Description
In Latvia has not yet a single spatial planning system of nature conservation and development planning. Project aim is to simplification of local planning system and improvement of spatial plans in terms of integrating aspect of specially protected nature territories according to developed methodology during project. The primary target group of the project is 119 local municipalities, both those whose territories are located in specially protected nature territories and all the other territories in which the specialists will be trained for the implementation of the conception and methodology for integration of management plans into spatial plans. The secondary target group of the project is local people who live, work and rest in these areas, in which management plans will be prepared and negotiations with local leaders about the integration of management plans into spatial plans will be started. The project will result in - designed or developed 21 regional and local planning document, organized five experience and knowledge exchange visits between the Latvian (Nature Conservation Agency and MEPRD SPD) and Norwegian (Oppland County) authorities, established two strategic partnerships, development planning system will be simplified. Expected following benefits - developed conceptual solutions and methods of specially protected natural areas protection and use of the integration of local area plans, reduced administrative burden, compact, integrated planning documents and optimized allocation of administrative functions, Optimized legislative system, increase of involvement of local governments in the management of SPNT by establishing public and private partnership.
Summary of project results
Before that in Latvia was not a single spatial planning system of nature conservation and development planning. Project aim is to simplification of local planning system and improvement of spatial plans in terms of integrating aspect of specially protected nature territories according to developed methodology during project. The primary target group of the project is 119 local municipalities, both those whose territories are located in specially protected nature territories and all the other territories in which the specialists will be trained for the implementation of the conception and methodology for integration of management plans into spatial plans (incl. the local experts who will be trained in workshops, developers and experts of the management plans who will participate in the preparation of management plans and public institutions – Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of the Environmental Protection and Regional Development, Planning regions, who will benefit in long-term from the development of conception and methodology and management plans).The secondary target group of the project is local people who live, work and rest in these areas, in which management plans will be prepared and negotiations with local leaders about the integration of management plans into spatial plans will be started. Achieved results: Developed the concept and guidelines for the management plans and spatial plans for linking to promote spatial development and nature conservation interests balancing; Developed and with Environmental Protection and Regional Development Minister orders approved 15 specially protected nature territories management plans, which are designed in accordance with the methodology and appropriate for the integration of spatial plans; Launched 10 municipal spatial plan amendment process to integrate environmental protection plan conditions; Held 5 exchange visits with the Norwegian authorities; Reduced administrative burden, compact, integrated planning documents and optimized allocation of administrative functions; Optimized legislative system; Trained administrative staff; Increased public understanding of environmental protection plans; Established two strategic partnerships between the Latvian and Norwegian authorities.
Summary of bilateral results
Organized five experience and knowledge exchange visits between Latvian and Norwegian authorities. Established two strategic partnerships between the Latvian (Nature Conservation Agency and The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Spatial Planning Department and Norwegian (Oppland County) authorities. Parties have signed a letter of intent which lays down that parties are interested in possible future co-operation: experience exchange, information exchange, possible partnership in new Project implementation.Co-operation intention will be fulfilled only if there is available funding. The future co-operation and activities can be implemented by following activities: experience exchange seminars, sharing good practice and ideas, new Project elaboration. Possible funding - Life Climate Action thematic section Climate change Mitigation Project “Sustainable and responsible management and re-use of degraded peatlands in Latvia, Life+ Environment Policy & Governance Project “Assessment of ecosystems and their services for nature biodiversity conservation and management", Norwegian Financial mechanism 2015-2020 programme, National level Programme`s 5.4.2.1. Project “Preconditions of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.