Project partners

Partners from government institutions, research institutes and NGOs working together to restore Latvia's rivers.

Lead partner

LVĢMC

Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre

Lead partner and project coordinator. State Ltd. “Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre” (LEGMC) is a 100% state-owned company and one of the leading competence centres for environmental and climate data in Latvia. LVGMC provides high-quality services in environmental monitoring, data analytics, and assessment, supporting data-driven decision-making in both public administration and society. LEGMC is delegated to develop and maintain the environmental monitoring system, as well as to assess environmental quality and natural resources, ensuring data management and analysis across various fields, including water resource management. The centre maintains extensive environmental databases and performs integrated data analysis by combining monitoring data, transboundary pollution information, agricultural impacts, and other sources. In the field of water management, LEGMC is the designated responsible institution for the development, review, and implementation of river basin management plans. It also ensures the assessment of surface water quality, analysis of pressures and impacts, and the development of programmes of measures to improve the ecological and chemical status of waters. Within the project, LEGMC's expertise will be used to assess the ecological and hydromorphological status of waters, develop proposals for the implementation of measures, and carry out infrastructure activities. These include the construction of nature-like fish passes in the Iecava and Mazā Jugla rivers and the removal of a barrier under the P4 road. In addition, LEGMC will develop an electronic water level monitoring tool to support hydropower plant operations while also providing data to the Flood Risk Information System.

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BIOR

Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR

The main research areas of the Inland Waters and Fish Resources Reproduction Department of the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” are related to the assessment of fish stock status and the natural reproduction of migratory fish, as well as the impact of fishing, angling, and environmental conditions on fish stocks and biodiversity. Within the project, the expertise of the institute “BIOR” will be used to develop recommendations for improving the quality and accessibility of fish habitats in the Mazā Jugla and Iecava rivers. BIOR experts will provide consultations to project partners on selecting and implementing the most effective solutions for ensuring fish migration measures. In addition, practical measures will be carried out during the project to support the natural reproduction potential of migratory fish - river lamprey and salmon - in the Ogre River, along with monitoring and evaluation of the implemented project activities.

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KEM

Ministry of Climate and Energy

The Ministry of Climate and Energy of the Republic of Latvia (MCE) is the leading authority in the management of climate, energy and environmental protection policy areas. Department of Water resources is responsible for development of legislation regulating water protection (except for fauna, flora and habitats), use of water resources, chemical and biological quality, continuity, and ecological status of water bodies. MCE’s involvement in the project will be evaluation of effectiveness of the existing legislation and developing of proposal for the necessary improvements. MCE already have an experience on participation in LIFE projects, since it is partner in project LIFE GoodWater IP.

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BEF Latvia

Baltic Environmental Forum Latvia

Baltic Environmental Forum-Latvia (BEF LATVIA) is a non-governmental organisation established in 2003, aiming at strengthening environmental protection by supporting co-operation, networking and dialogue between various stakeholders and by increasing their capacities in implementation of environmental management. The organisation’s primary focus is on water management, nature and biodiversity protection and ecosystem services, hazardous chemicals management, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable urban and rural development policy. In the frame of the River Flow project BEF Latvia will be involved in the implementation of several work packages, including task leading for developing a new planning tool at catchment level called as a catchment action plan. Also BEF Latvia will also be leading transfer/replication of the obtained results in Latvia and wider Baltic region as well as coordinating activities in international networking and dissemination of the results at international level.

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Latvenergo

Latvenergo AS

Representative of the hydropower sector and partner responsible for implementing the financial mechanism. Key responsibilities include establishing a financial support mechanism for river restoration and barrier removal initiatives, participating in the development of a digital impact assessment tool, and contributing to the implementation of a demonstration project on the Ogre River. The role also involves participation in improving the regulatory framework and preparing recommendations for enhancing river basin management plans. Latvenergo is a state-owned energy company of Latvia engaged in the production and trade of electricity and thermal energy, while also developing the use of renewable energy resources. The company ensures the sustainable operation of hydropower plants, drawing on long-term experience in their management, implementing environmentally friendly solutions, and carrying out activities to improve river ecosystems. Particular attention is given to improving migration conditions for migratory fish and preserving biodiversity, while balancing energy production with environmental protection principles.

