The sessions for students on 27 October were led by Jānis Kotāns, Head of the Data Department of the LatViaNature project, and cartographer Liene Zilvere, who is herself a graduate of the University of Latvia.
The agency’s specialists demonstrated the Nature Data Management System “Ozols” as a central data and decision-support platform for nature conservation in Latvia. Spatial planning approaches were explored, including the use of the 10/30 map for setting priorities. In the second – practical – session, students worked within the “Ozols” environment, searching for data, combining layers, and interpreting results while applying the tool’s functions in practical tasks. The third session focused on innovations in nature conservation, including the use of satellite data for habitat mapping, the latest analytical approaches, and challenges such as automated classification, time series, field verification, as well as practical examples from the LatViaNature project demonstrating real benefits in management – from early detection of changes to more efficient monitoring and resource planning.
The specialists also provided students with insight into how geographers, cartographers, geoinformatics specialists, and data analysts operate within the agency’s structure – from data collection and processing to the development of spatial analyses and map services. The sessions also covered the agency’s project goals, team structure, student internship opportunities, and key challenges in the field (such as data quality, standardization, cross-sector cooperation, and tight deadlines).
The Nature Conservation Agency expresses its gratitude to the University of Latvia and its Faculty of Science and Technology for their cooperation and interest in promoting the field of nature conservation among students. This collaboration provides future specialists with the opportunity to develop practical skills, understand spatial planning and data management processes, and explore professional career opportunities in the nature conservation sector. Such cooperation strengthens the link between academia and public administration, contributing to the overall development of the field.
