Partners
Embassy of Switzerland in Latvia, Nature Conservation Agency, Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, Latvian Radio 6 – Radio NABA of the University of Latvia
Green Expo Riga 2018 – green lifestyle events are needed in Latvia
Around 300 supporters of green lifestyle exchanged their knowledge during “Green Expo Riga 2018”, the introductory forum for the green economy events, so that, in the next hundred years, Latvia’s development would not only provide prosperity to the population, but also would be environment and nature friendly.
Mr Janis Brinkmanis, a director of “Green Expo Riga 2018”, pointed out that the event proved the validity of the green lifestyle and economy and helped to identify topics and formats for the future green economy festivals: “We are pleased with the positive feedback from visitors and through the next event we plan to address the wider community emphasising the knowledge exchange and informing both individuals and organisations about the opportunities and good examples of making life more environmentally-friendly". Read more >>>
For visitors
Tickets
Entrance by ticket or by registration
Register on the website and receive a Green Expo Riga 2018 ticket free of charge!
Buy tickets online www.bezrindas.lv, as well as the International exhibition centre box office. Ticket price: EUR 15
News
Programme
POLITICAL PARTIES ON THE GREEN ECONOMY IN GOVERNMENT
9.35-10.50
Visions for the development, education, creativity, strategic planning of public policy. Adding the green ideas to the key components of party programmes. What is the future of the economics of change or what would contribute to the development of the green economy in Latvia?
Invited participants – members of political parties, will express party's views and will evaluate the work done by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Participants:
Vidzeme Party – Edvards Smiltēns
For Development / For! – Ilmārs Dūrītis
Union of Greens and Farmers – Edgars Tavars
Progressives – Ervins Labanovskis
Nacionālā Apvienība - Jānis Eglīts
The New Conservative Party – Tālis Linkaits
New Unity – Uģis Rotbergs
PRODUCTION CRAFTSMEN AND INNOVATION
10.55-11.55
Organization of the product manufacturing process. Economic transformation, modelling tools and methods. The role of interbranch and association members. Conditions for attracting investments. Financing new product development.
Participants:
Einārs Cilinskis
Former politician, Riga Technical University
“Methodology for the integrated implementation of climate goals”
Analytical methods, supporting measures (taxes, subsidies) to achieve climate goals. Restructuring of power industry and economy as a whole. Climate policy, global challenges and economic transformation for the development of the regions of Latvia.
Ieva Saleniece
LIFE REstore project manager, Nature Conservation Agency
“Why is the development of national greenhouse gas emission factors necessary?”
The LIFE REstore project provides to carry out the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurement in peatlands to encourage the development of national GHG emission factors for organic soils. The measurements show that, according to internationally agreed factors of the IPCC, actual emissions are lower than has been assumed so far. Moreover, the development on national emission factors is also necessary for other types of land uses.
Dainis Gašpuitis
Comparative analytical information focused on Latvian economy and the development of green economy sectors.
Andris Lubiņš
The owner of the GRANDEG pellet boiler plant sourced the idea for his business in Canada more than 24 years ago. He welded his first boilers in the garage. Now, GRANDEG is operating a 1500m2 production plant in Ainaži producing about 300–400 boilers per year.
LOCAL DELIVERY IS REGIONAL
12.00-13.50
Product transportation, delivery, export, retail. Modern mobility. Sustainable urban planning and regional development. Cooperation of public organizations and the need of cooperation support for both associations and business environment by reducing energy intensity, resource consumption in the urban environment and start-up creation. Development of the regional business ecosystem. Development of bicycle culture in Latvia.
Discussion participants: experts from the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments; advisors of Latvia’s planning regions; young urban planners, architects, designers, opinion leaders
Participants:
Rolf Läuppi
dipl.Arch.ETH-FH, architect and urban planner (Switzerland)
Trends of urban planning and modern planning of surrounding regions – from complex to simple. Europe’s experience and the discussion results at international fora. What is Latvia’s path to development – centralization or decentralization? Use of simple systems, planning principles and local materials to create a healthy urban environment. Presentation and discussion.
Pēteris Vilks
Head of the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Centre (CSCC)
“Where are we in the regional development and where do we go from here – what are the national priorities and goals?”
CSCC is the leading institution in national development planning, oversees the entire central government planning process, makes proposals to the Government and the Prime Minister for the implementation of the national reforms.
