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CircleUP: 100 households, 100 stories: sustainable household management in Europe
LRF role: cooperation partner
Duration: 01.01.2024.-31.12.2027.
Total project funding: EUR 4 586 360 (of which LRF EUR 268 200)
Funder: Horizon 2020 (the EU`s research and innovation funding programme)
Agreement number: 101135495
The goal of the project is to promote sustainable management at the household level, which is a step towards a circular economy. The project plans to develop, test, implement and evaluate an innovative technological tool that will change the habits of 100 households in 4 countries in the generation and management of their waste. The project will demonstrate how each of us can benefit from the circular economy, reduce social inequality, environmental impact and GHG emissions.
The project is implemented in cooperation with 10 organizations from 5 countries under the leadership of Riga Technical University.
Strengthening energy communities in rural areas of Latvia
LRF role: cooperation partner and implementer
Duration: 01.01.2024.-30.09.2025.
Place: Latvia, Germany
Total project funding: EUR 178 016 (of which LRF EUR 88 864)
Funder: DBU (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt) German Environmental Foundation
Agreement number: 39264/01-41
The goal of the project is to promote the development of energy communities in the rural areas of Latvia, taking into account examples of good practice from Germany.
The project plans activities ob 3 levels: national (discussions and meetings with the Ministry of Climate and Energy, development of recommendations), regional level (capacity building and informing the various parties involved – planning regions, municipalities, SIA, etc.) and local level (establishment of a pilot energy community in rural areas – from theories to real practice).
Exchange of ideas between Latvia and U.S. within 6th Latvian Rural Communities Parliament #6LRCP
LRF role: Initiator and implementer
Duration: 04.-06.2023.
Place: Latvia
Total project funding: 4990 USD
Funder: Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (Council, International Study Programs, Inc.)
The goal is to introduce and share U.S. and Latvian experience, approaches and knowledge for strengthening rural communities to facilitate smart development of rural areas in circumstances of depopulation and to establish cooperation between U.S. and Baltic states partners in field of smart rural shrinking. In order to do that professor of Architecture at Iowa State University Kimberly E. Zarecor form U.S. took part at the biennial event 6th Latvian Rural Communities Parliament (14th-16th of June 2023) and shared her research findings.
Professor gave Keynote speech on smart rural shrinking in the opening ceremony, lead a working group, was a discussion member of the results of Parliament and creation of Resolution aggregating the main event conclusions. Also, an interview was conducted with the professor and published in the national analytical journal “Ir” on rural smart shrinking and the most important findings of Iowa State University research team on the topic.
To continue cooperation between U.S. and Latvia in field of smart rural shrinking there is an agreement to continue cooperation between Iowa University academics and rural experts in Latvia.
Timeout dialogues
LRF role: Implementer of timeout dialogues
Duration: 17.07.-30.11.2023.
Place: Latvia
Total project funding: 11 956.26 EUR
Funder and ordered: State Chancellery
Agreement number: 2023/045
The goal is to organize dialogues circles with participation of residents in Latvia in order to increase trust among the public, and to clarify the opinions, experiences as well as insights of citizens regarding trust in members of society and public authorities. The theme of trust is comprised of three aspects: mutual trust, trust in state and municipality institutions and trust in politicians.
The purpose of the dialogue circles, known as the timeout method, is to develop skills like conversation and active listening, by promoting a feeling of inclusion, belonging and confidence in an idea that everyone is valuable and can influence processes in the country and society. Timeout method is based on a desire to reduce polarization and conflicts among society. The method has been developed in Finland.
During the end of August and throughout September, 2023, LLF is going to conduct at least 14 dialogue circles in 7 different regions in Latvia. Result presentation is planned during the Autumn Conference sun by The State Chancellery and the Latvian Parliament.
Co-creating resilient and sustainable food towards FOOD2030 #CITIES2030
LRF role : Partner Organisation
Duration : 01.10.2020. – 30.09.2024.