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VGBE

VGBE Energy EV

International technical association in the energy sector, providing expertise in hydropower impact assessment.VGBE is an association with a Technical Competence Center Hydro Power. Its hydropower community has been sharing high-level expertise and experiences since 2000. Experts from 72 operating companies (from 25 countries and operating an installed capacity of 110 GW) and 24 suppliers actively participate in and benefit from this successful network. VGBE acts as the collective European platform and key representative for operators, manufacturers, and suppliers of the hydropower community, is well integrated into the European hydropower landscape, and active in several EU funded projects

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B-Nature

Baltic Institute for Natural Capital

Baltic Institute for Natural Capital (before, the association “Baltic Coasts”) holds expertise on initiatives for nature and biodiversity conservation, ecosystem service assessment and monetary valuation of ecosystem services. Baltic Institute for Natural Capital (B-Nature) has wide experience in socioeconomic assessment and monitoring, as well as public education and awareness rising. B-Nature works to improve environmental sustainability through innovative projects that promote biodiversity conservation, renewable energy adoption, and the restoration of natural habitats. It works to develop and implement strategies that reduce carbon emissions, protect marine life, and foster sustainable economic growth in harmony with nature. The role of B-Nature within this project relates to the assessment of ecosystem services as well as socio-economic monitoring of project actions. B-Nature will be also responsible for public awareness and dissemination action in the Project. The Institute has relevant experience in implementing such activities. Moreover, B-Nature also has extensive experience in leading communication, dissemination, and training activities within projects.

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World Wide Fund for Nature

WWF Latvia role in the project includes a range of activities focused on impact, knowledge transfer, and communication. It involves supporting capacity building for representatives of industry and competent authorities to strengthen skills and understanding. WWF Latvia is actively involved in ensuring project visibility and dissemination of results, as well as raising public awareness and fostering stakeholder engagement. This includes implementing community-driven information and dissemination activities related to obstacle removal and river restoration, such as river restoration events and lectures. The role further extends to networking and communicating project results at the EU level, promoting wider knowledge exchange and project outcomes.

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ZMNĪ

State LLC Real Estate of Ministry of Agriculture

An important institutional partner in the RiverFlow project, providing both practical infrastructure management and a strategic contribution to sustainable water resource management and the achievement of climate goals. State comapny “Real Estate of the Ministry of Agriculture” (REMA) is a 100% state-owned company responsible for the reconstruction, maintenance, and development of state drainage (melioration) systems. It also maintains hydrometric stations, conducts monitoring, and ensures online availability of data, which is essential for accurate water flow management, including within the RiverFlow project. The organization manages the Drainage Cadastre Information System, which contains spatial and technical data on drainage infrastructure, watercourses, and territories. This database provides an important basis for analysis and planning, while supporting efficient water resource management. REMA’s activities contribute to Latvia’s development and climate goals by improving water quality, reducing environmental pressure, and promoting biodiversity. In addition, it ensures regulatory compliance and management of state-owned properties, making it an important partner in sustainable water resource management.

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NINEX

Institute of Nature Excellence

The aim of the association is to promote the improvement of nature and environmental quality in Latvia and at the international level by fostering public awareness of environmental issues and encouraging involvement in nature conservation. The association conducts scientific research, develops practical solutions, guidelines, and innovations, and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources and the preservation of ecosystems. It collaborates with state institutions, research organizations, and the non-governmental sector, and also participates in the development of environmental policy. Within the framework of the RiverFlow project, the association’s objective is to improve the quality of river ecosystems and restore natural river flow. The main activity of the project is the dismantling of the Staicele dam and riverbed cleaning along a 2 km stretch of the Salaca River. This will promote free water flow, improve fish migration opportunities, and restore the ecological condition of the river. The expected result is an improved aquatic ecosystem and increased biodiversity, supporting a sustainable and science-based approach to water resource management.

Learn more about the project

LIFE RiverFlow restores Latvia's river ecosystems — removing barriers, reconnecting fragmented rivers and building nature-friendly fish passages so rivers can flow freely again.

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