Latvia Environment Profile 2012

The Latvian National Strategy for Sustainable Development (adopted in 2002), integrates economic,
environmental and social dimensions and is based on ten objectives and principles. Those most directly
related to environment and nature are: a) to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both the present
and next generations; b) to take adequate measures aimed at preserving the biodiversity and protection
of ecosystems; c) to constantly increase the efficient use of resources.
The national strategy is complemented by sector, or issue-specific, policies and plans, e.g. climate
change, biodiversity etc. The main environmental challenges mentioned in the strategy include: water
protection; climate change and protection of the ozone layer; the use of natural resources; the
conservation of biodiversity; the management and reduction of waste, and the wider management of
environment and health. The strategy encompasses four cross-cutting areas of action in a structure
which is similar to the 6th EAP.

In relation to climate change it is noted that CO2 emissions have decreased by 58 per cent between the years 1990
and 2005. The Kyoto target for Latvia is - 8 per cent, and Latvia is on track for meeting this commitment, as recent
EU projections for 2010 show a figure of - 48.6 per cent compared to the base year.1 The main priorities are: raising
energy efficiency, design of an environmentally acceptable transport system, and implementing best and cleanest
available technologies.
Concerning nature and biodiversity, Latvia is among those European countries which have the richest and most
biodiverse resources. Latvia has 97 Special Protection Areas (9.6 per cent of the total terrestrial area) and 331 Sites
of Community Importance (11 per cent of the terrestrial area) under the Natura 2000 network. Latvia has reached
about 90 per cent of the minimum standards of the Habitats Directive.
Environment and health focuses on five main areas: 1) limiting the use of chemicals and phasing out the use of
dangerous chemicals; 2) the quality of the Latvian environment; 3) food quality; 4) health and safety and 5) drinking
water quality.
Regarding resources and resource efficiency it is noted that whilst energy intensity is decreasing it still remains
quite high. Growth in waste generation amounted to 6 per cent from 2000 - 2005 and in 2005 waste amounted to 1.3
million tons. Insufficient waste collection, sorting and recycling effort and insufficient infrastructure for solid and
hazardous waste management are the main weaknesses related to waste management.