Total project funding : 12 513 955.75 EUR
Funder : European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
Agreement number : 101000640
CITIES2030 is cross-sectoral research project that aims to restructure and transform the way in which food is produced, supplied, recycled and consumed in the 21st century. CITIES2030 vision is to connect short food supply chains, gathering consumers, strategic and complement industry partners, the civil society, start-ups and enterprises, leading universities and research across the vast diversity of disciplines addressing urban food systems and ecosystems. Policy and living labs will be established in 2 regions (incl. Vidzeme) and 9 EU cities and further will be deployed to a total of 50 EU cities. As a result, cities and regions will improve resilience and sustainability, and their leadership will create short food supply chains and ecosystems enabling local investments, cross borders and transnational deployment.
The project is coordinated by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and implemented in collaboration with 41 European organizations. More information here and on Cities2030 website.
Active Citizens Fund #ACF
LRF role: Member of NGO Consortium
Duration: 27.12.2019. – 31.12.2024.
Total funding in Latvia: 8 500 000 EUR
Funder: European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Finance Mechanism
Active Citizens Fund (ACF) is a program of European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Finance Mechanism that has been implemented in 13 European countries. The objective of the ACF is civil society and active citizenship strengthened and vulnerable groups empowered. There are 4 programs:
Democracy culture – to strengthen democratic culture and civic awareness; Human rights – to increase awareness on human rights in society; Sustainability and capacity – to enhance the capacity and sustainability of civic society;
Bilateral and regional cooperation – to enhance cross-border collaboration of civic society in Latvia. More on ACF webpage
Future-Oriented Collaborative Policy Development for Rural Areas and People #POLIRURAL
LRF role: Partner Organisation
Duration: 01.06.2019. – 31.05.2022.
Total project funding: 5 999 875 EUR
Funder: European Union’s Horizont 2020 research and innovation programme
Agreement number: 818496
POLIRURAL is a research and innovation project designed to advance rural policy development in the age of disruptive data and technologies in order to deliver a trusted, scalable and transferable solution for policy co-creation. It brings together decision-makers, experts and rural inhabitants using advanced policy simulation tools to better understand and tackle regional challenges, ultimately making rural areas and professions more attractive and liveable for established populations and recent or potential newcomers. More on POLIRURAL website
Smart Villages LEADER Network project campaign My Village is Smart Village #MyVillageIsSmartVillage
LRF role : Campaign Implementer
Duration : 01.06.2019. – 31.12.2021.
Total project funding : 83 805,85 EUR
Funder : European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) LEADER
Agreement number : 2020-11-P
The aim of the project is to promote smart local development through international transfer of good practice and exchange of experience. Additional tasks of the project – to identify opportunities for creating added value in rural areas, to take over and implement examples of good practice of project partners, to encourage entrepreneurs, to use various digital technology solutions in their business.
The aim of the campaign My Village is Smart Village is to update the implementation of the concept of smart villages in rural areas of Latvia and to promote innovative solutions for improving the daily life of rural communities. The organizers of the campaign want to inform the people of Latvia about the concept of smart villages, introducing local and foreign experience of smart villages, because both in the European Union and in Latvia the relevance of the concept of smart villages is growing.
Strengthening Cooperation Among The Rural Communities and Ensuring The Representation of Their Interests #NVOfonds2021
LRF role: Main Project Implementer
Duration: 18.01.2021. – 15.11.2021.
Funding: 30 000 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget programme “NGO Fund”
Agreement number: 2021.LV/NVOF/MAC/028/01
The aim of the project is to promote the integration of issues important to rural communities in political and public administration decision-making and to strengthen the strategic partnership between LRF, its members, rural community NGOs and other partners directly or indirectly involved in rural development, incl. continuing the implementation of the instrument of participatory democracy – the Parliament of Rural Communities of Latvia.
Smart development of Communities #KOPA
LRF role: Project Coordinator
Duration: 01.07.2019. – 31.07.2021.
Funding: 21 500 EUR
Funder: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) LEADER TNC measure
The aim of the project is to promote the involvement of communities in identifying their needs and addressing their solutions by supporting them and strengthening their sustainable growth. The project is carried out by four partners, the association “Pierga Partnership” (Managing Partner), the association “Let’s do ourselves!”, the “Regional Rural Partnership”, the association “SSA Society Obliene”.
The campaign “My Region. My Europe. My Future” discussions “Time for the Rural Areas! What is Europe doing next door?” #MyRegion
LRF role: Main Organiser
Duration: 08.07.2019. – 31.12.2020.
