Project Sustainable use and management of nature resources in the Natura2000 territories – popular and potential tourism destinations in Latvia (01.05.2008. - 30.04.2011)
April 30, 2010. Seminar about Dviete floodland tourism development aims and tasks
Project partner Latvian fund of nature organises next seminar for local stakeholders about the Dviete floodland nature park aims and tasks to develop sustainable tourism in this teritorry. Programm of event can see here (latvian language). For participation please contact Latvian fund of nature till 28.04. calling 67830999 or via epasts@ldf.lv.April 8, 2010. Presention of new hiking map
 |
All interest groups were invited for a presentation of new Hiking Map of Latvia taking place in the Ministry of Environment on 8th of April. Event gathered representatives of ministries, nature protected area administrations, rural tourism providers and other stakeholders of the field. Juris Smalinskis shared experience gained in the process of the development of the map. Representatives of the Gauja National Park Found and North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve were introducing with the practical issues of the development of tourism routes. There was also provided insight in the tourist requirements and most popular routes by Rolands Melbārdis. Roberts Rubenis, Student of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences was representing the tourist position and shared his personal experience of hiking in Latvia. Programm of event can see here (latvian language). Photo gallery here. |
February 23, 2010 Positive and negative examples of nature resource use and management
Environmental experts of the project has prepared a draft report “Positive and negative examples of nature resource management in popular and potential tourism sites and objects” based on experience gained during the field visits all around Latvia. There has been indentified 100 positive and 100 negative practice examples now gathered in the report. Report includes analyze of each object – general report, pictures and suggestions with detailed action to take in nature and important tourism resource sustainable management. General aspects like not sufficient communication between tourism and nature protection specialist is included in the report. These aspects are not directly connected with the sites, objects or species but have significant effect on the quality of these. See draft version of the report here (pdf).February 5 - 7, 2010. Participation in tourism fair
 |
Lauku celotajs has participated in the annual international tourism fair Balttour taking place in Riga, February 5th-7th. The theme of the stand of Lauku celotajs – travel in nature and nature protected areas! Brochures, tourism routes-ideas for trips within the nature protected areas were presented to the visitors of the tourism fair. There have been more than 17 thousand visitors at the tourism fair this year as reported the officials. Photos can see here. |
November 26, 2009
 |
On November 26 project expert participated in Lithuania country tourism conference which was dedicated to country tourism development - national and international experience. Project activities - on nature tourism based tourism publications, development of nature information in web page etc. were presented by expert during the event. Conference programm here. Presentation can see here. |
October 1 / 16, 2009 Experience exchange trips for entrepreneurs of North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve and Dviete Nature Park
We invite tourism providers, local business representatives and other stakeholders to participate in experience exchange trip to Roja district in October 1^st . Experience of local tourism providers in costal zone management, cooperation within Roja district and new tourism product development will be introduced. Agenda of the trip see here.Second trip for stakeholders of Dviete and Selija will be organized to Sauka Nature Park in 16^th of October. There will be organized visits to “countryside bounty” farms in the area as well as meetings with local tourism providers and natural object managers. More detailed agenda of the trip see here.
Registration of participants till 28^th of September (to Roja district) and till 12^th of October (to Sauka Nature Park) by calling +371 67830999 or by e-mail ldf@ldf.lv.
September 30, 2009 Workshop at North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve
Project partner Latvian Fund for Nature did organize project workshop to continue work with tourism development plans. Event took place at Administration office of North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve in Salacgriva, 30^th of September, 2009.Odd Inge Vistad, project Norvegian Environment and tourism expert, was guest at this event and introduced with planning method “Limits of Acceptable Change” (LAC) and previous experience of its implementation. LAC method use at North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve to plan tourism development and tourism object management was discussed during the workshop.
Photo gallery of the event see here.
