Design competition announced for the exhibition “On the banks and in the depths of the Salaca”

The Nature Conservation Agency announces a design competition for the exhibition “On the banks and in the depths of the Salaca” at the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve Nature Centre

The Nature Conservation Agency (NCA) announces the design competition “Educational exhibition “On the banks and in the depths of the Salaca””, inviting professionals in exhibitions, displays and design to create a new, modern and scientifically sound exhibition at the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve Nature Centre in Salacgrīva.

The planned exhibition will help visitors gain an in-depth understanding of Latvian river ecosystems, in particular the biodiversity of the Salaca, its importance in human economy and history, as well as human impact and river management traditions. The conceptual structure of the exhibition is based on four thematic sections – the story of the development of river management from ancient times to the present day, a discovery of the underwater world of the Salaca ecosystem, a laboratory for hands-on research, and a mini cinema. Each of them will use contemporary, interactive and educational methods that will give visitors a varied experience and promote understanding of the importance of freshwater quality and the related challenges.

“This is an important investment in high-quality non-formal nature education in the Vidzeme region, where the Salaca is both a unique geological and biological site and an important cultural and historical element,” says Elīna Ezeriņa, Director of the NCA Communication and Nature Education Department.

The design competition is being organised to select the solution of the highest quality in terms of content and artistic merit, combining modern design, an educational approach and sustainable technical execution. The winner will be given the opportunity to take part in a negotiated procedure on the actual implementation of the exhibition. Designs are submitted anonymously, ensuring equal treatment and a transparent evaluation process.

The full rules of the design competition, the technical specification and the application procedure are available in the Electronic Procurement System (EIS), identification No. DAP 2025/53-MK. Entries must be submitted to the Nature Conservation Agency, Baznīcas iela 7, Sigulda, by 11:00 on 20 February 2026. A meeting for interested parties will take place on 8 January 2026 at the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve Nature Centre in Salacgrīva, giving applicants the opportunity to see the premises and ask clarifying questions.

The exhibition is being created with co-financing from the “LIFE IS Salaca” project of the European Union’s LIFE programme for the environment and climate action. The project aims to improve the quality of freshwater ecosystems and implement the requirements of the directives in an integrated way in the Salaca sub-basin. The expected contract price for creating the exhibition is 279,338 euros excluding VAT.

The Agency runs five nature centres – one in each national park and in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. With funding from the Cohesion Fund and the EU LIFE programme, the NCA has begun gradually developing all the centres, making the service accessible to wide audiences.