Environmental protection in Latvia. Ministry of the Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia

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1 Environmental protection in Latvia Ministry of the Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia

2 General information Area km M inhabitants Density - 28 inhabitants per km 2 Land use: 38.5% - agriculture, 44.4% - forests, 17.1% - rest 13% coverage of terrestrial protected areas 2

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4 The main institution Ministry of the Environmental Protection and Regional Development is the leading state administrative institution in the field of environmental protection which includes protection of environment and nature, maintenance and rational utilization of natural resources, as well as sub-sectors of hydrometeorology and use of subsoil. ensures planning and coordination process of state and regional development, local governments development and supervision, territorial development planning and implementation of e-government Liason with international conventions and EU.

5 Protected areas in Latvia Altogether in Latvia there are 706 specially protected natural areas certified by law or regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers 4 national parks 1 biosphere reserve 42 nature parks, 9 areas of protected landscapes 260 nature reserves, 4 strict nature reserves 355 nature monuments, 7 protected marine areas. 24 microreserves The most of these protected areas are established as Natura Municipalities can create specially protected areas, by issuing binding Regulations.

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7 Management of protected areas The State Environmental Service ensures the compliance of implementation of legislation framework in the area of the environment protection and natural resources. The Environmental Protection Fund of Latvia Administration supervises and administers the expenditure of the funding for the state budget program Environmental Protection Fund of Latvia (hereinafter the Fund), as well as ensuring its effective usage in accordance with the decisions of the Environmental Protection Fund of Latvia Council. Environment State Bureau carries out environmental impact assessment of proposed activities and planning documents

8 Nature Conservation Agency ensures implementation of unified nature protection policy in Latvia. The Natural History Museum of Latvia stores a unique and diverse collection of natural sciences, is the only complete museum of natural sciences in the Baltic countries. It s objectives are the preservation, supplement and research of the natural collection, active environmental education, the formation of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology is a small scientific institute dedicated to basic and applied research of ecology and environmental problems in the Baltic Sea.

9 The State Regional Development Agency is known in the regions of Latvia as a national regulatory authority promoting regional development and it is managing the programmes of state support and the activities of the European Union Structural Funds. State limited liability company "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" carry out the State policies in the spheres of geology, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, air quality, and cross-border air pollution influence. Latvian Environmental Investment Fund is to attract domestic and foreign funding and grant loans on easy terms to municipal and private entities to implement environmental protection projects which improve environment and to support preparation of environmental protection projects.

10 Other initiatives Public data base - Public Nature Observation Diary. Eco schools this year 75 schools have granted official Ecoschool status for promoting sustainable development, environmental education and protection in school and it s surrounded area. Nature s Concert Hall which has evolved from the year 2006 to stand for a concert conducted in nature to bring people closer to the understanding of that nature, its inhabitants and how to care for it. The idea stemmed from the need musicians playing ambience music had to break out of the traditional concert venues and the need for scientists to bring their fascinating knowledge to the public. The beneficiaries of this idea are the audience who are privileged to experience a form of music which seeks to include the natural surroundings as one of its players through lights, sounds and the public s deeper understanding and appreciation created through this event.

11 Some of the project funding examples European Regional Development Fund Development of infrastructure for conservation of biological diversity. (100%) EEA and Norway Grants Environmental policy integration programme in Latvia (85%) Sustainable use and management of nature resources in the NATURA 2000 territories - popular and potential tourism destinations in Latvia (90%) Elaboration of the environmental education programs and "green" school in the Natural History Museum of Latvia (85%)

12 Strategic planning The hierarchically highest long-term development planning document is the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Latvia. The hierarchically highest medium-term development planning document is the National Development Plan. All public administration institutions should develop the Action Strategy for the period of 3 years that serves for the budget planning and allocation. Coastal Spatial Development Guidelines National Programme on Biological Diversity Environmental policy strategy

13 Main Latvian Environmental laws The Environmental Protection Law The Law on Pollution The Law on the Conservation of Species and Biotopes The Law on Specially Protected Nature Territories The Protection Zone Law The Waste Management Law

14 Main problems Management measures required for conservation of species and habitats are being considered in isolation from the area's economic development, and not always measures provided for in the nature management plans for specially protected natural territories are fully implemented. Lack of a mechanism for funding innovative nature conservation measures. No single register of nature conservation experts has been established; and a system for certification of these experts has not been developed. The public is not sufficiently aware of natural assets

15 Riga the Capital of Latvia

16 Cēsis city within the National Reserve

17 Large number of the beaches are part of the Protected marine area

18 Thank You! Ministry of the Environmental Protection and Regional Development 25 Peldu str. Riga, Latvia Web: