Category: LIFE

On 27 May, Valmiera hosted a landscape and urban planning workshop “Valmiera’s Green Infrastructure Development Plan”. The workshop brought together representatives from various fields and citizens to discuss and propose solutions for the development of Valmiera’s urban green infrastructure.

The workshop was led by Kristīne Dreija, landscape architect and project manager at Grupa 93 Ltd, the developer of the thematic plan “Valmiera State City Green Infrastructure Development Plan”. In the introductory part, the participants were introduced to the concept of greening plans, their necessity and role in the development of the city.

The workshop continued in several working groups, with the task to find a greening plan or best practice examples in other cities around the world, and to suggest what could be planned or implemented in Valmiera. How do participants see Valmiera in 2050? The answers were very diverse – improved, more comfortable, more modern, with ten times more cyclists, an inclusive environment for both people and nature, with interesting courtyards of apartment buildings, green roofs and walls in the urban environment and most importantly – river Gauja is the main street of the city, it flows through the city and its banks are still green, with trees and shrubs.

The main task of the workshop was to mark on a map of the city which activities (recreational, daily, social) could be planned in the different zones. Among the activities proposed, the teams chose areas where they could locate, for example, a community garden, water attractions, sports activities, fishing, jogging, dog walking, cycling or picnics in nature. Similarly, nature-based solutions could be planned in the urban environment. Green walls or green roofs, permeable pavements and greenery were the most common solutions chosen by the teams.

There was a lot of lively discussion among the teams about potential solutions to include in their vision for the future of the city. The teams’ presentations of their ideas included a variety of ideas on how to improve or increase the amount of green space in the city, as well as how to reduce the impact of environmental problems on a given area, such as reducing the risk of heat islands or flooding, by using nature-based solutions.

The solutions presented were interesting and creative, placed in different locations around the city, such as:

• a walking trail in the air above the Rātsupīte River;
• movable potted trees;
• installing green walls on buildings in urban areas;
• greening the whole length of Riga Street, especially where the width of the footpath allows it to be reduced and replaced by greenery;
• create a recreation area on both sides of the Gauja River, create a connection between the bridges;
• create shallow pools to cool off in hot weather;
• lay permeable pavements in areas that flood frequently;
• storing rainwater for urban maintenance;
• create mini squares;
• outdoor exercise facilities;
• think about biodiversity in the urban environment through greening.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to urban planning! More workshops with citizens’ involvement and participation are expected in 2025. It is planned that during the celebration of Valmiera’s 742nd birthday, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about nature-based solutions and their application in the urban environment.

Valmiera Municipality Government is a partner of the LIFE LATESTadapt project of the European Union LIFE Programme. In the framework of this project, research has been carried out in 2023 and 2024 on environmental problem areas in Valmiera related to climate change impacts – heat waves and flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Based on the data obtained from the research, the thematic planning “Valmiera State City Green Infrastructure Development Plan” is being developed.

The thematic planning will provide for a unified network of green infrastructure in Valmiera, solutions to prevent flood risks caused by storm water in Valmiera’s urban environment, to reduce the heat island effect, as well as to preserve biodiversity, while respecting the well-being of the population. Involvement of various stakeholders – residents, professionals, entrepreneurs – is crucial for the full development of the thematic plan.

The workshop was organised within the framework of the European Union LIFE Programme project “Development and demonstration of a portfolio of nature-based and smart solutions for improving urban climate resilience in Latvia and Estonia” (LIFE LATESTadapt) with co-financing from the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, National Digital Development Agency and Valmiera Municipality.

Information prepared by:
Elizabete Brūvere
Valmiera Municipality Government
Brading and public relations department
Environmental communication project manager

On 6 May, Cesis Youth House hosted a co-creation workshop where local residents, experts and municipality representatives worked together to find solutions to improve the public outdoor space of Cesis Old Town. The event was organised in cooperation between the Municipality of Cesis, the Baltic Environmental Forum and the Ministry of Regional Development, within the LIFE LATESTadapt project.

The workshop analysed the environmental challenges of the Old Town – heat waves, insufficient shading, poor green infrastructure and water retention problems – and jointly sought nature-based solutions to mitigate these problems. Participants proposed ideas for green spaces, green roofs and walls, storm water management and sustainable mobility in Riga and Vaļņu streets.

The event highlighted the importance of public participation in such initiatives and listened to residents’ suggestions and visions for the Old Town as a sustainable, green and attractive living environment. The results of the event will be used as a basis for further planning and experimentation in the Old Town.

The workshop is organised by the Municipality of Cesis in cooperation with the Baltic Environmental Forum and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, within the LIFE LATESTadapt project. The project is implemented with the co-financing of the LIFE Programme of the European Union, the State Digital Development Agency and the Municipality of Cesis. It aims to develop and demonstrate nature- and technology-based solutions for urban resilience to climate change in Latvia and Estonia.

On 8 May, the Riga City Municipality Urban Development Department organised an educational workshop for Grade 8 students of the 89th Secondary School on implementing nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change risks and promote climate resilience. The workshop took place in the framework of the development of the Riga Urban Greening Plan 2027-2031. 

The workshop informed students about climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services issues, as well as the role of nature-based solutions in addressing different challenges. During the workshop, students mapped the school site, assessed the different challenges in the school site (heat, water accumulation, storm water drainage) and how these challenges can be addressed with nature-based solutions. During the workshop, students worked in groups and developed concrete solutions for the school grounds. At the end of the workshop, students presented the solutions developed by each group, explained their choices and considerations, and calculated the cost of the solution. 

The pupils proposed different solutions from their own point of view and according to their interests, trying to improve the environment in the areas of the school where they prefer to be. The exercise gave pupils a broader perspective on school environmental issues.

On Tuesday, 22 April, Valmiera residents, pupils and industry experts gathered at the Valmiera Pārgauja State Gymnasium to address the environmental challenges of the Valmiera Pārgauja neighbourhood in an urban planning workshop.

Valmiera Municipality Government is a partner of the LIFE LATESTadapt project. Within the framework of this project, studies on problem areas in Valmiera related to climate change impacts – heat waves and flooding caused by heavy rainfall – were carried out in 2023 and 2024. The Stacijas street area, bordering Meža, Nākotnes and Zvaigžņu streets, was identified as one of the most significant areas affected by such challenges, experiencing both excessive overheating and flooding during extreme weather events.

The event started with an introduction to the site-specific problem areas, as well as more information on nature-based solutions that could contribute to adaptation and mitigation of climate change in the neighbourhood. Participants then went out in teams to explore the site, to look at and assess the situation in nature, and to start thinking about what could be implemented to reduce, for example, overheating during the hottest days of summer.

Participants worked together in groups to develop solutions to environmental challenges in the area. Everyone had access to a catalogue of nature-based solutions, which described the solutions in more detail, and the opportunity to ask questions to experts in the field, who provided support and helped them to understand more about the challenges of the area and the application of nature-based solutions.

The teams were tasked with developing a plan, within a given budget, to reduce the impact of the challenges posed by climate change on the territory. It should be mentioned that most of the participants (pupils, citizens) had not been familiar with the concept of “nature-based solutions” before, so the task was challenging for everyone. Each team planned to plant new trees, contributing to shading and thus to a decrease in temperature in the area near the trees. The students chose to plant them more on the school grounds, as the school courtyard heats up quickly in the warm spring and early autumn days, including the classrooms and the sports field. Residents, on the other hand, more often chose to plant trees along Stacijas street up to Meža street, as well as in the area of Nākotnes street. Also, solutions such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, greenery, green walls and roofs were used.

