The Remediation of Historical Pollution Programme, with a budget of 14.35 million Swiss francs supports cleaning up a historically contaminated site located near the main river of Latvia - the Daugava - in the city of Aizkraukle, preventing further pollution of groundwater and the contamination of the river. This initiative will improve environmental quality and safeguard public health. This site, polluted by oil products from a former reinforced concrete factory built during the Soviet era, is one of the priorities of Latvian environmental policies for 2021-2027. Since the Daugava River supplies drinking water to up to 700,000 people and flows into the Baltic Sea, this cleanup is crucial for both local and regional ecosystems.
Conference on Water Protection
On Thursday, March 20, the opening conference "Groundwater – Making Invisible Visible!" organized by the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme was held at Likteņdārzs. In honour of World Water Day and its importance to the residents of Aizkraukle Municipality, the conference focused on the role of underground water resources in people’s lives, their protection and sustainability.
Swiss Ambassador Mr. Martin Michelet highlighted the importance of Swiss-Latvian cooperation in environmental protection, emphasizing the long-term benefits for Aizkraukle, Riga, and the wider region. Latvia’s Minister of Climate and Energy, Mr. Kaspars Melnis, stressed that clean water is a vital resource and must be preserved. Aizkraukle County Council Chairman, Mr. Leons Līdums, underscored the responsibility of ensuring a clean environment for future generations and preventing further contamination of the Daugava River.
Advancing Environmental Goals
During the event, representatives from Latvia’s Ministry of Climate and Energy, the State Environmental Service, and local authorities discussed progress in addressing historical pollution and outlined future steps. Community members shared insights into the significance of water resources in their daily lives and highlighted local sustainability efforts.
Education was a key focus of the conference, with activities organized for children and young people, including a visit to the contaminated site and a drawing competition. Students from four Eco-Schools presented innovative ideas for the future use of the cleaned-up area, reinforcing the importance of environmental protection.
The event concluded with an exhibition of 127 student artworks, illustrating the impact of pollution and the value of water conservation. These initiatives aimed to encourage the public, particularly the younger generation, to become actively involved in protecting the environment.
This Swiss-Latvian collaboration demonstrates that addressing historical pollution is not only essential for nature and human health but also an opportunity to promote sustainable development and environmental awareness.
