Kurzeme Planning Region is a partner in the Baltic PlaNet (Baltic Climate-Resilient Coastal Planning Network) project, implemented under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of coastal municipalities in the Baltic Sea Region to adapt to climate change by promoting sustainable spatial planning, the use of practical solutions and international cooperation.
The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly significant in coastal areas. Severe storms, coastal erosion, flood risks and extreme weather events pose new challenges for municipalities and local communities alike. Addressing these challenges proactively requires well-considered spatial planning, reliable data and close cooperation between different institutions.
The Baltic PlaNet project brings together municipalities, spatial planners and experts from across the Baltic Sea Region to jointly develop solutions for strengthening the climate resilience of coastal areas. The project consolidates and further develops the results of previous European Union-funded projects, providing municipalities with accessible digital tools, guidelines and practical knowledge to assess climate risks and plan effective adaptation measures.
Main project activities
The project will focus on the following activities:
- Further developing the Sea2Land Navigator digital planning tool by integrating climate adaptation aspects and providing coastal spatial planners with relevant information and methodological guidance.
- Consolidating and developing practical guidelines and solutions to help municipalities assess climate risks and integrate adaptation measures into spatial planning.
- Organising seminars, training sessions and peer exchange activities to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of municipal professionals in climate-resilient coastal development.
- Strengthening cooperation between municipalities, national authorities, researchers and other stakeholders across the Baltic Sea Region.
- Promoting the practical application of the tools and solutions consolidated within the project in municipalities’ day-to-day work and long-term development planning.
The role of Kurzeme Planning Region in the project
Kurzeme Planning Region participates in the project as a partner, supporting the practical application of project results at regional and local levels.
Particular attention will be given to the needs and challenges of coastal municipalities in Kurzeme, especially those related to the impacts of climate change on spatial development, infrastructure, natural assets and local communities.
Kurzeme Planning Region will facilitate the involvement of municipalities and other stakeholders in project activities, promote knowledge and experience sharing, and support the use of project solutions in coastal spatial planning.
Participation in the project will enable municipalities in Kurzeme to learn from the experiences of other Baltic Sea Region countries, access new planning tools and strengthen their capacity to respond proactively to challenges posed by climate change.
Expected benefits
As a result of the project, coastal municipalities in Kurzeme will gain access to broader knowledge, practical tools and methodological support for climate-resilient spatial planning. The project will support climate risk assessments, improve cooperation between authorities at different levels and help integrate climate adaptation considerations into municipal planning processes.
In the long term, these efforts will contribute to safer, more sustainable and climate-resilient coastal development in Kurzeme.
Project information
Project title: Baltic PlaNet – Baltic Climate-Resilient Coastal Planning Network
Project number: P004
Programme: Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027
Implementation period: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028
Total project budget: EUR 1,200,000
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-financing: EUR 960,000
Lead partner: Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon GmbH (Germany)
Project partners: Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (Latvia), State Digital Development Agency of the Republic of Latvia (VASAB), Association of Sea Cities and Municipalities (Poland), Kurzeme Planning Region (Latvia), Tallinn University (Estonia) and Lääne-Harju Municipality (Estonia).
Official project website: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/baltic-planet/
The Baltic PlaNet project (P004) is implemented under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027 and co-funded by the European Union.
