We invite the public to take part in drawing up the nature conservation plan for the “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park

Within the LIFE IS SALACA project, the Nature Conservation Agency has started drawing up the nature conservation plan for the specially protected nature area “Salacas ieleja” (Salaca Valley) Nature Park, which will take place from 2026 to 2027.

The “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park, located in Limbaži and Valmiera municipalities, was established in 1977 and is part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas of European importance, as well as the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. The “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park is an important area for the protection of sandstone outcrops, undisturbed caves, slope forests, spring fens, river rapids, dry grasslands on calcareous soils and other specially protected habitats and species of EU importance. The area has outstanding landscape and geological values.

The “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park currently has no valid nature conservation plan. The new plan will be drawn up for the period from 2027 to 2039, with the aim of preserving the natural values while balancing the interests of nature conservation, use of natural resources, regional development and local residents. More information about nature conservation plans is available (in Latvian) at https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/dabas-aizsardzibas-plani. The nature conservation plan will serve as a basis for attracting funding not only for preserving natural values but also for the development of the area.

Public participation is particularly important in drawing up the plan. The nature conservation plan is designed as a platform for cooperation between residents, landowners, entrepreneurs, municipalities and nature experts to agree together on a vision for the future of the area. Early public involvement is essential, as it allows proposals to be assessed in good time and included in the plan’s solutions. While the plan is being drawn up, an advisory group will be set up to ensure the participation of all stakeholders.

Residents, entrepreneurs, landowners and other interested parties are invited to take part in the information meetings launching the nature conservation plan:

• 22 April 2026 at 18:00, Mazsalaca Culture Centre, Rūjienas iela 1, Mazsalaca, Valmiera Municipality;
• 23 April 2026 at 18:00, Staicele Culture House, Lielā iela 7, Staicele, Limbaži Municipality;
• 24 April 2026 at 18:00, Salacgrīva office of the Nature Conservation Agency, Rīgas iela 10A, Salacgrīva, Limbaži Municipality, and online – see the link on the Nature Conservation Agency website under https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/notikumu-kalendars.

At the meeting, we will introduce the unique natural, landscape and geological values of the “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park and inform you about the procedure, timeline and planned studies for drawing up the nature conservation plan, as well as how you can take part in it. Please register for the meeting(s) by 20 April by filling in the form Participation in the launch meetings of the “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park nature conservation plan.

You are invited to share your views and proposals on the future development of the “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park at the meeting or by 30 April this year by writing to the Nature Conservation Agency (Baznīcas iela 7, Sigulda, LV-2150) or by e-mail at pasts@daba.gov.lv. Contact person: Kristīne Vilciņa, kristine.vilcina@daba.gov.lv, tel. 26554868.

Proposals can also be submitted later in the process. However, residents are invited to get involved in drawing up the nature conservation plan from the very beginning and to share their views, wishes and ideas, helping to shape the future of the “Salacas ieleja” Nature Park.

Photo: Andris Soms