Planning for tourism: towards a sustainable future, 2015
This chapter provides an overview of the historical phases of the development of tourism in Latvi... more This chapter provides an overview of the historical phases of the development of tourism in Latvia, evaluating how tourism governance arrangements in Latvia inform tourism policy, planning and management. It considers how tourism policy and planning, in Latvia, has incorporated the principles of sustainability and explores how niche forms of tourism, not least dark tourism, are part of the promotion 'Latvia. Best Enjoyed Slowly' which exemplifies the principles of sustainability.
Qualitative education is one of the key contributors in achieving the goal of sustainability. Sev... more Qualitative education is one of the key contributors in achieving the goal of sustainability. Several studies mention that the sustainability curriculum and educators can play an immense role in developing awareness in practicing the concept of sustainability. Relatively there is no comprehensive study to typify the recent contributions of teacher education for sustainability. In this light, the aim of the study is to understand the progress of the research on teacher education for sustainability (TES) in terms of growth, evolution, influence and significant research themes. To achieve the aim of the study, 1782 documents indexed in the Scopus database over three decades starting from 1991 to 2020 were analyzed by using bibliometric analysis. The data are visualized in the paper by using VOSviewer and Tableau. Results show that there has been a significant increase in yearly publications and citations over the years, trending research papers, productive authors, institutions and cou...
Foreword
The MMV is much more than a conference. It is a meaningful global research platform on v... more Foreword The MMV is much more than a conference. It is a meaningful global research platform on visitor management and monitoring outdoors. We are proud to host to this international event held in Latvia more than 100 participants in person and almost 10 participants virtually from 27 countries. It is truly gratifying that so many of us researchers care about mission-related research to keep the fragile natural heritage vital and available for generations to come. We live in a changing world in which we have to adapt to many new conditions. The demand for the consumption of nature drastically increased worldwide in the last three years of Covid-19 pandemic. Even since the war in Ukraine, there have been changes in public behaviour, the scale of values and priorities. Although outdoor recreation activities in Ukraine are far from priorities, a new National Park was created there this year – Pushcha Radzivila National Park in Polesia. Changes in the global economy have an impact on the natural environment and sustainable planning of resources. For example, the energy crisis to keep countries safe for energy supplies is driving demand for additional new solar and wind parks. Are the society, locals and tourists ready to accept these parks in scenic natural landscapes? How to manage the economic development principle "not in my backyard," and balance recreational activities, nature conservation, and wildlife? These are just few actual and challenging issues for managers and researchers – as part of the spark of problems and the time stamp of this moment. The keynote speakers will encourage us to reconsider values, attitudes, and training on sustainability understanding and acceptance in daily activities. In a public poll (2021) on nature conservation and protection in Latvia, 96 % respondents confirmed that it is significant to take care of nature. Still, less than 32 % of them accepted that their daily activities and decisions significantly influence nature. This volume of research findings includes papers – extended abstracts from different disciplines on managing and monitoring protected and recreational areas, such as landscape studies, geography, geomatics, information technologies, biology, nature conservation, culture, history, economy, management, transport, building engineering and citizen science etc. Beyond the active debates in Jūrmala conference venue there are three field trips included into the programme allowing to exchange the know-how on practices how to manage visitors in protected recreational areas and in nationally valuable landscapes such as the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gauja National park and Ķemeri National park. We truly wish that the conference will enrich your research experience and open up opportunities for new collaborative networks to address issues that matter to society and nature. Local Organizing Committee Agita Līviņa, chair Andris Klepers co-chair
... with Madrid Declaration (UNESCO 2008), passed by the Third World Biospheres Congress ( it too... more ... with Madrid Declaration (UNESCO 2008), passed by the Third World Biospheres Congress ( it took ... institutions and to implement the Madrid action plan in the period of 2008 2013. ... in the report Our Common Future made by the United Nations (UNO) World Commission on ...
The authors have analysed implementation of public activities in several local municipalities in ... more The authors have analysed implementation of public activities in several local municipalities in Latvia. The goal of the research is to identify the main driving forces and prerequisites for development of green economy in local communities. Tasks of the research are to identify main features of the green economy, to study legislation regarding public involvement, to analyze possibilities of public involvement in developing green economy, to study current situation in selected local communities, to suggest ways of tackling problems concerned and share best practices. The study is based upon in-depth interviews; data have been triangulated by analysis of statistical data and observations. The results of the research demonstrate that public, when engaged in cooperation with local governments, can have a major impact upon development of green economy in local communities. Local governments that are responsive and supportive towards the activities undergone by the local community experi...
