Description
Bioeconomy refers to the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, during which the added value of products and services is continuously increased. At the same time the impact on the environment and climate change is reduced. Currently Latvia has not created a learning module that simultaneously focuses on socio-economic aspects in system dynamics analysis of climate change and adaptation and bioeconomic development principles adoption and implementation of economic sectors. The project outcome is to develop a unique vocational education program module on climate change and adaptation. The aim of the project is the establishment of an innovative training system about social and economical aspects of the climate change, based on the analysis of the biological economics development analysis. A training course is going to be elaborated as a module of engineering syllabus for the improvement of specialists’ comprehension about the climate change forecasting analysis models, their application possibilities and state development in the biological economics characterization aspect. The project outcome indicator is "developed vocational education program module on climate change and adaptation". The project results indicator is "improved state, local government and public awareness of climate change and adaptation issues". The project includes the following activities: course development, course approbation, course adjustment and approbation for other target groups, teaching course for project target groups and publicity. The project partner is the University of Bergen in Norway. They will help with their experience and knowledge in relation to integration of the planned program theme, teaching methods, preparation of methodological and training materials.
Summary of project results
Bioeconomy refers to a sustainable use of renewable natural resources, while during the process the added value of developed products is being constantly increased and at the same time, the effects on climate change are being decreased. In order to make Latvia more resource-independent and greener, we have to start using our own resources more efficiently and reducing our dependence on imported resources. In relation to this, it is important to educate people about how rich Latvia really is. The project sought to establish an innovative training system on social and economical aspects of climate change, based on the analysis of the biological economics development analysis. The developed training module does not overlap with existing training modules, as the module simultaneously focuses on socio-economic aspects in system dynamics analysis of climate change and adaptation and bioeconomic development principles adoption and implementation of economic sectors. The developed study course has been attended by representatives of the parliament, ministries, state institutions, as well as by students, scientific and academic staff from Riga Technical University and other universities in Latvia and by representatives of non-governmental organizations and enterprises. As a result, the Riga Technical University Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, in cooperation with the University of Bergen, created an educational course about bioeconomy, as well as a study book “BIOTEHNOMIKA” and other methodical materials, which will give better knowledge to the society about Latvia’s bio-resources and how to use them more efficiently to increase our welfare.
Summary of bilateral results
The project partner was the University of Bergen in Norway. They helped with their experience and knowledge in relation to integration of the planned program theme, teaching methods, preparation of methodological and training materials. The project partners’ academic staff also was involved as guest speakers in project closing conference. Partner representative – professor of system dynamics visited Riga Technical University for exchange of experience. During the visit professor gave a lecture and leaded practical work on use of system dynamics models, in addition partner gave an insight to experience, practice and applied methods in University of Bergen. During the visit partners improved knowledge and understanding of study process in Latvia. Study course adjustment and approbation was implemented based on partners’ recommendations. Bilateral partnership contributed to project results improving quality of study course materials.