Andris Širovs
Director of Pierīga Regional Administration, Nature Conservation Agency
Potential use and development of coastal area based on the biological, social and economic assessment by the LIFE Project "Ecosystem Services". Development of a modern living environment, mobility in Latvia and Europe.
Agnis Driksna
Director of the Development and Cooperation Department at Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas
Discussion: Regional development planning, consulting on the Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas development projects, solutions for the Riga regional hub and its impact on future mobility issues for the development of Latvia’s regions.
About the agreement and cooperation during the design stage of the Rail Baltica Central Station and the rail station at Riga International Airport with four non-governmental organisations: Association of Disabled Persons and their Friends APEIRONS, the Pilsēta cilvēkiem urban activist group, the community organization Mammām un tētiem and the Latvian Cyclists’ Union.
Viesturs Silenieks
Chairman of Latvian Cyclists Union
Discussion about the solutions of the Rail Baltica intermodal transportation hub in Riga and its impact on future mobility issues for the development of all regions of Latvia. Defence of cyclists’ interests in setting planning documents. Modern mobility – the overall benefits for society – alignment of opinions for the sustainability of green economy projects. Development of cycling culture in Riga and regions of Latvia – development of local infrastructure for real needs.
Ivars Balodis
Chairman of the Organisation of People with Disabilities and Their Friends APEIRONS
Regular involvement of society in discussions on major development projects. Regional development planning together with the discussion on the development projects of Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, solutions to the Rail Baltica intermodal transportation hub in Riga and their impact on future mobility issues for the development of Latvia’s regions. Local delivery is regional –development of local infrastructure designed to serve real needs and increase the quality of mobility for each member of society. Modern mobility – the overall benefits for society – alignment of opinions for the sustainability of green economy projects.
Andrejs Oliņš
Community service: Member of the Board at the organisation Pilsēta cilvēkiem
Principal occupation Scala developer IPT Latvia, collaborator Docupace Technologies. Applies Java 8; Scala; REST; JSON; JSON schema; XML; XSD; XSLT; XML/JSON.
THOUGHTFUL CONSUMPTION AND ZERO WASTE
13.55-15.15
Use of the product or service, balanced consumption, improvement, repair, extended use. Good foods in the right package. Latvia as a country of the best food and the best packaging: opinions and reality. Proper packaging.
Discussion participants: packaging manufacturers and designers, domestic producers and consumers.
The need for cooperation in repairing, renting and sharing various types of machinery and equipment thereby reducing consumption of resources and encouraging maximum use of equipment.
Discussion participants: interdisciplinary specialists, association members, social activists, representatives of social business, Zero Waste activists in Latvia.
Participants:
Sandra Muižniece-Brasava
Head of the Technology and Knowledge Transfer Office, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Food Technology, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, packaging expert
What are good Latvian foodstuffs and niche products for export. Preserving food quality during storage and the associated risks. The role of packaging in in minimising food waste and extending the shelf-life of foods. Packaging sustainability. Packaging and food product compatibility.
Marija Sološenko
Founder of Dabas burka
“From simple to complex, challenges of Zero Waste lifestyle in day-to-day and business activities”
Discussion participants: representatives of social business, Zero Waste activists in Latvia.
Ilze Neimane
Board member, Ecodesign Competence Centre
“The role and differences of environmental and eco-labelling. Can the eco-label help us avoid substances that are harmful to humans and the environment?”
Jana Simanovska, dr.sc.ing
Expert, Ecodesign Competence Centre
“Different types of labelling and their role in determining the authenticity and value of products”
Presentation on the role and differences of environmental and eco-labels. Can the eco-label help us avoid substances that are harmful to humans and the environment?
Anrijs Tukulis
Project Manager at Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre
Project Manager at the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre. Graduate studies at Riga Technical University and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, earning a Master degree in Environmental Science. Currently, postgraduate studies in energy efficiency. Provides consultations on energy efficiency solutions to both households and businesses.
Ulrika Skakovska
Coordinator for Plant-Based Nutrition Projects at Dzīvnieku brīvība (Animal Freedom)
Plant-based nutrition is an opportunity for everyone to mitigate their day-to-day effect on climate change fostering sustainable development of the environment. Presentation of the projects that promote the availability and popularity of plant-based nutrition in society: the environmentally friendly eating challenge "Do not Eat the Globe!", the Plants & Friends project and the Vegan Festival.