The transition from an industrial society to a knowledge society and knowledge-based economy crea... more The transition from an industrial society to a knowledge society and knowledge-based economy creates qualitative changes in labour market demand. Not only professions are changing, but also the content of professions. Most employers are looking for university graduates with widely applicable skills, such as oral and written communication, the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, take responsibility and innovate, integrity, as well as people who are able to judge ethically. This demand creates changes in higher education, where the main focus is no longer a degree, but the acquisition of certain skills, including personal skills. How to assess whether the higher education program provides these skills? The study aims to provide a conceptual model of skills assessment based on Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) example. Data triangulation method was used in the realization of the study using primary data acquisition methods - surveys and interviews with emplo...
Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 2021
This paper reports the results of a study of young visitors' intentions to visit the North Vi... more This paper reports the results of a study of young visitors' intentions to visit the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve in Latvia (target audience Generation Z and Generation Y, 15-25-year-old youth-the oldest part of the Generation Z and the younger part of Generation Y have been studied). The integrated research method was used: an online survey was conducted for data collection (n=317) and focus group discussions and observations (three groups-two from Latvia and one from Estonia) were held to study youth traveling behaviour in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. Findings showed that most youth are highly motivated to visit biosphere reserve by push and pull factors and agreed that visiting the biosphere reserve relieves stress, helps them to socialize, and allows them to escape from their daily routine. Almost all respondents agreed that there was a lack of advertisements, information in foreign languages and visibility of the area, but they also stated that they would be more...
This study is an outcome of a survey conducted on Fulbright fellows from 40 different countries, ... more This study is an outcome of a survey conducted on Fulbright fellows from 40 different countries, who were meeting at a Fulbright Seminar at Reno, Nevada State in the United States. The purpose of the research was to find out the current practices of managing household waste in different parts of the world in order to identify a possible sustainable solution to minimize dumping in landfills. In addition, the study allows us, to un-derstand the systems (laws and regulations) related to recycling and hauling practices in order to create awareness and generate future research ideas. The methodology used is survey conducted on Fulbright fellows from 40 different countries. Short interaction with the respondents and unstructured interviews are the limitations of this study. The re-sults of this paper are useful to gather research ideas on waste systems throughout the world. It will help to establish the relationship between different systems and its reasons. The paper can also help policy...
Project and Design Literacy as Cornerstones of Smart Education, 2019
In many European countries, the population is declining, and among the urgent issues of city lead... more In many European countries, the population is declining, and among the urgent issues of city leaders and planners, and the European Commission is the question of how to make cities flourish. For business and technology to develop, cities need to attract talented people from other cities and countries. Until now, talent research has mainly focused on talent development in organizations and little on talent attraction in big cities. The topicality of this chapter is a research of the situation on attracting talent in cities with a population between 20,000 and 50,000. This article identifies the factors that are important to talented people in deciding to move to another city. The research is a case study of the economically developing city of Valmiera in Latvia with a population of 23,063. The study included 28 in-depth semi-structured interviews and the university alumni survey (n-81). The results reveal that the differences in choice factors are mainly determined by the stage of hu...
Many areas currently suffer from depopulation which directly threatens tangible cultural heritage... more Many areas currently suffer from depopulation which directly threatens tangible cultural heritage by weakening the ability of culture to strengthen local communities and forge a sense of identity. This study gives a deeper insight into the problems of cultural heritage in depopulated rural areas of Latvia and looks for ways how to engage local community in heritage conservation. Results claim, so far, collective expertise and the creativity of local communities have been poorly used in heritage conservation activities. Municipalities would gain if they invested more effort into creating a system to intensify community engagement instead of isolated project-based activities. Identifying cultural heritage and discussions on new functions for heritage sites are seen as significant engagement modes. Key-Words: conservation, depopulation; engagement; cultural heritage; local community
In the era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), E-learning and digitalization of ed... more In the era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), E-learning and digitalization of education are considered to deliver a wide array of benefits that enhance knowledge and performance of the teaching and learning process in higher education institutes, leading to improved learning and teaching efficiency. Integration of digital technologies in education reduces barriers to access education and provides an opportunity for all. In this connection, the Government of India has taken several initiatives to integrate ICT in education, such as online teaching-learning programs through various platforms and organizations. While digital learning breaks several barriers of access to education for all, there are several limitations and issues to access digital education such as poor internet connectivity and bandwidth, lack of digital infrastructure, cost implications, training and development, and unfavorable study environment to address. It is in this regard, to better understand ...
