Over the course of three days, the delegation visited several specially protected nature areas in Latvia: Gauja National Park, Ķemeri National Park, Jaunciems Nature Reserve, Užava Nature Reserve and Lake Engure Nature Park. The programme covered a wide range of topics, from the management of semi-natural grasslands and wetland restoration to the conservation of coastal dune habitats, forest habitat management and the management of national parks.
The first full day of the visit was spent in Gauja National Park. At the Gauja National Park Nature Centre, participants were introduced to the park’s history, natural values and management principles. Discussions focused on the challenges involved in managing protected areas, balancing nature conservation and recreational interests, and the role of national parks in raising public awareness and promoting environmental education. The programme continued with a hike through the Gauja River valley, providing an opportunity to explore characteristic forest habitats, wooded meadows and the area’s distinctive landscapes. Discussions along the way addressed habitat management, the conservation of natural values and species protection.
In the afternoon, the delegation travelled to Jaunciems Nature Reserve, where participants were introduced to the Latvian Fund for Nature’s mobile grazing herd. Under this initiative, Galloway cattle are moved between different sites across Latvia to manage semi-natural grasslands in areas where conventional agricultural management is difficult. Participants discussed the role of grazing in maintaining biodiversity and restoring grassland habitats.
On the second day, the focus shifted to the management of coastal and forest habitats. At Užava Nature Reserve, the delegation learned about habitat restoration carried out by Latvia’s State Forests in wooded and grey dune habitats. Restoration measures implemented across approximately 170 hectares have helped restore the characteristic structure of these coastal habitats.
At Lake Engure Nature Park, the delegation visited wooded dune management sites where restoration measures have been implemented under the LIFE Integrated Project LatViaNature. Discussions focused on habitat restoration methods, long-term management and monitoring. Participants also visited Lake Engure, where they discussed bird conservation and learned about the management of the area, including the maintenance of grasslands through cattle and horse grazing.
On the final day of the visit, the delegation travelled to Ķemeri National Park to explore one of Latvia’s most significant examples of wetland restoration – the Dunduri Meadows. Participants visited an area where, as part of LIFE projects approximately 20 years ago, the previously straightened River Slampe was re-meandered, helping to restore its natural hydrological regime. Today, the Dunduri Meadows are maintained through extensive grazing and, during spring migration, provide an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds.
The visit concluded at the Great Ķemeri Bog, where participants learned about raised bog ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. During a walk through the bog, the delegation explored its characteristic landscapes and pools and learned about the nature conservation infrastructure developed to facilitate public access while protecting the sensitive ecosystem.
The visit provided experts from both countries with an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience in protected area management, habitat restoration and sustainable management practices. Discussions addressed practical aspects of managing specially protected nature areas, public engagement and the effectiveness of nature conservation measures.
We would like to thank the delegation from the Danish Nature Agency for their interest in Latvia’s experience, the valuable exchange of knowledge and ideas, and their contribution to strengthening international cooperation in nature conservation.
