What we do

Identify and remove obsolete obstacles in Latvian rivers to restore fish migration routes and improve hydromorphological status. The project plans to remove 12 obstacles.

Design and construct new fish passages at existing dams to enable free movement of fish and other aquatic organisms along rivers. 2 new fishways are planned.

Implement battery energy storage systems (BESS) for water level regulation to mitigate the impact of hydroelectric power plant operations on river ecosystems and stabilise water levels.

Restore salmon and lamprey populations in Latvian rivers through artificial propagation and natural habitat restoration at spawning sites.

Reduce nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) inflows into rivers using natural treatment solutions and improvements in agricultural practices.

Create and restore wetland ecosystems in river floodplains to improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and increase biodiversity.

Ensure effective management and protection of Natura 2000 sites by developing and implementing management plans for the conservation of river ecosystems.

Develop and implement digital tools for river ecosystem monitoring, data visualisation, and decision-making support.

Develop sustainable financial mechanisms for river ecosystem management and restoration after the project ends.

Prepare proposals for improving the legal framework to promote the protection and restoration of river ecosystems in Latvia.

Regular data collection and monitoring of the situation in demonstration sites to keep track of changes after the project's activities are implemented.

Project's solutions continue to provide benefits even after the project ends and serve as an example for their implementation elsewhere.

A detailed impact assessment using monitoring data analyzes the effects of project activities on the environment and evaluates the significance of the achieved results.

Development of an Integrated Action Plan for the Iecava River Basin to Achieve Good Ecological Water Status

Retention of sediments and nutrients close to the area of origin and before water discharge in recipient water bodies.

Allows to accumulate water and nutrients in the area managed by a water level control structure thus reducing undesirable water and nutrient losses into the next sections of hydrographic network.

Water quality monitoring, ecological flow assessment, and other fieldwork.