WASTE COLLECTION AND SORTING
15.20-16.15
Residue disposal and sorting, waste collection and transportation. Public involvement, maintenance and protection of the environment in everyday life. Latvia’s lakes, rivers, beaches and the sea: is it enough for everyone and for how long? The need to identify the volume of all waste without distinguishing deposit system. How to deal with the global impact in the event of transboundary pollution?
Discussion participants: experts from the regions of Latvia.
Participants:
Gunter Pauli
Professor and author of the book “The Blue Economy” (Belgium)
Lecture and discussion about the green / blue economy topics covered by the book. Latvian edition of the book translated by Zvaigzne ABC Publishing House to take place at Green Expo Riga 2018.
Vita Jaunzeme
Founder of the “Lielā Talka” movement
10 years of “Lielā Talka” in retrospect. Public participation and good example in educational work.
Anda Zeize
Director of Latgale Regional Administration, Nature Conservation Agency
“Use of lakes (water bodies): economic and ecological aspects, problems, possible solutions, compromises”
The objectives of using water bodies, their determination. Does the management of water bodies include only waste collection? Competent authorities. Unified and complex approach to the management of water bodies. Definition of the management measures required.
Kaspars Zakulis
Director of Latvijas Zaļais punkts
“Waste sorting today and change in people’s attitude”
Žaneta Mikosa
Environmental Law Arbitrator
The Master of Laws degree awarded by the University of Latvia and the Master of European Law by the Copenhagen Business School. Professional experience at the Riga Graduate School of Law, Copenhagen University and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development. "Latvia definitely has the potential of both natural and human resources to successfully move towards innovative development. Looking at the path mapped out by the EU leaders, this is a very good moment to do so. "
Sniedze Sproģe
Adviser on Rural Development
LALRG is an association unifying local and regional governments of the Republic of Latvia on the voluntary basis. It was founded on December 15, 1991. Today, in accordance with the article 96 of the "Law on Local Governments", the LALRG has the authority to represent local and regional governments in the negotiations with the Cabinet of Ministers. LALRG associates 119 members: 9 major cities and 110 amalgamated municipalities.
Tomass Kotovičs
Head of LVM Communications Department
Well-maintained land has always been and forever will be our greatest wealth – fertile fields and forests, diligent hands and wisdom make up the fastest growing sector of the economy – the bioeconomy. Managing it in a clever way, we can be among the most well-kept, cleanest and most prosperous countries in the world.
Vija Kilbloka
Head of the Board of Directors, Zvaigzne ABC Publishers
We should go green. The green economy is a great opportunity for our historic breakthrough. In my work, I see people's enormous interest in environmental and ecological issues. The motto of Zvaigzne ABC is: "Good Books - Smarter Readers!". We believe that each book has its own readership, therefore, the views of readers and buyers are important for us and encourage us to work with great responsibility!
RECYCLING AND BIOECONOMY
16.25-17.35
Recycling of non-usable materials to produce new products. How to use forest materials in eco-friendly construction, pharmacy? Ways to recreate in and manage this crucial sector of national economy. The passive house principle reducing fuel consumption and using local building materials, timber, straw, chips and sand.
Discussion participants: experts from Latvijas Valsts meži, young architects and scientists.
Participants:
Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Experts
Long-term policymaking ‒ an overview of the results of elections in October and the analysis of growth of the green economy key sector. Forestry and different added value: what is it and what should it be?
Jānis Rozītis
Forest Programme Manager, WWF
“Forestry and different added value, responsible forest management, balance between the conservation of natural values and forest management.
Rolands Auziņš
Director of Vidzeme Regional Administration, Nature Conservation Agency
“Social function of forest – recreation and active leisure”
Forest is not only a resource for berry or mushroom picking and walking, it is a place for active lifestyle: orienteering, jogging, cycling, walking etc. Strict protection areas and the state-owned forests as a guarantee for a long-term sustainability especially in the light of increasing demand in organising various events in protection areas.
Dace Cīrule
Associate Partner, Deloitte Legal
Energy and sustainability leader in the Baltic States
“Interdependence of bioeconomic, sustainability and energy aspects”
Bioeconomy in urban environment, for example, in offices, hotels, catering services, educational establishments and other frequently visited places. Providing new services for trial and use as a reason for changing habits and way of thinking. Challenges for Latvia and the Baltic States as a whole.
