The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), drawing on the measures set out in the Prioritised Action Framework — the strategic multi-annual planning document agreed with the European Commission — has prepared a state research programme in the field of biodiversity, with the aim of finding ways to reconcile nature conservation with socio-economic interests under changing climate conditions. VARAM, in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science, invites scientific institutions to apply to the open competition for carrying out the research by 17.00 on 19 August this year.
The overarching goal of the programme is to generate new knowledge and solutions for reconciling nature conservation with socio-economic interests under changing climate conditions, which includes developing the evidence base for planning and carrying out appropriate conservation measures in order to achieve the favourable conservation status defined in the Law on the Conservation of Species and Biotopes.
Minister Inga Bērziņa: “This research programme is a small but important step towards advancing scientific work in the field of nature conservation. For state decisions to deliver the best possible outcome and for the most effective solutions to be put in place, up-to-date and reliable data must be available. I encourage scientific institutions to get actively involved and take part in this competition, so that together we can find ways to reconcile nature conservation with socio-economic interests under changing climate conditions.”
The state budget funding available for the competition is 1 674 000 euros, intended to finance three projects in total. To achieve the aim of the programme, one of the tasks is to expand the knowledge base, that is, research on species and biotopes of EU importance whose conservation status assessment is unfavourable and/or unknown. Research is therefore needed on the ecology, threats and distribution of species. This knowledge is required in order to determine, on a sound basis, the nature conservation measures set out in Latvian and European Union (EU) planning documents and legislation, and to assess socio-economic factors and the impacts of climate change. The provisional funding in the competition for this task is 1 097 400 euros.
The programme also plans to develop scientifically substantiated proposals for optimal spatial connectivity of species and biotopes of EU importance, so as to bring specially protected nature territories, micro-reserves, and biotopes and species habitats lying outside the network of specially protected nature territories into a single network of nature areas. The provisional funding in the competition for this task is 167 400 euros.
There are also plans to study biotope dynamics as affected by various management methods and climate variability. Within the programme it is likewise planned to identify priorities for the planning of conservation measures by assessing ecosystem services. An economic model for biodiversity sustainability, nature conservation and restoration is to be developed and tested. The provisional funding in the competition for this task is 409 200 euros.
Applications may be submitted by Latvian scientific institutions entered in the Register of Scientific Institutions that meet the definition of a research organisation. A state institution for which the conduct of scientific activity is laid down in external legislation, in its by-laws or in its statutes may also take part as a cooperation partner. Project applications are to be submitted through the National Scientific Activity Information System (NZDIS) https://sciencelatvia.lv. The implementation period of the programme is 2024–2026.
The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development is responsible for implementing the programme “Development of the research specified in the Prioritised Action Framework for Biodiversity”. The state research programme project competition is organised and run in an open manner by the Latvian Council of Science, which ensures international external expertise in the evaluation of projects.
Information about the programme and additional information for project implementers: https://www.lzp.gov.lv/lv/biologiskas-daudzveidibas-prioritaro-ricibu-programma-noteikto-petijumu-izstrade
A state research programme is a state commission for carrying out scientific research in a particular sector of national priority, with the aim of generating new knowledge, skills and innovation. It provides support both for high-quality fundamental research and for policymakers, producing research-based recommendations for improving policy.