BaltCOP project launch event successfully held in Latvia
Last week, the inaugural event of BaltCOP – the Baltic Sea Catchment Officer Project – in Latvia brought together environmental experts, scientists and policymakers to jointly address the current environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea region. This event, organized by the Latvian World Wide Fund for Nature, marked a significant step towards sustainable management of the Baltic Sea and its catchment.
At the opening event, Magda Jentgen, Head of the Baltic Sea and Freshwater Programme at the Latvian World Wide Fund for Nature, presented the main objectives and planned activities of the BaltCOP project. The project aims to reduce water pollution, mitigate the effects of climate change and promote sustainable management in the Baltic Sea region. It was emphasized that the successful implementation of the project requires both international cooperation and the involvement of local specialists and the public.
Speaking about water quality and pollution issues in Latvia and the world, LIFE Goodwater IP project manager Jānis Šīre revealed the main challenges related to improving the ecological quality of surface water bodies and reducing pollution. He emphasized that effective management of catchment areas is crucial to achieving a beneficial impact on the region’s aquatic ecosystems.
The event also focused on innovative solutions in the land reclamation sector. Edgars Griķītis, Senior Project Manager of the Real Estate Reclamation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, explained what environmentally friendly land reclamation is and how it can be used in the Latvian context to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Linda Grīnberga, a leading researcher at the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology, presented the importance of artificial wetlands in detail. She pointed out that these innovative solutions can not only reduce pollution, but also make ecosystems more resilient to the effects of climate change. Her presentation was widely appreciated and generated great interest among the event participants.
The event concluded with discussions and an exchange of views, which confirmed the need for continued cooperation between various organizations and sectors. Participants emphasized that solving the problems of the Baltic Sea and its catchment area requires not only solutions in attracting financial resources, but also active public involvement and education in this context.
