From September 3rd to 6th, 2024, a study trip was conducted in the Ādaži and Saulkrast municipalities of Latvia as part of the Estonian-Latvian Interreg cooperation project, “Building Stronger River Networks: Empowering Rural Communities through Joint Action.”
Organized by Latvian partners NGO Sea Land, the “Gauja River Pulse” study trip delved into the intricate relationship between nature, community, and development along the Gauja River. During the study trip, participants explored the Gauja River’s unique ecosystem and visited significant sites such as the Piejūra Nature Park, Carnicava village, and the Baltezers area. They engaged in discussions about sustainable development, including brainstorming sessions on transforming Vecgauja into a Water Mecca and meeting with local officials to discuss future plans. Additionally, the tour included opportunities for hiking, fishing, and interacting with local communities. Check out the study trip program here: https://tas.ee/sundmused/koostooprojekti-river-networks-oppereis-latis/
The study visit provided an opportunity to meet representatives of local target groups, strengthen the cooperation network between Emajõgi and Gauja rivers, and gather input for creating a joint strategy and action plan. Among the participants of the study visit were mainly representatives of organizations and municipalities from Estonia related to the development of the River Emajõgi. The event was a follow-up to the study visit organized by the Tartu County Development Association in the River Emajõgi of Tartu County at the beginning of July. More info can be found here: https://tas.ee/tartumaa-arendusselts-voorustas-projekti-river-networks-raames-lati-partnereid/
The cooperation project “River Networks” has been financed by the Interreg Estonia-Latvia program 2021-2027 and its goal is to develop and implement a joint strategy and action plan for the development of River Gauja and River Emajõgi, as well as 2 joint solutions that will be derived from at least 8 pilot actions. Project activities also include study trips to partner regions, involvement of foreign experts and interest groups through the working groups and information exchange, trainings and communication. The project lasts for 3 years.
More information about the project can be found here. https://tas.ee/arendusprojektid/est_lat-interreg-projekt-river-networks/