The experts evaluated the teams’ work, awarding nominations for “Most Refreshing Solution”, “Most Rational Solution”, “Most Precise Solution”, “Most Inspiring Solution” and “Most Scientifically Valid Solution”. We would like to thank everyone for their time and vision on how to develop the different areas of the Pārgaujas quarter, not only for the well-being of people, but also to protect and restore the threatened natural ecosystems! Citizens’ participation and opinions are very important for the future development of the area, as the solutions developed by the participants will contribute to the thematic plan “Valmiera State City Green Infrastructure Development Plan”, currently under preparation, and will be the basis for further actions by the municipality for the development of the neighbourhood. 

The workshop was organised in cooperation with the Baltic Environmental Forum and experts from the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development within the framework of the project LIFE LATESTadapt.

Information prepared by:

Elizabete Brūvere
Valmiera Municipality Government
Branding and public relations department
Environmental communication project manager

The Ministry of Environment of Smart Administration and Regional Development, together with partners from Latvia and Estonia, has established a consultation forum within the framework of the 7th work package of the project “Developing and demonstrating portfolio of nature based and smart solutions for improving urban climate resilience in Estonia and Latvia” (LIFE LATESTAdapt). The consultation forum can be found on the project website.

The consultation forum is intended for an audience in Latvia and Estonia, allowing both to find out answers to basic questions about nature-based solutions, and to ask various questions – general or about a specific territory in one of the countries. The forum allows for receiving answers from experts involved in the project and sparking discussions on its topics. The forum is available in Latvian, English, and Estonian.

If you wish to ask a question, you must fill out the survey form on the forum, noting the relationship of the question to one of the environmental factors, the specifics of the topic, and, if the question is about a specific territory, mark it on the map. Answers to questions will be published on the forum next to each specific question no later than a month after it was asked. There is also an option to sign up for notifications to find out when the answer has been published.

You can access the consultation forum here: https://lifelatestadapt.viimsivald.ee/forum/

Through this consultation forum, residents, local government representatives, and specialists are invited to learn more about nature-based solutions, their importance, and find answers or at least recommendations for the questions that arise in order to implement projects with nature-based solutions. The consultation forum will be active until the summer of 2027.

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On May 6, the Municipality of Cēsis will host a scenario workshop focused on planning and developing green infrastructure in the town’s historic old town. The event will take place at 10:00 AM in the Youth House at Rīgas Street 23.

The historic centre of Cēsis, while full of charm and cultural heritage, faces increasing challenges due to climate change. Identified as a significant urban heat island by the LIFE LATESTadapt project, the old town becomes uncomfortably hot during summer days, largely due to a lack of shade and green elements. Although efforts like the “Summer Street” initiative — which closes the old town to traffic on weekends — have been implemented to boost pedestrian activity, the area continues to see low foot traffic in the summer.

The upcoming scenario workshop aims to engage local stakeholders, residents, and experts in a collaborative discussion about the most suitable nature-based solutions to these challenges. Participants will explore ideas to reduce the heat island effect, improve stormwater management, enhance air quality, and create a more comfortable and attractive urban space for both locals and visitors.

This event is a key step in the development of the Cēsis Town Green Infrastructure Development Plan, contributing to broader efforts under the Latvia–Estonia LIFE LATESTadapt project. The project is co-financed by the EU LIFE Programme, the State Regional Development Agency, and Cēsis Municipality.

Participation is open by registration only, with the deadline set for April 28.
Interested individuals are encouraged to complete the registration form here:
👉 Registration Form

For more information, please contact:
Zane Pīpkalēja
Environmental Project Manager, Cēsis Municipality
📧 zane.pipkaleja@cesunovads.lv
📖 https://www.cesis.lv/lv/novads/aktualitates/zinas/vide/piedalies-cesu-vecpilsetas-zalo-teritoriju-planosanas-koprades-darbnica/

Join the workshop and be part of shaping a greener, more resilient future for Cēsis!

On April 22, Valmiera Municipality will host a landscape and urban planning workshop at the Valmiera Pārgauja State Gymnasium, inviting residents of Valmiera and the Pārgauja Quarter, as well as local institutions and businesses, to participate in shaping solutions to environmental challenges caused by climate change.