INTRODUCTION The article intends to identify the factors that can retain talented people and attr... more INTRODUCTION The article intends to identify the factors that can retain talented people and attract new talent in small and medium-sized urban areas of European scale, especially in regions with declining and ageing populations. The problem is topical in today's Europe and as well as in Japan. It is equally important to understand the skills needed and the sectors where talents are required in small and medium-sized urban areas with an ascending development trend. The theoretical background of the research is based on literature studies on the theory of talent flow, knowing the factors of the talent flow in small and medium-sized cities, and building the talent flow models based on them. The article discusses the concept of talent (Michaels et al. 2001, several dictionaries, understanding of Valmiera residents). The researchers define that talented people fascinate others, create and implement ideas and have good reasoning skills. Until now, mainly in Europe and in the USA, the...
The strategic resources of tourism in Latvia are tangible and intangible cultural and natural her... more The strategic resources of tourism in Latvia are tangible and intangible cultural and natural heritage, which manifests itself not only in the diversity of species, but also in the landscape created by long-lasting interaction between man and nature and other resources. In the last decade, increasing attention has been devoted to the concept of "ecosystem services" whose economic and social value has not been fully appreciated. The ecosystem services are most often associated with the use of nature, but the use of cultural tourism resources is also closely linked to the ecosystem services. The main objective of the research (2017-2018) was to ascertain: 1) the ways tourism entrepreneurs and tourism information centres of municipalities use the cultural and natural heritage (including ecosystem services) as a tool for tourism product and place marketing; 2) the role of the internationally recognized brand UNESCO in marketing.
National Park is a protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. Park-re... more National Park is a protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. Park-related tourism can provide a range of benefits to destinations individuals, businesses, surrounding communities and national as well as regional and local economies. Tourism planning is the central issue which seeks to maximize the economic benefit and minimize the costs of tourism. In the base of it there should be researches and economic calculations that in territories of NPs in Latvia are not done before. That is why is clarified the scientific praxis about economic benefit, impact, value and indicators of nature-based tourism as well as calculation methods. By software STELLA on the basis of scientific arguments and findings is created an estimating model (map) of possible economical benefit of nature based tourism in NP’s of Latvia. In conclusion there is shown an example how stochastic financial data of economic benefit is used in modelling results of calculations. Key-Words: Natio...
Planning for tourism: towards a sustainable future, 2015
This chapter provides an overview of the historical phases of the development of tourism in Latvi... more This chapter provides an overview of the historical phases of the development of tourism in Latvia, evaluating how tourism governance arrangements in Latvia inform tourism policy, planning and management. It considers how tourism policy and planning, in Latvia, has incorporated the principles of sustainability and explores how niche forms of tourism, not least dark tourism, are part of the promotion 'Latvia. Best Enjoyed Slowly' which exemplifies the principles of sustainability.
Qualitative education is one of the key contributors in achieving the goal of sustainability. Sev... more Qualitative education is one of the key contributors in achieving the goal of sustainability. Several studies mention that the sustainability curriculum and educators can play an immense role in developing awareness in practicing the concept of sustainability. Relatively there is no comprehensive study to typify the recent contributions of teacher education for sustainability. In this light, the aim of the study is to understand the progress of the research on teacher education for sustainability (TES) in terms of growth, evolution, influence and significant research themes. To achieve the aim of the study, 1782 documents indexed in the Scopus database over three decades starting from 1991 to 2020 were analyzed by using bibliometric analysis. The data are visualized in the paper by using VOSviewer and Tableau. Results show that there has been a significant increase in yearly publications and citations over the years, trending research papers, productive authors, institutions and cou...
