National Climate Policy

Programme Summary

Why is the programme needed? For Latvia, establishing a comprehensive climate policy is essential to ensure compliance with the requirements stemming from the EU 2020 strategy, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol for reduced greenhouse gas emission. What will the programme achieve? The programme addresses some of the measures Latvia needs to take in respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This includes strengthening institutional capacity in relation to the Latvian greenhouse gas emission inventory, measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the development of a national adaptation strategy. Both through mitigation and adaptation measures Latvia is aiming for a low-carbon economic growth, which in turn will reduce the economic and social cost resulting from a changing climate. How will it be achieved? The programme focus is on climate change mitigation and adaptation. This includes: - Improved greenhouse gas emission inventory system and strengthened institutional capacity; - Development of a climate change adaptation policy, including an impact scenario for 2050-2100; - Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including high energy saving technologies in buildings and the use of renewable energy technologies; - Improved capacity on climate change research; - Improved public knowledge and awareness on climate change and its impacts. How will bilateral relations be strengthened? Two donor programme partners (DPPs) are involved in the programme, the Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency (KLIF), and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB). Both KLIF and DSB have been actively involved during the programme preparation phase, and their involvement will continue during the implementation of the programme, both at programme and project level. This will further strengthen the co-operation between the programme operator, the Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and the two donor partners. What are the partnership opportunities? The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development manages the programme on behalf of the Latvian authorities and therefore plays a key role in facilitating networking and cooperation between Latvian and Donors state entities. KLIF and DSB also play a key role in facilitating bilateral cooperation, and they will assist the ministry on this matter. KLIF and DSB also act as a contact point for donor entities, public or private, wishing to operate in Latvia and participate as partners in projects funded through the programme. Who can apply for funding under this programme? Entities registered in Latvia are eligible to apply as project applicants. The main target groups are Latvian municipalities, public institutions, including scientific and educational institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private entities. Project support will be in the range of €175 000 - €1 000 000 for the open call, and €45 000 - €175 000 for the small grant scheme that will be set up under the programme.