Recent studies conducted in 2023 and 2024 have identified areas in Valmiera that are vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather — specifically heatwaves and flooding due to heavy rainfall. The area around Stacijas Street, bordered by Meža, Nākotnes, and Zvaigžņu Streets, has been highlighted as one of the most affected, experiencing both overheating and flood risks during extreme weather events.

The upcoming workshop aims to address these challenges through nature-based solutions — urban design approaches that enhance human well-being while restoring natural ecosystems. These may include green infrastructure elements like bicycle parking, green roofs, permeable pavements, and shaded seating areas.

Participants will take part in an educational session on climate resilience and sustainable urban development, followed by a nature walk through the affected area. Experts from the Valmiera Municipality Development Authority will share insights into current issues and development needs. Attendees will then collaborate in small groups to co-create a vision for a climate-resilient Pārgauja, identifying suitable solutions and locations for implementation.

The workshop is part of the development of the “Valmiera State City Green Infrastructure Development Plan” and supports broader efforts under the LIFE LATESTadapt project — a Latvia–Estonia initiative co-financed by the EU LIFE Programme, the State Regional Development Agency, and Valmiera Municipality.

Participation is by registration only, with a deadline of April 13. Those interested are encouraged to apply via the provided questionnaire (please fill in the questionnaire HERE) and learn more about the environmental issues and proposed solutions for the area.

For more information, please contact Līga Bieziņa, Development Planner at Valmiera Municipality, at +371 26495997.

In Viimsi municipality, at Mereranna tee L4, work has begun on the innovative LIFE LATESTadapt demo site! This project aims to create a smart and sustainable stormwater management solution, efficiently utilizing rainwater while enhancing the urban environment with greenery. 💧🌿

👷‍♀️ The project will include:
✅ An underground stormwater collection tank
✅ A stormwater retention pond
✅ Boardwalks and recreational areas 🚶‍♂️🌳
✅ New planting areas and landscaping 🌺🌾

The collected stormwater will be used for watering trees and street cleaning, while the new green space will provide a pleasant park area for visitors. 🌳🚶💚

🦺 Construction work is already underway – clearing has been completed, and the focus is now on building utility networks. 🏗️ The main contractor is ATEMO OÜ, and the project is scheduled for completion by October 2025. 📅

💶 The construction cost of the demo site is €602,680, of which the European Commission’s LIFE program contributes €299,595 and the Ministry of Climate supports €75,899.

Stay tuned for updates and enjoy a greener, smarter Viimsi in the future! 🌱💙

We are pleased to announce that our ongoing LIFE LATEST programme has been highlighted by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). It has been featured as a highlighted programme in the LIFE program brochure about Estonia, showcasing its continuous impact and contribution to sustainability.

This recognition underscores the ongoing efforts of our team and partners in developing and implementing climate adaptation solutions. We are grateful for this acknowledgment and remain committed to driving meaningful change.

Together, we continue working towards a greener and more resilient future! 🌿💚

📖 You can explore the LIFE program brochure:

Be invited to participate in the LIFE LATESTadapt project’s online international training workshop “Cost-Efficiency of Nature-Based Solutions” on December 5, 2024. This workshop is designed particularly for specialists from Latvian and Estonian municipalities (but not limited to other country representatives), who are planning and implementing nature-based solutions in urban environments.

The aim of the workshop is to introduce participants to:

• Nature-based solutions (NBS) and their potential in mitigating climate change risks;
• A tool developed for calculating the cost-effectiveness of NBS, with an opportunity to practice using it.

The workshop will be held on December 5, 2024, from 10:00 – 14:00 in English on Zoom.

To participate, please fill out the registration form:  https://forms.gle/61USdU1A4GRimXPR8!

This seminar is organized by the Latvian project partner, the Association Baltic Coasts, in cooperation with the Baltic Environmental Forum and Riga Technical University. The information has already been shared with all Latvian and Estonian municipalities.

A detailed agenda for the seminar will follow with a soon notice!