Foreword
The MMV is much more than a conference. It is a meaningful global research platform on v... more Foreword The MMV is much more than a conference. It is a meaningful global research platform on visitor management and monitoring outdoors. We are proud to host to this international event held in Latvia more than 100 participants in person and almost 10 participants virtually from 27 countries. It is truly gratifying that so many of us researchers care about mission-related research to keep the fragile natural heritage vital and available for generations to come. We live in a changing world in which we have to adapt to many new conditions. The demand for the consumption of nature drastically increased worldwide in the last three years of Covid-19 pandemic. Even since the war in Ukraine, there have been changes in public behaviour, the scale of values and priorities. Although outdoor recreation activities in Ukraine are far from priorities, a new National Park was created there this year – Pushcha Radzivila National Park in Polesia. Changes in the global economy have an impact on the natural environment and sustainable planning of resources. For example, the energy crisis to keep countries safe for energy supplies is driving demand for additional new solar and wind parks. Are the society, locals and tourists ready to accept these parks in scenic natural landscapes? How to manage the economic development principle "not in my backyard," and balance recreational activities, nature conservation, and wildlife? These are just few actual and challenging issues for managers and researchers – as part of the spark of problems and the time stamp of this moment. The keynote speakers will encourage us to reconsider values, attitudes, and training on sustainability understanding and acceptance in daily activities. In a public poll (2021) on nature conservation and protection in Latvia, 96 % respondents confirmed that it is significant to take care of nature. Still, less than 32 % of them accepted that their daily activities and decisions significantly influence nature. This volume of research findings includes papers – extended abstracts from different disciplines on managing and monitoring protected and recreational areas, such as landscape studies, geography, geomatics, information technologies, biology, nature conservation, culture, history, economy, management, transport, building engineering and citizen science etc. Beyond the active debates in Jūrmala conference venue there are three field trips included into the programme allowing to exchange the know-how on practices how to manage visitors in protected recreational areas and in nationally valuable landscapes such as the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gauja National park and Ķemeri National park. We truly wish that the conference will enrich your research experience and open up opportunities for new collaborative networks to address issues that matter to society and nature. Local Organizing Committee Agita Līviņa, chair Andris Klepers co-chair
... with Madrid Declaration (UNESCO 2008), passed by the Third World Biospheres Congress ( it too... more ... with Madrid Declaration (UNESCO 2008), passed by the Third World Biospheres Congress ( it took ... institutions and to implement the Madrid action plan in the period of 2008 2013. ... in the report Our Common Future made by the United Nations (UNO) World Commission on ...
The authors have analysed implementation of public activities in several local municipalities in ... more The authors have analysed implementation of public activities in several local municipalities in Latvia. The goal of the research is to identify the main driving forces and prerequisites for development of green economy in local communities. Tasks of the research are to identify main features of the green economy, to study legislation regarding public involvement, to analyze possibilities of public involvement in developing green economy, to study current situation in selected local communities, to suggest ways of tackling problems concerned and share best practices. The study is based upon in-depth interviews; data have been triangulated by analysis of statistical data and observations. The results of the research demonstrate that public, when engaged in cooperation with local governments, can have a major impact upon development of green economy in local communities. Local governments that are responsive and supportive towards the activities undergone by the local community experi...
The transition from an industrial society to a knowledge society and knowledge-based economy crea... more The transition from an industrial society to a knowledge society and knowledge-based economy creates qualitative changes in labour market demand. Not only professions are changing, but also the content of professions. Most employers are looking for university graduates with widely applicable skills, such as oral and written communication, the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, take responsibility and innovate, integrity, as well as people who are able to judge ethically. This demand creates changes in higher education, where the main focus is no longer a degree, but the acquisition of certain skills, including personal skills. How to assess whether the higher education program provides these skills? The study aims to provide a conceptual model of skills assessment based on Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) example. Data triangulation method was used in the realization of the study using primary data acquisition methods - surveys and interviews with emplo...
Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 2021
This paper reports the results of a study of young visitors' intentions to visit the North Vi... more This paper reports the results of a study of young visitors' intentions to visit the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve in Latvia (target audience Generation Z and Generation Y, 15-25-year-old youth-the oldest part of the Generation Z and the younger part of Generation Y have been studied). The integrated research method was used: an online survey was conducted for data collection (n=317) and focus group discussions and observations (three groups-two from Latvia and one from Estonia) were held to study youth traveling behaviour in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. Findings showed that most youth are highly motivated to visit biosphere reserve by push and pull factors and agreed that visiting the biosphere reserve relieves stress, helps them to socialize, and allows them to escape from their daily routine. Almost all respondents agreed that there was a lack of advertisements, information in foreign languages and visibility of the area, but they also stated that they would be more...
This study is an outcome of a survey conducted on Fulbright fellows from 40 different countries, ... more This study is an outcome of a survey conducted on Fulbright fellows from 40 different countries, who were meeting at a Fulbright Seminar at Reno, Nevada State in the United States. The purpose of the research was to find out the current practices of managing household waste in different parts of the world in order to identify a possible sustainable solution to minimize dumping in landfills. In addition, the study allows us, to un-derstand the systems (laws and regulations) related to recycling and hauling practices in order to create awareness and generate future research ideas. The methodology used is survey conducted on Fulbright fellows from 40 different countries. Short interaction with the respondents and unstructured interviews are the limitations of this study. The re-sults of this paper are useful to gather research ideas on waste systems throughout the world. It will help to establish the relationship between different systems and its reasons. The paper can also help policy...