September 29, 2009 Presentation of a map "Great views in Latvia"
 |
On September 29 "Lauku ceļotājs" presented new tour map "Great views in Latvia" together with discussion "Landscape of Latvia as a tourism resource" about tourism development in Natura 2000 sights in Latvia. Environment, tourism experts, country tourism entrepreneurs and other interested persons were invited to participate in the discussion. Tour map "Great views in Latvia" is already second publication made within the project. Map includes 101 attractive sightseeing points in Latvia- viewing towers, beautiful landscapes and other places easy to access for tourists on their way through th country. Map is in Latvian and English languages. Presentations: A.Ziemele "Projekts "Dabas resursu izmantošana Natura 2000 teritorijās- tūrisma galamērķos"" J.Smaļinskis Skatu vietas Latvijā Presentation photo gallery |
September 15, 2009 Country tourism entrepreneur meeting
 |
On September 15, in Vecgulbene manor country tourism entrepreneurs gathered to discuss the situation in country tourism, new sustainable products to develop for the next season. In meeting participated 88 entrepreneurs from different regions of Latvia. Project progress and further activities were presented by project expert Juris Smaļinskis. Project leaflet, publications "Country holidays 2009 - 2010" and "Guidebook for watertourists" were available for all participants. Presentation about project progress can see here. Photo gallery can see here. |
June 28, 2009 Study tour for tourism and environment experts
 |
From June 28 till 5th July "Lauku ceļotājs" organised experience exchange trip for tourism and environemt experts and country tourism enterpreneurs to Sweden and Norway. To obtain ideas about management in protected nature teritories and nature tourism product development, tour lead to Kinekulle nature reserve in Sweden and Jostedalsbreen national park in Norway. During the visits participants meet local stakeholders, enterpreneurs and nature protection experts. Study tour photo gallery can see here. |
| Journal of the tour can see here. (Latvian language) | |
June 17, 2009 Environmental and tourism expert workshop - discussion
 |
On June 17th workshop-discussion for tourism and enironmental experts took place in Ministry of Environment. The aim of discussion was to discuss practical and successful models of management in protected nature sites, to evaluate the best examples and experience of Latvia and discuss current activities in tourism monitoring. In the beginning environment and tourism expert Odd Inge Vistad from Norway presented sucessfull examples from Norway experience, further participants discussed about possible use in Latvia, protected nature sight management and practise in Latvia. |
| Presentations of discussion: Juris Smaļinskis (Latvian language) Tūrisma monitoringa metodoloģija Slīteres nacionālajā parkā Odd Inge Vistad Tourist monitoring methods Odd Inge Vistad Management models Odd Inge Vistad Impacts from tourism in protected areas Photo gallery can see here. |
|
June 01., 03.2009 Tourism development plan induction seminars of the nature park Dviete floodland and Vidzeme seacoast of the Gulf of Riga within the North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve
"Latvia nature fund" together with "Lauku ceļotājs" starts work with the next two tourism development plans and organises two seminars- in Dviete floodland and North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve. Local residents, businesses, municipalities and other stakeholders were invited to participate in the seminars.Workshops will take place:
1st June pl. 12:00 Dvietes floodland nature park information centre, Putnu island house "Gulbji", Bebrene district
3rd June pl.10:00 adminsitration of North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve, in Salacgrīva, Rīgas street 10a.
May 29, 2009 Seminar and discussion in Abava river valley nature park
In the framework of project "Latvia nature fund" continues work with nature development plan for Abava river valley. We invite to next seminar - discussion about the aims of tourism development, activities and cooperation to develop sustainable and focused tourism in Abava river valler nature park. Main focus will be on the present situation in tourism development, its potential and tourism monitoring in protected areas. In the end of workshop we invite to discussion about tourism development in Abava nature park- "What we would like to be and how to achieve it?".
Seminar will take place in Kandava, Sabiles street 2, hotel "Kandava" at 29 May.