Funding: 14 922.60 EUR
Funder: European Commission
Agreement number: 40_2019
Aim of the activities of the Campaign “My Region. My Europe. My Future” is to raise awareness of society in Latgale and Zemgale about the support provided by the European Union. Within the Campaign, LRF organizes 20 meetings – “Time for the Rural Areas! What is Europe doing next door? “, exploring inspiring experiences and places with EU investments. The meetings include a discussion of the EU’s existing capabilities and activities, providing insights and opportunities for improving the quality of life and economic development, and the importance of each citizen and proactive action.
Forum Synergies Scholarship programme 2020 #FSscholarship
LRF role: Project Coordinator
Duration: 01.03.2020. – 31.12.2020.
Funder: Forum Synergies, Fondation de France
Forums Synergies offers a trainees exchange programme for young people involved in rural development activities, who want to discover or improve their knowledge and their know-how in a particular field of sustainable rural development, and organizations or entrepreneurs from rural areas, who would like to host young people to transmit them a particular knowledge and to share their experience. The aim of the programme is to share and link the sustainable practices of rural development through the Europe.
From ancient skills to innovative cultural tourism products #AncientSkills
LRF role: Project coordinator for national activities
Duration: 30.01.2019.-31.12.2020.
Total project funding: 85 061,15 EUR
Funder: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) LEADER TNC measure
Agreement number: 18-00-A019.333-000017
The aim of the project is to encourage the creation of new crafts, home-made products and rural tourism enterprises in the territories of co-operation partners, promoting sustainable regional development and developing innovative products that are in the interest of the cultural tourism industry.
The best is yet to come. Youth create tomorrow’s rural reality from village to wider Europe #RURBEST
LRF role: Main Organiser
Duration: 15.05.2019. – 14.03.2020.
Funding: 33 975 EUR
Funder: European Commission, “Erasmus+: Youth in Action” programme
Agreement number: 2019-1-LV02-KA347-002579
70 youth from 16 countries’ rural areas, involved in local rural community-building activities, took part in the main project activity – European Rural Youth Parliament (ERYP). Participants made their voices heard in the European level by taking part in the development process of the European Rural Parliament declaration and raising important questions for rural youth in ERYP declaration.
Rural Opinions, Advocacy and Development #ROAD
LRF role: Partner Organisation
Duration: 01.08.2018. – 31.01.2020.
Total project funding: 148 680 EUR
Funder: European Commission, “Europe for Citizens” programme
Agreement number: 601945-CITIZ-1-2018-1-FI-CITIZ-CIV
LRF role: Main Organiser
Duration: 01.11.2018. – 30.09.2019.
Funding: 10 012 EUR
Funder: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
Agreement number: 2.5.-11-524
The project motivated the rural people to express their views and to engage in the implementation of solutions to existing local or regional challenges in their residence. The responses to challenges were complemented by studies to create evidence-based results. Through the national partners, actions at the local level were also connected to the European dimension of advocacy. The European Rural Parliament event has demonstrated that civil society initiatives can have an impact and play an important role in the European policy planning process. More on the European Rural Parliament webpage
Active Local Territories for Economic Development of Rural Areas #ALTER
LRF role: Partner organisation
Duration: 18.12.2015. – 17.12.2019.
Total project funding: 1 168 634 EUR
Funder: Europan Commission programma for civil society and media
Agreement number: 2015/370-3
The goal of ALTER is to stimulate an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society, as well as to empower civil society to be effective and accountable independent actors, and to improve their capacity to dialogue with Governments influencing policy and decision making processes in the sustainable development of rural communities and holding them accountable for their performance towards citizens and society at large. The action has a primary focus on networking, capacity building and advocacy.
Strengthening the activities of LRF by promoting the development of civil society in rural areas #NVOfonds2019
LRF role: Main Project Implementer
Duration: 01.04.2019. – 31.10.2019.
Funding: 16 999.78 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget programme “NGO Fund”
Agreement number: 2019.LV/NVOF/DAP/045
The aim of the project was to strengthen LRF as a cooperation platform, a voice for rural communities and support to strengthen civil society in rural areas. The main activities of the project included research work, identifying activities of rural NGOs and the existing environment for supporting civic initiative throughout Latvia. The project included organization of 4th Latvian Rural Community Parliament, Community Week and discussions that facilitated dialogue between different sectors and fostered the participation of rural people in shaping their future.
