BEACH-SOS Workshop in Saulkrasti: A Milestone in Coastal Climate Adaptation

12 December 2024

We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the BEACH-SOS workshop held in Saulkrasti on October 8th and 9th. Hosted by Saulkrasti Municipality, this event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, experts, and community members to address the pressing challenges faced by coastal regions due to climate change.

The workshop featured insightful presentations and dynamic discussions on climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and the development of a shared vision for resilient coastal management and tourism. Key organizations such as the Climate Service Center Germany, EUCC-D, Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia, VASAB Intergovernmental Multilateral Co-operation of the Baltic Sea Region in spatial planning and development, Interreg Climate Europe project , and Kurzeme Planning Region played crucial roles in providing valuable insights and tools for effective climate adaptation.

Highlights of the workshop included:

Introduction to Previous Workshop Results: Rimants Lusis from Saulkrasti Municipality and David Cabana from the Climate Service Center Germany recapped key findings and set the stage for the current workshop.
Climate Change Projections: Louis Celliers from the Climate Service Center Germany presented on the future impacts of climate change on coastal regions.
Indicators of Change and Adaptation: Lena Schall from EUCC-D, along with Louis Celliers and David Cabana, explored various indicators and adaptation strategies.
Vision 2050 and Adaptation Options: Participants engaged in breakout sessions to discuss potential impacts and prioritize adaptation actions.

The second day focused on collaboration with Latvian coastal municipal authorities, emphasizing the importance of monitoring climate signals and implementing effective adaptation measures. The workshop centered efforts to articulate adaptation pathways for the vision of future Saulkrasti 2050, considering climate change impacts such as sea level rise (SLR), the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), and extreme coastal weather events. The priorities were drafted by the citizens of Saulkrasti, ensuring that the community’s needs and perspectives are at the forefront of the adaptation strategies. The workshop concluded with a comprehensive set of priorities and measures for Saulkrasti’s future, highlighting a balanced and strategic approach to climate adaptation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and speakers for their dedication and hard work. Your contributions have been invaluable in advancing our collective efforts towards building resilient and sustainable coastal communities. Together, we have made significant strides in addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring a brighter future for our coastal regions.