On 4 November 2020 the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM) launches the implementation of the project “Integration of climate change policy in sectoral and regional policies” in the framework of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism Programme 2014-2021. The project aims to improve the integration of climate issues into sectoral and regional policies and activities, and to develop new climate change policy planning tools.
The activities carried out under the project will be beneficial for both the public and scientific communities as well as for policy planners to support decision-making. Research and developed tools will contribute to Latvia's development and can serve as a basis for further derived research in the field of climate change.
During the project implementation is planned to develop additional climate change policy planning tools, such as developing a regional data collection and reporting system to promote climate change policy planning and implementation at regional level. Besides, in order to improve reporting and policy planning, an electronic database is planned on ozone depleting substances and F-gases. It is also intended to renew and improve Latvia's climate change scenario for 2100, in order to ensure policy planning in line with the latest forecasts, as well as the assessment of Latvia's coastal erosion, taking into account climate change scenarios, in order to adapt the planning of coastal use and develop suitable solutions to prevent coastal erosion.
The project foresees the integration of climate change policies into sectoral and regional policies and activities, including the assessment of current practices and the development of recommendations to integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation aspects in sectors such as finance, insurance, construction of buildings, roads and railways, land use planning and re-planning. It is also planned to introduce a new study course for Latvian municipalities and town local governments on climate change mitigation and adaptation issues.
The project is carried out in partnership with the Central Statistical Bureau, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre and the Norwegian Environment Agency. The project is planned to be implemented until 28 September 2023. The programme funding is EUR 2 182 278 (85% co-financing of the Norwegian Financial Instrument and 15% co-financing of the Latvian State budget).
For more information on the Norwegian Financial Mechanism Programme 2014-2021 “Climate change mitigation, adaptation and environment” — www.norwaygrants.lv.
* The contract has been concluded of the pre-defined project “Integration of climate change policy in sectoral and regional policies” in the framework of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism Programme.
Photo: Miks Užāns