On February 24, a practical workshop titled “Green Cēsis. The Next Level in Urban Wellbeing” took place in Cēsis, where professionals and residents jointly discussed the development of the city’s green infrastructure.
Currently, a city greening plan is being developed in Cēsis, and the workshop focused on urban greening as the next step in sustainable development. Green infrastructure is increasingly becoming a strategic tool that promotes public health, mitigates the impacts of climate change, and improves residents’ wellbeing. During the workshop, participants also discussed the development of LIFE LATESTadapt project demonstration sites in Cēsis and Valmiera, as well as related challenges.
A representative of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) introduced attendees to the “Consultation Forum” tool developed within the LIFE LATESTadapt project: https://lifelatestadapt.viimsivald.ee/lv/forums/. During the event, everyone had the opportunity to ask questions of interest. Participants showed great interest in this tool. Attendees could also take part in an interactive game related to the costs of nature-based solutions, using the cost-efficiency tool developed by Baltijas Krasti: https://baltijaskrasti.lv/blog/projekti/life-latestadapt/nature-based-solutions-cost-efficiency-tool/
Architect Mārīte Sprudzāne from SIA “ALPS Landscape Workshop” shared examples of nature-based solutions, while representatives of Valmiera Municipality presented their experience in developing a green infrastructure plan.
In the practical session, participants worked in several groups, analysing real examples and maps of the urban environment in Cēsis. New ideas were generated for the development of the city’s green infrastructure – to reduce the urban heat island effect, improve residents’ wellbeing, and promote biodiversity.
The workshop confirmed that green infrastructure is not merely an aesthetic element of the urban environment – it is a significant investment in sustainable urban development and the quality of life of residents.
The event took place within the framework of Vidzeme Innovation Week and was organised by Cēsis Municipality in cooperation with VARAM.
Source: cesis.lv
