Green infrastructure development planning

Project description

Green infrastructure is an essential national resource with multifunctional potential to support resource efficiency, sustainability, and climate change risk mitigation. The aim of the project "Green Infrastructure Development Planning" (No. 26-00-S0INZ03-000004) is to analyse green infrastructure development planning in Latvia by assessing the existing regulatory framework and the definition of green infrastructure functions in strategic development documents, identifying parameters for representative model areas, and developing recommendations for its systematic integration into spatial planning documents and development policies.

Green infrastructure planning differs significantly between urban and rural areas due to variations in implementation factors and the functions it serves in addressing territorial challenges. This study therefore focuses on the planning aspects, potential, and characteristics of green infrastructure development in Latvia's rural areas.

Green infrastructure development planning in Latvia contributes to the country's strategic economic objectives, particularly competitive primary production and bioeconomy development. A spatially planned network of permanent grasslands, riparian buffer strips, forest edges, and agroforestry elements improves soil fertility, water regulation, pollination, and natural pest control. These benefits help stabilise agricultural yields and reduce input costs. This approach aligns with the objectives of Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and National Energy and Climate Plan 2021–2030, particularly the goals of increasing added value per hectare of land and reducing climate-related risks. Green infrastructure thus helps maintain the natural capital that underpins Latvia's bioeconomy and long-term agricultural productivity. 

To achieve the overall aim, the project focuses on three key tasks: 

1) review green infrastructure development practices in the Baltic States and develop policy recommendations based on the findings,

2) analyse green infrastructure parameters in selected model areas to assess their characteristics and potential,

3) prepare informative materials and facilitate stakeholder dialogue on the role of the bioeconomy, land management, and increased primary productivity, while promoting stakeholder participation in policy development.