Community Voices Informing Climate Resilience in Jūrmala

On 6 May 2026, Baltic PlaNet brought together Latvian stakeholders – residents, local authorities, planning regions, the Ministry of Smart Administation and Regional Development, community organisations, and researchers – in Jūrmala, Latvia, for the workshop Our Coast, Our Future: A Community Conversation About Flooding and What Comes Next.

Facing increasing flood risks from the river, sea, and extreme rainfall, participants reflected on lessons from the severe 2024 floods in Jūrmala, Latvia, to identify vulnerable groups, understand community impacts, and co-develop indicators for mapping social vulnerability and flood risk.

The workshop demonstrated the value of integrating local knowledge with scientific and planning expertise. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger preparedness, targeted support for at-risk residents, and closer cooperation between communities and decision-makers.

The results of the workshop will help improve emergency response planning and support more robust, locally informed climate risk assessments, particularly in areas where conventional data are limited. Insights from Jūrmala will directly contribute to Baltic PlaNet’s efforts to strengthen climate-resilient coastal planning across the Baltic Sea Region.

Programme Manual Online

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