This summer, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), in cooperation with the Latvian Association of Architects, organised three seminars on the use of nature-based solutions in urban environments as part of the LIFE LATESTadapt project. The aim of the seminars was to provide practical knowledge and introduce participants to solutions implemented in Latvia that help adapt urban environments to climate change.
The seminar series “Nature-Based Solutions: From Knowledge to Experience”, held in June, July and August, covered three topics: creating child-friendly environments, protecting water bodies, and sustainable rainwater management.
In the theoretical sessions, experts provided an overview of the challenges posed by climate change and the potential of nature-based solutions. During the practical sessions, participants visited various locations across Latvia to see implemented solutions first-hand.
At the first seminar, held in Zemgale in the areas around Salaspils, Jelgava and Dobele, participants explored solutions for creating child-friendly environments, including play and recreation areas, as well as opportunities to promote safety, sustainability, biodiversity and an aesthetically pleasing environment at the same time.
The seminar in Kurzeme, held in July in the Liepāja and Grobiņa area, focused on the impact of climate change on water quality and water levels, coastal erosion and solutions to reduce it, as well as the flooding and protection of water bodies.
Meanwhile, the seminar in Latgale, held in August in Daugavpils and Rēzekne, explored how nature-based solutions can help manage rainwater sustainably and adapt urban environments to climate change. Experts discussed the impact of climate change on precipitation, rainwater drainage in cities, the use of data and rainwater modelling, sustainable drainage, and rainwater reuse.
“These seminars are very valuable because they provide an opportunity not only to learn about nature-based solutions in theory, but also to see first-hand how they are already being implemented in Latvia. Practical examples and experiences help us better understand the potential of these solutions and provide ideas that can also be applied in our everyday work,” seminar participants said, expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to take part.
Certified architects also had the opportunity to earn continuing professional development credits by participating in the seminars.
Recordings of the theoretical sessions are available on VARAM’s YouTube channel, giving a wider audience the opportunity to listen to the experts’ presentations and learn more about the use of nature-based solutions.
The recordings are available here:
Child-Friendly Environments and Nature-Based Solutions | 11 June 2026
Watch the recording
Nature-Based Solutions for Water Body Protection | 23 July 2026
Watch the recording
Nature-Based Solutions for Rainwater Management | 6 August 2026
Watch the recording