Characteristics
Time and place:
21 November 2018, hall No. 1 (5000 m2) of the International Exhibition Centre at Ķīpsalas iela 8, LV-1048, Riga, Latvia.
Target audience of the first introductory forum:
Latvian citizens already involved in promoting the principles of green lifestyle; green economy policymakers in Latvia; company managers and bioeconomy specialists; green start-up community; students and staff of universities; scientists; representatives of Latvian schools; representatives of foreign foundations.
The concept of the fair:
The first fair of its kind in Latvia!
The objective of the fair: To support, shape and promote the development of green economy in Latvia for the next 25 years.
The first and foremost tasks: developing the ideas of green economy in Latvia; promoting the introduction thereof into practical entrepreneurship; educating and informing the society; building the image of Latvia as a green country.
Social context: On 18 November 2018, Latvia will celebrate its centenary. We are awaiting it with pride and respect, as well as a variety of celebratory events from 2017 until 2021. Three days after the main celebration, we invite the supporters of the green economy to hall No. 1 of the International Exhibition Centre to set new goals for Latvia’s sustainable development and growth during the next 100 years.
Organiser:
International Exhibition Company BT 1, Riga, www.bt1.lv, Fair Director Jānis Brinkmanis
Participants:
Leading bioeconomy companies in Latvia; representatives of government institutions / green economy policymakers; representatives of local governments with green investment development projects; potential investors in the green economy sectors; invited foreign specialists, organic farming representatives; forestry representatives; developers of passive housing projects; invited university specialists; developers of ecodesign and green products.
The programme of the introductory forum:
In the centre of the hall: conference stage with presentations by green economy policymakers in Latvia, entrepreneurs and invited specialists. Addresses and discussions will provide an insight into Latvia’s green economy objectives in the European context. With the long-term perspective in mind, goals for the next Green Expo fairs in Riga will be set.
In the main exhibition sectors: the participants and invited guests will present the current achievements and talk about development opportunities. Hall No. 1 of the International Exhibition Centre will also host an improvised brokerage event where green economy agents will introduce audience to their achievements in order to jointly focus on a full-scale exhibition in 2019 involving the general public.
Download presentation
Start now to reap the fruits after 25 years!
The Green Economy Day and its programme is an educational event for the general public. In order to study the details and to argue in future exhibitions, it is necessary, this year, to find out the very basic principles on which Latvia's green economy development should be based.
Together with the supporters of green principles, we begin working on an annual series of exhibitions. We will create the Green Expo exhibition platform as a useful tool to create a stable long-term communication bridge between a wider community, policy makers and representatives of the green economy in Latvia and abroad.
The indispensable components of future exhibitions – bioeconomy sectors are the basis for development of the Latvian economy. They reinforce sustainable growth, have great potential for growth enhancing creation of well paid jobs for the prosperity of all regional municipalities. The Green Expo Riga will be held annually.
The Ministry of Agriculture has prepared a report on the bioeconomy strategy for the period until 2030. We will follow up on these plans. Bioeconomy is part of the national economy where production of food, supplies and energy relies on renewable resources in a sustainable and well-thought-out way. A broad range of sectors in one transparent exhibition!
Green economy is based on science, investment in innovation, regional planning, modern mobility, eco-design and green thinking. To ensure development of all regions, all processes must be harmless to nature and people.
In the coming weeks, the programme will be gradually supplemented with the discussion topics, stand names and sectors represented by new participants. Stay up to date with news!
GREEN ECONOMY DAY
21 NOVEMBER
How to reach us
City Centre to Ķīpsala:
Trolleybuses 5, 9, 12, 25
Buses 13, 30, 37, 41, 53, 57
Minibuses 236, 237, 241
Night bus N4
Ķīpsala to City Centre:
Trolleybuses 5, 12, 25
Buses 13, 30, 37, 41, 53, 57
Minibuses 236, 237, 241
Night bus N4
Baltic TAXI, telephone: 8500
Distance to:
Old Town: 1 km – 5 minutes drive http://www.riga.lv
Airport: 10 km – 10 minute drive http://www.riga-airport.com
Railway Terminal: 3 km – 5 minutes drive http://www.ldz.lv
Bus Station: 3 km – 5 minutes drive http://www.autoosta.lv
Passenger Port: 1 km – 5 minutes drive http://www.tallink.lv