May 27, 2009 Media trip in Abava valley nature park
 |
In order to introduce media with project teritories and popularize traveling in protected nature teritories, "Lauku ceļotājs" organized a field trip on the May 27 in Abava valley nature park. During the trip visited Čužu bog, Drubazu nature trails and wine hill in Sabile, where was possiblity to taste local wine. In the afternoon despite the rain, we tested one of the top product of nature park- canoing in Abava river. Trip end with a discussion together with active tourism centre "Jūras laivas". Route of the trip can see here. Fotogallery of the trip can see here. |
May 15 - 16, 2009
On May 15 and 16 project marketing manager Antra Damberga took part in the GA of Eurogites to inform about the project, its inspected results and events. Participants were invited to take part in the country tourism workshop which will be in May 2010 in Riga.April 24, 2009 Discussion about situation in Latvia rivers
On April 24 "Lauku ceļotājs" organised presentation of the "Guidbook for watertourists" together with discussion "What happens with rivers in Latvia?". All together event gathered 115 participants from press, public and local authoritys, tourism information centres, stakeholders and other interesed persons.A.Ziemele informed about the project activities and J.Smaļinskis shared with impressions about the experience with guidebook and main problems and conclusions after river inspections. A.Urtāns from North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve informed about situation with river management activities in North Vidzeme. Active tourism touroperators "Jūras laivas", "Makars", "Campo" un "Mežmalas laivas" identified main difficulties in economic sector and participated in the discussion.
Photo gallery from discussion can see here.
New publication
 |
"Guidebook for watertourist" is first publication in Latvia which is dedicated to watertourism and is suitable for wide audience: experienced watertourists and beginners who search for new activities to spend their holidays in Latvia. There are 40 water routes in the publication which include rivers, Latgale region lakes and even Baltic sea gulf. Next to route information are discriptions of Natura 2000 nature sights which are in current teritorry the route passes and also map with marked infrastructure. Each route is supplemented with photos from river inspecion trips. Guidebook is available in Latvian language. Publication you can see here. |
Information about the project and Natura 2000 sites in accommodation catalogue "Country holidays 2009 -2010"
 |
To popularize nature friendly tourism and travelling in Nature 2000 sites we have afforced information in accommodation catalogue "Country holidays 2009 -2010". Catalogue is supplemented with project leaflet about Natura 2000 sites in Latvia and planned publications, Green advice for nature friendly behavior and tours in Natura 2000 sites. Accommodations located in the Natura 2000 area are marked with logo. Baltic map which is in attachment are marked important Natura 2000 areas - national parks and reserves that are also explaned in the map introduction. Guidebook is available in Latvian, Russian, English and German language. Publication you can see here. |
March 11, 2009. Latvia rural tourism conference in Riga
 |
Association "Lauku ceļotājs" organised annual rural tourism conference on March 11. All together event gathered 251 participants from press, public and local authoritys, tourism information centres, stakeholders and other interesed persons. Main issue of the conference was - how to achieve increase of tourism with nature tourism development in protected areas. Speakers also informed what positive in tourism field is done and what else we should work on to increase number of tourists in countryside. In the framework of project "Sustainable use and management of nature resources in the Natura 2000 teritories- popular and potential tourism destinations in Latvia" A.Klepers told about tourism development and product planning in nature teritories. Presentations from conference in Latvian language here. Photo gallery. |
February 6 - 8, 2009. Participation in tourism exhibition Balttour 2009
"Lauku ceļotājs" participated in annual tourism exhibition Balttour 2009. This year main focus was on different kind of tours (self drive, cycling, hiking and canoing) and countryside bounty farms. Visitors were informed about our actual projects which we began with an aim to improve country tourism offer in Latvia.Photos from exhibition can see here.
07.11.2008. Discussion about tourism development in protected and Natura 2000 teritories
"Lauku ceļotājs" together with Latvian nature fund organised discussion about tourism development and management in protected areas. In discussion participated representatives from Ministry of the environment, The Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government, Ministry of Economics, Region planning administrations, local authorities and stakeholders.Discussion summary with actual questions was sent to responsible ministrys.
Photo gallery from event can see here.
November 5., 12., 2008. Training seminar in nature park "Abavas senleja" and Rāzna national park.
On 5th and 12th November "Lauku ceļotājs" together with Latvian nature fund organised training seminars about nature friendly product development, it management and promotion in protected areas. Workshop was ment for local and potentional stakeholders and other interested persons. All together in both seminars participated 73 persons.Tourism development plan induction seminars for the nature park "Abavas senleja" and the Rāzna national park.