Project and Design Literacy as Cornerstones of Smart Education, 2019
In many European countries, the population is declining, and among the urgent issues of city lead... more In many European countries, the population is declining, and among the urgent issues of city leaders and planners, and the European Commission is the question of how to make cities flourish. For business and technology to develop, cities need to attract talented people from other cities and countries. Until now, talent research has mainly focused on talent development in organizations and little on talent attraction in big cities. The topicality of this chapter is a research of the situation on attracting talent in cities with a population between 20,000 and 50,000. This article identifies the factors that are important to talented people in deciding to move to another city. The research is a case study of the economically developing city of Valmiera in Latvia with a population of 23,063. The study included 28 in-depth semi-structured interviews and the university alumni survey (n-81). The results reveal that the differences in choice factors are mainly determined by the stage of hu...
Many areas currently suffer from depopulation which directly threatens tangible cultural heritage... more Many areas currently suffer from depopulation which directly threatens tangible cultural heritage by weakening the ability of culture to strengthen local communities and forge a sense of identity. This study gives a deeper insight into the problems of cultural heritage in depopulated rural areas of Latvia and looks for ways how to engage local community in heritage conservation. Results claim, so far, collective expertise and the creativity of local communities have been poorly used in heritage conservation activities. Municipalities would gain if they invested more effort into creating a system to intensify community engagement instead of isolated project-based activities. Identifying cultural heritage and discussions on new functions for heritage sites are seen as significant engagement modes. Key-Words: conservation, depopulation; engagement; cultural heritage; local community
In the era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), E-learning and digitalization of ed... more In the era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), E-learning and digitalization of education are considered to deliver a wide array of benefits that enhance knowledge and performance of the teaching and learning process in higher education institutes, leading to improved learning and teaching efficiency. Integration of digital technologies in education reduces barriers to access education and provides an opportunity for all. In this connection, the Government of India has taken several initiatives to integrate ICT in education, such as online teaching-learning programs through various platforms and organizations. While digital learning breaks several barriers of access to education for all, there are several limitations and issues to access digital education such as poor internet connectivity and bandwidth, lack of digital infrastructure, cost implications, training and development, and unfavorable study environment to address. It is in this regard, to better understand ...
INTRODUCTION The article intends to identify the factors that can retain talented people and attr... more INTRODUCTION The article intends to identify the factors that can retain talented people and attract new talent in small and medium-sized urban areas of European scale, especially in regions with declining and ageing populations. The problem is topical in today's Europe and as well as in Japan. It is equally important to understand the skills needed and the sectors where talents are required in small and medium-sized urban areas with an ascending development trend. The theoretical background of the research is based on literature studies on the theory of talent flow, knowing the factors of the talent flow in small and medium-sized cities, and building the talent flow models based on them. The article discusses the concept of talent (Michaels et al. 2001, several dictionaries, understanding of Valmiera residents). The researchers define that talented people fascinate others, create and implement ideas and have good reasoning skills. Until now, mainly in Europe and in the USA, the...
The strategic resources of tourism in Latvia are tangible and intangible cultural and natural her... more The strategic resources of tourism in Latvia are tangible and intangible cultural and natural heritage, which manifests itself not only in the diversity of species, but also in the landscape created by long-lasting interaction between man and nature and other resources. In the last decade, increasing attention has been devoted to the concept of "ecosystem services" whose economic and social value has not been fully appreciated. The ecosystem services are most often associated with the use of nature, but the use of cultural tourism resources is also closely linked to the ecosystem services. The main objective of the research (2017-2018) was to ascertain: 1) the ways tourism entrepreneurs and tourism information centres of municipalities use the cultural and natural heritage (including ecosystem services) as a tool for tourism product and place marketing; 2) the role of the internationally recognized brand UNESCO in marketing.
National Park is a protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. Park-re... more National Park is a protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. Park-related tourism can provide a range of benefits to destinations individuals, businesses, surrounding communities and national as well as regional and local economies. Tourism planning is the central issue which seeks to maximize the economic benefit and minimize the costs of tourism. In the base of it there should be researches and economic calculations that in territories of NPs in Latvia are not done before. That is why is clarified the scientific praxis about economic benefit, impact, value and indicators of nature-based tourism as well as calculation methods. By software STELLA on the basis of scientific arguments and findings is created an estimating model (map) of possible economical benefit of nature based tourism in NP’s of Latvia. In conclusion there is shown an example how stochastic financial data of economic benefit is used in modelling results of calculations. Key-Words: Natio...