Development programme of Tuja village #Tuja2019
LRF role: Realization of an activity
Duration: 10.06.2019. – 10.09.2019.
Total project funding: 146 180 EUR
Funder: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Interreg project
Agreement number: 3.25.3/211
The project aims to develop a new, innovative, comprehensive and local needs-based planning approach for the development of marine and coastal areas in Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Estonia. Within the framework of the project, through practical and educational activities, it is intended to develop a high-quality dialogue and cooperation between the actors involved in the development planning process, in particular focusing on the level of the local community, thereby contributing to a development planning approach based on local needs.
“Selonian Islands” – thematic tourism in small rural settlements as a promoter of economic and social growth in Selonia #SalonianIslands
LRF role: Contracted service provider
Duration: 2017 – 2019
Total project funding: 79 606.80 EUR
Funder: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) LEADER Transnational cooperation (TNC) activity
The aim of the project is to promote balanced economic and social development in the territory of Selionia by activating small settlements; to promote the development of business and labour market at the regional level; improving the economic potential of “islands” for the development of competitive tourism products and joint marketing based on traditional values and a common concept. The LRF project implemented community workshops, during which thematic tourism products were developed, provided consultations and developed content for the development of a tourism booklet, as well as prepared strategic planning documents and training materials.
Rural NGOs as a basis for meeting social and economic needs through the involvement of civil society and volunteering – strengthening LRF #NVOfonds2018
LRF role: Main Project Implementer
Duration: 01.02.2018. – 31.10.2018.
Funding: 14 998.88 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget programme “NGO Fund”
Agreement number: 2018.LV/NVOF/DAP/045
The aim of the project is to strengthen the LRF as a cooperation platform for members and a voice for rural communities by attracting new members and involving them in the participation process, addressing inactive people in rural areas, facilitating access to practical and methodological support, existing good practice and up-to-date information on civic engagement, using it into the work of LRF and other NGO as a recommendation for action policies, development strategy and other national policy documents, which determine the approach, resources and actions for the future of rural areas.
Support for the development of regions of Moldova and Georgia, by promoting the local partnerships and by improving national, regional and local governance capacities of planning and conducting the development actions #Moldova2018
LRF role: Lead Partner
Duration: 07.2018. – 09.2018.
Funding: 30 812.03 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget development cooperation programme
Agreement number: AM/GPK-16/2018
This cooperation project promoted an establishment and development of the public-private partnerships in Moldova, based on cooperation between the private sector, NGO’s and the governmental institutions. The visits of Latvian experts in Moldova consisted of studying territory and meeting the Local action groups (LAGs) in the aim of being able to discuss and propose the development strategies based on the needs of chosen regions. The Moldavian delegation visited Latvia to observe good practices in local tourism. This project took place in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia, the Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia, the Ministry of Agriculture of Ajaria in Georgia and with the Moldova Association Pro Cooperare Regionala (ProCoRe).
Glocalization in adult education #Glocalization
LRF role: Partner Organisation
Duration: 01.09.2016. – 30.04.2018.
Funding: 50 300 EUR
Funder: ERASMUS+ KA2 Strategic Partnership Programme
Agreement number: 2016-1-PL01-KA204-026403
The main goal of the project is the development of adult education solutions in glocalization challenges by cooperation between 4 organizations from 3 countries, exchange experience and best practices in a strategic partnership. Results of the project impact internationally for all project partners and network groups where project partners are a member because all organizations achieve solution how to build linked between the global and local context of life in adult education programs which enhanced their local work and global impact.
Villages on move Baltic #VOMB
LRF role: Partner Organisation
Duration: 01.01.2016. – 31.12.2017.
Total project funding: 99 257 EUR
Funder: Erasmus+ Sport
Agreement number: 2016-3715/001-001
Villages on Move Baltic project is activating people to give ideas to promote everyday physical activity. Collected ideas are developed by means of the culture of experimentation with the goal to activate inhabitants in rural areas to have more movement and more joy of sports. More on VOM webpage
Support for Establishment of the National Level Cooperation Platform in Moldova for Implementing Regional and Rural Development policies #Moldova2017
LRF role: Lead Partner
Duration: 01.06.2017. – 15.11.2017.
