Fieldwork completed for the coastal landscape assessment

In summer 2024, experts from the Baltic Environmental Forum in collaboration with expert from Kurzeme Planning region conducted a survey along the Latvian coastline to gather data on coastal landscapes. This study is part of the Baltic Sea2Land project.

Landscapes are a significant coastal resource, crucial for community and local identity, biodiversity, and tourism development. They are influenced by various natural and socio-economic processes such as coastal erosion and infrastructure construction. To preserve high-quality coastal landscapes, it is important to identify them, monitor their development, and set landscape-related goals and tasks in planning documents.

During fieldwork, experts surveyed a 5 km wide coastal strip, evaluating various landscape characteristics using a specified methodology. Overall, more than 550 observation points were recorded across the entire Latvian coast. The coastal landscape study aims to support regional and national pilot projects in Latvia under Baltic Sea2Land project. Both pilots deal with vital coastal planning issues: the interim assessment report of the Latvian National long-term thematic plan for public infrastructure development in coastal area (national pilot) and development of coastal thematic plan for the Kurzeme planning region (regional pilot). Coastal landscapes will play an important role in both documents.

Next steps involve compiling and processing the data collected during fieldwork to obtain a comprehensive assessment of Latvia’s coastal landscapes. Stay updated with the latest information on the Baltic Environmental Forum’s website, social media channels, and the Baltic Sea2Land project page at https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/balticsea2land/