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Papers by Agita Livina
The MMV is much more than a conference. It is a meaningful global research platform on visitor management and monitoring outdoors. We are proud to host to this international event held in Latvia more than 100 participants in person and almost 10 participants virtually from 27 countries. It is truly gratifying that so many of us researchers care about mission-related research to keep the fragile natural heritage vital and available for generations to come.
We live in a changing world in which we have to adapt to many new conditions. The demand for the consumption of nature drastically increased worldwide in the last three years of Covid-19 pandemic. Even since the war in Ukraine, there have been changes in public behaviour, the scale of values and priorities. Although outdoor recreation activities in Ukraine are far from priorities, a new National Park was created there this year – Pushcha Radzivila National Park in Polesia.
Changes in the global economy have an impact on the natural environment and sustainable planning of resources. For example, the energy crisis to keep countries safe for energy supplies is driving demand for additional new solar and wind parks. Are the society, locals and tourists ready to accept these parks in scenic natural landscapes? How to manage the economic development principle "not in my backyard," and balance recreational activities, nature conservation, and wildlife? These are just few actual and challenging issues for managers and researchers – as part of the spark of problems and the time stamp of this moment. The keynote speakers will encourage us to reconsider values, attitudes, and training on sustainability understanding and acceptance in daily activities. In a public poll (2021) on nature conservation and protection in Latvia, 96 % respondents confirmed that it is significant to take care of nature. Still, less than 32 % of them accepted that their daily activities and decisions significantly influence nature.
This volume of research findings includes papers – extended abstracts from different disciplines on managing and monitoring protected and recreational areas, such as landscape studies, geography, geomatics, information technologies, biology, nature conservation, culture, history, economy, management, transport, building engineering and citizen science etc.
Beyond the active debates in Jūrmala conference venue there are three field trips included into the programme allowing to exchange the know-how on practices how to manage visitors in protected recreational areas and in nationally valuable landscapes such as the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gauja National park and Ķemeri National park.
We truly wish that the conference will enrich your research experience and open up opportunities for new collaborative networks to address issues that matter to society and nature.
Local Organizing Committee
Agita Līviņa, chair
Andris Klepers co-chair
The MMV is much more than a conference. It is a meaningful global research platform on visitor management and monitoring outdoors. We are proud to host to this international event held in Latvia more than 100 participants in person and almost 10 participants virtually from 27 countries. It is truly gratifying that so many of us researchers care about mission-related research to keep the fragile natural heritage vital and available for generations to come.
We live in a changing world in which we have to adapt to many new conditions. The demand for the consumption of nature drastically increased worldwide in the last three years of Covid-19 pandemic. Even since the war in Ukraine, there have been changes in public behaviour, the scale of values and priorities. Although outdoor recreation activities in Ukraine are far from priorities, a new National Park was created there this year – Pushcha Radzivila National Park in Polesia.
Changes in the global economy have an impact on the natural environment and sustainable planning of resources. For example, the energy crisis to keep countries safe for energy supplies is driving demand for additional new solar and wind parks. Are the society, locals and tourists ready to accept these parks in scenic natural landscapes? How to manage the economic development principle "not in my backyard," and balance recreational activities, nature conservation, and wildlife? These are just few actual and challenging issues for managers and researchers – as part of the spark of problems and the time stamp of this moment. The keynote speakers will encourage us to reconsider values, attitudes, and training on sustainability understanding and acceptance in daily activities. In a public poll (2021) on nature conservation and protection in Latvia, 96 % respondents confirmed that it is significant to take care of nature. Still, less than 32 % of them accepted that their daily activities and decisions significantly influence nature.
This volume of research findings includes papers – extended abstracts from different disciplines on managing and monitoring protected and recreational areas, such as landscape studies, geography, geomatics, information technologies, biology, nature conservation, culture, history, economy, management, transport, building engineering and citizen science etc.
Beyond the active debates in Jūrmala conference venue there are three field trips included into the programme allowing to exchange the know-how on practices how to manage visitors in protected recreational areas and in nationally valuable landscapes such as the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gauja National park and Ķemeri National park.
We truly wish that the conference will enrich your research experience and open up opportunities for new collaborative networks to address issues that matter to society and nature.
Local Organizing Committee
Agita Līviņa, chair
Andris Klepers co-chair