Developed in collaboration with specialists from state institutions, local governments and non-governmental organisations, the Code of Ethics for Nature Tourists in Latvia is a practical and easy-to-understand set of recommendations that will help you enjoy nature in a careful and responsible manner.

When heading out into nature, actions often occur that, even without specific intent, have a negative impact on the environment. To introduce the public to recommendations for environmentally friendly recreation and travel in nature, codes of ethics for nature tourism have been developed in the Nordic countries and elsewhere in the world. This year, a Code of Ethics for Nature Tourists in Latvia has also been developed, which includes information on issues relevant to holidaymakers and travellers, such as overnight stays, cooking, waste collection, as well as conditions that must be observed when travelling with pets. Special attention in the code is paid to preserving the unique natural environment of the Baltic Sea coast, although the information in the code is also useful for visitors to other natural areas.

The Code of Ethics for Nature Tourists is intended for everyone – travellers, nature observers, researchers, holidaymakers, berry pickers, mushroom pickers, and those who enjoy active or passive recreation in nature, because preserving non-living and living nature, habitats, and landscapes created through the interaction of man and nature for the future is our common goal and duty. It is recommended that local governments also support the observance of this code's recommendations.

The code was developed under the leadership of the Latvian Country Tourism Association Lauku ceļotājs within the framework of the “Zaļā Josta” (BestBelt) project. The code was created in close cooperation with representatives from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the Nature Conservation Agency, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, all coastal local governments, as well as the Kurzeme, Riga and Vidzeme planning regions.

The Code of Ethics for Nature Tourists in Latvia is available online and for download.