The Vidzeme Planning Region has developed and approved, through its Development Council, the document “Strategic Framework for Energy and Climate Resilience in the Vidzeme Planning Region.” This document sets out the region’s long-term priorities and action plans in energy and climate policy. Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the region’s resilience to climate change.
The vision outlined in the document is based on increasing the share of clean, safe, and renewable energy. This aims to strengthen the Vidzeme region’s ability to adapt to climate change, reduce GHG emissions, and leverage its competitive advantages while promoting a just transition, circular economy, and reduction of energy poverty.
The strategic framework identifies 53 measures to mitigate climate risks and 147 actions to reduce GHG emissions across various sectors, including transport, agriculture, forestry, and energy production. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to improve housing energy efficiency by promoting building renovation and raising public awareness of available support mechanisms. To facilitate this, the Vidzeme Planning Region has established the “Vidzemes EnergoGids” one-stop-shop consultation point, guiding building renovation steps and available funding opportunities.
To ensure broad stakeholder involvement in the strategic framework’s preparation, the Vidzeme Planning Region organized discussions with representatives from various sectors and stakeholders. For example, on July 3, 2024, a discussion in Cēsis evaluated sectors with the highest potential for GHG emission reductions in Vidzeme. The analysis revealed that the Vidzeme region generates 16% of Latvia’s total GHG emissions. Projections indicate that, without appropriate measures, the region will be increasingly affected by climate risks, including floods, droughts, forest fires, and storms.
The document was approved by the Development Council of the Vidzeme Planning Region at the end of 2024. It will serve as a strategic foundation for the Vidzeme Planning Region, municipalities, and involved organizations to justify and integrate actions and measures into their development planning documents, forming a comprehensive approach toward energy independence and climate resilience. The framework also includes an overview of funding sources, facilitating the development and implementation of project ideas to strengthen the Vidzeme region’s energy and climate resilience. This will contribute to sustainable development, efficient resource use, and long-term well-being for the region’s residents.
The Strategic Framework for Energy and Climate Resilience in the Vidzeme Planning Region is available for download at:
https://www.vidzeme.lv/vidzemes-planosanas-regiona-sagatavots-strategiskais-ietvars-cela-uz-energetikas-un-klimata-noturibu/
This document was prepared within the framework of the European Union’s “LIFE” program project “Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Union’s Design and Implementation of Regional Government Initiatives for a Just Energy Transition” (CEESEU-DIGIT). The authors bear full responsibility for the content. It does not reflect the official position of the European Union. Neither the European Commission nor EASME is responsible for the use of the information provided.
Prepared by Baiba Šelkovska, Public Relations Specialist, Vidzeme Planning Region, baiba.selkovska@vidzeme.lv