LLTA „Lauku ceļotājs” and Latvian fund for nature organised seminars involving local stakeholders in preparation of the tourism development plans for the nature park „Abavas senleja” and the Rāzna national park. Local residents, businesses, municipalities and other stakeholders were invited to participate in the seminars. The goal of the seminars is to activate local cooperation for tourism development using the opportunities of tourism in protected nature areas. The seminars took place:September 9. Tourism and recreation centre "Plosti", Kandava district, Tukums region (photo gallery)
September 11. Headquarters of the Rāzna national park administration, Lipušķi, 13, Skolas str., Mākoņkalna community, Rēzekne district. (photo gallery)
The project leader meets with specialists from Norwegian nature parks.
 |
In August 18.-21., Asnāte Ziemele, the project leader and Juris Smaļinskis, the environmental specialist, participated in the seminar organised by Europarc (umbrella organisation of protected nature areas in Europe) to present the project, initiate contacts with representatives of the administrations of protected nature areas and discuss cooperation.
photo gallery |
August 14, 2008. Inspection trip in the Rāzna nature park.
 |
The team of the Rāzna nature park tourism development plan (Andris Klepers, Juris Smaļinskis un Baiba Strazdiņa, Daiga Brakmane, Aiga Petkēvica) inspected the site and gathered information on natural and cultural values and oportunities for tourism development in the park. The team interviewed tourist service providers (accommodations, attractions, etc.) to assess their interest in cooperation with other tourism providers and the administration of the national park. photo gallery |
July 27, 2008. Project press release distributed
Project press release has been disseminated to 193 mass media representatives in Latvia.July 16, 2008. Project meeting
The project partners had a meeting to discuss tasks and activities and confirm internal deadlines for project milestones and deliverable results.
July 8, 2008. Inspection trip in the Abava river valley
 |
The team of the Abava nature park's development plan (Aiga Petkēvica, Juris Smaļinskis and Baiba Strazdiņa) inspected nature and culture resources in the Abava river valley nature park assessing the condition of particular objects, identifying the actions required to improve the situation and to prepare the sites and object for being exposed to a larger numbers of visitors. Also the gravel roads along the Abava river were inspected to assess their suitability for development of a cycling route. photo gallery |
June 10, 2008. Media trip
 |
Media representatives took part in media trip to visit rural tourism accommodation sites which are located in 4 in protected nature sites. The tour was guided by Juris Smaļinskis, environmental specialist, who explained the specific values of nature and reasons for nature protection. The owners and managers of the rural tourism properties shared their experience about running a tourism establishment in a protected nature area and their efforts to run their establishments in environment friendly way. Media received printed information about the project to explain its objectives, activities and expected results. The media trip resulted in stories in the national radio programmes and press publications. photo gallery |
May 28-31., 2008. Project presentation in Slovenian rural tourism conference and Eurogites general assembly
 |
Asnāte Ziemele presented the project to ca 300 participants of the Slovenian rural tourism conference on May 28. The event gave an opportunity to visit the Triglav national park and get an insight into nature tourism product development in protected nature areas in Slovenia. The conference was followed by a general assembly of Eurogites where the project was presented to the participants. The discussions were raised about integrating nature tourism in traditional rural and farm tourism products in order to develop new concepts, attractive to the market. photo gallery |
May 23.2008. River inspection trips.
 |
River inspection trips have been started in order to check their suitability for water tourism and prepare information for water tourism guide to be published within the project. galleries from inspection trips |
May 21.05.2008. Project presentation in the Latvian rural tourism conference
 |
The project was presented to rural tourism providers, representatives of local and regional municipalities, administrations of protected nature areas, ministries, educational sector, rural development stakeholders, media and others who attended the conference. Nature resources and nature based rural tourism products was one of the key conference themes. photo gallery |
Project partners:Latvian country tourism association "Lauku ceļotājs"
Kalnciema street 40, Riga
LV-1046
Tel.: +371 67617600
Fax: 67830041
E-mail: asnate@celotajs.lv
Latvijan Fund for Nature
Dzirnavu street 73-2, Rīga
LV-1011
Tel: 67830999
Fax: 67830291
E-mail: strazde@lanet.lv
www.ldf.lv
 |
 |
