On the morning of the second day, the Viimsi demo site at Mereranna Road L4 was visited, where a pocket park with sustainable stormwater management solutions has been established. As part of the project, a stormwater pond (retention pond) and underground stormwater storage tanks were constructed, enabling the use of collected water for cleaning nearby streets and watering plants. In addition, a boardwalk with a terrace for recreational use and extensive landscaping were created.

Following the visit to the demo site, a joint meeting of project partners was held at the Viimsi SPA Hotel, where partners shared information on project progress and challenges, discussed tasks and issues related to the work packages, and introduced documents prepared within the work packages.

The construction works of the Viimsi demo area were captured on video, and a timelapse video has now been completed. All interested parties can view the video on YouTube

The establishment of the Haapsalu demonstration area for the LIFE LATESTadapt project has begun in the city of Haapsalu (on municipal properties at Vee 19 and Potissepa 3)! The aim of the project is to create a smart and environmentally friendly solution that will help the region cope better with sea and rainwater flooding, while enriching the urban space with greenery and opportunities for exercise.

The following will be built:

• Coastal protection embankment
• Regulator
• Retention basin
• Sledding hill
• Community square

The area being created will help to better cope with excess water caused by climate change and allow rainwater collected from the streets to be purified in the retention basin before flowing into the sea. People of all ages will have a new space to move around in a naturally diverse area with opportunities for climate education and outdoor learning.

Construction work is already underway – the soil for the base of the slope protection embankment has been excavated and filling continues. Next, the retention basin, sledding hill, and community square will be formed, and finally, a smart regulator will be installed in the slope protection embankment.

Builder: Nordpont OÜ

Supervision: Eastconsult OÜ

Cost: €482,904

Supporters: European Commission through the LIFE measure (€267,387), Ministry of Climate (€66,847)

Construction completion: December 2025

📍 Find out more about the Haapsalu demonstration area: https://haapsalu.ee/keskkond-ehitus-ja-teed/linnakeskkond-ja-infrastruktuur/projektid/ Follow the progress and discover a greener and smarter Haapsalu soon!

At the end of the month of May, as part of the Water Aware Europe movement, a European Green Week focused on water as a resource. The week was rounded off with an international LIFE project recognition gala, where Viimsi’s LIFE UrbanStorm project received a prestigious award from the European Commission.

Viimsi Municipality was represented at the European Green Week events by Deputy Mayor Alar Mik, at the invitation of the European Commission. The focus of the Green Week was on the use of water resources – the sustainable use of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water management policies were discussed.

“In Europe, the issue of water resources is more topical and serious than here in Viimsi – no one thinks of watering the lawn with drinking water in the dry season, water use is restricted on certain days and this is unfortunately becoming more and more common. There was also talk of cleaning up water bodies and conserving any water resources, and that water is our common asset that needs to be protected,” said Alar Mik.

Green Week ended with a gala to recognise LIFE projects. In total, nine different projects from all over Europe were invited to the Gala. The winning projects will be selected by a jury and this type of recognition has been taking place since 2006. The finalists were divided between three programmes: Climate, Nature and Circular Economy and Quality of Life. Viimsi municipality’s LIFE UrbanStorm project was nominated in the climate category. In addition to Viimsi, projects from the Czech Republic and France were nominated for the top prize in the climate field. However, the Czech Republic won the LIFE Award for Climate Action this year. Estonian and French projects were recognised for reaching the finals with the LIFE Programme’s “LIFE Award”, an award made of recycled glass and wood.

Within the LIFE UrbanStorm project, a development plan for climate change adaptation in Viimsi municipality was prepared and several important stormwater saving solutions were built, including a natural stormwater system at Karulaugu tee 16 in Haabneeme and in Viimsi Manor Park.

Alar Mik pointed out that reaching the finals is a great honour and recognition for the work done in Viimsi in the field of rainwater conservation. “The LIFE programme funds well over 100 projects a year, and to make it among the three climate project finalists is an achievement we can be proud of.” According to Miku, the recognition received from the European Commission will certainly give us the motivation to continue and write even more interesting projects. “I am grateful to our partners, the main team of Viimsi municipality, Taavi Valgmäe, Siim Reinla and Tanel Mätlik. Special thanks go to the LIFE programme, which gave Viimsi municipality the opportunity to lead this project,” said the Deputy Mayor.

Viimsi municipality is already taking the next steps in adapting to climate change. For example, by 2025, the second LIFE project LATESTadapt will include the construction of a smart rainwater harvesting reservoir with a sustainable rainwater harvesting solution at the intersection of Mereranna tee and Randvere tee in Haabneeme, in the green area of the Mereranna tee L4 property.

The LIFE programme is the European Union’s financial instrument for the environment and climate action. The programme has been in operation since 1992 and has co-financed more than 6,000 projects across the European Union and in other countries. The European Commission has increased LIFE funding by almost 60 percent between 2021 and 2027, to €5.4 billion. LIFE has four sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition.

A community meeting was held in Haapsalu with the residents of Konnaküla region on 20.06.2023. The purpose of the meeting was to inform people living in close proximity to the LIFE LatEst adapt pilot site about the project, and to invite local people to think along and discuss about the local environmental problems. 120 invitations were sent out on paper and also an information to the communitygroup, after which a total of 35 participants came to the meeting.

The agenda items:

• introducing the activities of the pilot project;
• collection of local information and observations of climate problems;
• Mapping the needs of the Konnaküla community to find possible solutions.

Feedback from participants

Residents’ biggest concern is flooding caused by rainwater and/or rising seawater  -the water which reaches the yards and basements of residential buildings.

There was also concern about trees at risk of falling over, infected with root rot due to flooding. A lot of interest in where exactly the ponds are planned; where soil excavated from ponds will be taken, and does it solve the flooding problem after all? Will the frogs come back to the new ponds? In addition, the citizens expressed a wish for: small bridges to cross the ponds; an amphitheatre-like place designed from landscape as a community square; sledding and cycling hill for children.

Summary

The number of participants showed that people’s interest in what is happening in the surrounding area is high. There was a lively discussion between the parties, which the organizer was happy about. The Konnaküla community, under the leadership of Mrs. Aita Mölder, is very cooperative and ready to do a lot on its own to improve its living environment.