Cross-REalm modelling and assessment of Aquatic ecosystem services – Towards a science-based design of nature-based solutions to tackle Eutrophication

CREATE Project Hosts First Cross-Project Collaboration Meeting on Water Governance in Riga

Water is not only a physical resource – it is also a social, cultural, political, technological and everyday experience that shapes how communities relate to their environment. Recognising this multidimensional role, the CREATE project organised the first Latvian cross-project collaboration meeting in Riga on 11 February 2026, bringing together experts and initiatives working in the field of water governance.

The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation among thematically related projects, foster information exchange, and promote data and knowledge sharing. Participants also explored opportunities to align and combine resources for stakeholder engagement activities aimed at improving water governance in Latvia.

The event began with short presentations from each participating project outlining their objectives and key activities. Projects that participated in the meeting were: CREATE, NATALIE, LIFE GOODWATER IP, ENGAGE, Water Cultures, LIFE IS SALACA and LIFE RiverFlow.

The round of presentations was followed by an active discussion on potential joint actions, including collaborating on plans or recommendations for policy makers, and addressing broader conceptual questions about society’s relationship with water.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to maintain the cross-project collaboration meetings on a regular basis, organize thematic discussions, and pursue joint initiatives where relevant. Strengthening collaboration between thematically aligned projects was recognized as essential for increasing impact, avoiding duplication of efforts, and ensuring more coherent contributions to sustainable water resource management in Latvia.