Funding: 38 666 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget development cooperation programme
Agreement number: LV-27
The aim of the project is to promote the balanced and sustainable development of Moldova’s regions by facilitating the implementation of Moldova’s national development planning documents in the field of regional development and transferring good practice of EU regional policy to the success of Moldova’s euro integration process. supporting the development of Ukraine’s regions. During the project implementation, operational strategy for Moldova’s national rural and regional development platform was developed.
Support to regional development in Moldova Northern Development Region by encouraging the creation of local partnerships and rural network to promote structured and effective participation and intersectoral economic and social development solutions #Moldova2016
LRF role: Lead Partner
Duration: 11.07.2016. – 30.11.2016.
Funding: 25 407 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget development cooperation programme
Agreement number: ĀM/GPK-22/2016, līguma Nr. 24
The project aim to support the development of the Northern Region of Moldova, with a special focus on the development of local public-private partnerships. Provide methodological support for the establishment of partnerships, the development of needs-based local development action plans and the creation of a rural network, to establish preconditions for implementing the LEADER approach by strengthening the local economy, social and human capital development in rural areas of Northern Moldova. To ensure the exchange of experience between local NGOs in the Northern Region of Moldova and Latvia, entrepreneurs, municipalities and small rural schools.
PREPARE: Partnership for European rural areas #PREPARE
LRF role: Lead Partner
Duration: 2008 – 2016
Funding: 600 000 USD
Funder: C.S. Mott Foundation
The aim of the project is to ensure the operation of a cooperation network, which is focused on the coordination of European rural advocacy organizations in order to strengthen and develop national cooperation networks for the protection of their interests in the EU countries, as well as in other European countries.
Development of rural tourism products and marketing campaign involving school youth and strengthening cooperation between local action groups and rural tourism entrepreneurs #LaiksLaukiem2015
LRF role: Main Project Implementer
Duration: 01.08.2015. – 31.10.2015.
Funding: 80 802 EUR
Funder: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) measure “Promotion of tourism activities”
Agreement number: 15-00-L31300-000001
The aim of the project is to promote cooperation between rural tourism entrepreneurs and local action groups by developing and promoting rural tourism products based on rural resources, local producers, traditional values, involving and stimulating school youth interest in life and family – friendly recreation in the rural areas. The project included school program, initiated dialogue and cooperation between LAGs and rural tourism entrepreneurs, as well as published and distributed 6 printed works and 2 digital materials that rose popularity of rural tourism in society.
Enlivening the culture of participative democracy in rural areas of Latvia in the form of Rural Parliament #EEAFI2013-15
LRF role: Lead Partner
Duration: 01.07.2013. – 30.06.2015.
Funding: 47 998.98 EUR
Funder: European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Finance Mechanism
The objective of the Action Plan is an implementation of the strategy 2013th – 2015th of the association “Latvian Rural forum” (LRF). It includes enlivening the culture of participative democracy in rural areas of Latvia by ensuring the continuity of the Latvian Rural Parliament as well as to contribute to the sustainability of rural communities.
Organization of the Rural Community Parliament “Creating Preconditions for Growth in Small Towns and Rural Areas” #PrezidenturasProjekts
LRF role: Lead Partner
Duration: 01.01.2015. – 30.06.2015.
Funding: 21 036 EUR
Funder: Latvian State budget program “Support for Public Participation in the Implementation of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union”
Agreement number: 2014.LV/PR/03/04
The aim of the project is to contribute to the implementation of the goals of the program of the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council by promoting the implementation of the participatory democracy method in rural areas in Latvia and keeping the Rural Community Parliament movement alive, ensuring the development of a joint resolution in Latvia bringing together participants from 16 countries to strengthen the economic potential of rural areas for a more competitive EU, improving the quality of life of rural and small-town people by promoting the development of civil society outside development centres and ensuring the mobility of citizens and access to services.
The European Rural Network on Community LLL for Supporting of Local Economies #CZLaukuSkolas
LRF role: Partner Organisation
Duration: 06.2013. – 05.2015.
Funder: European Social Fund
Agreement number: CZ.1.04/5.1.01/77.00044
The main project focus is on how lifelong learning can help improve the social-economic situation of people living in rural areas. Project goals are to develop human resources and support of employability in rural areas using learning opportunities inside communities, to involve rural citizens in local development – building multisectoral partnerships and to support the sustainability of the local economy.
