archnetwork :: ICHI Latvia 6th-13th June 2009

Day 2 Sunday 7th -Spend the day in Riga and visit the Natural History Museum with the guides who have helped create this programme. The museum has six departments Geology, Botany, Zoology and Entomology, Anthropology, Palaeontology and People and the Environment. It has a large collection of natural specimens from Latvia and around the world and a wide environmental programme promoting a caring attitude towards nature and intelligent uses of its natural resources

http://www.dabasmuzejs.gov.lv/en/about_us/history/

Or visit Laumas Nature Park www.laumas.lv

Riga Zoo

Established in 1908 Riga Zoo is involved with research and conservation projects and has 41 species of animals who are on the IUCN ( International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources) list in the red book of endangered species. The zoo successfully reintroduced the European tree frog which had become extinct in Latvia. It helps to sustain itself with private sponsorship and has increased its visitor numbers after regaining its independence in 1991.

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riga_Zoo

Day 3- Monday 8th -Our host Maija will guide us around Talsi and Pedvale Open Air Museum in Sabile. Pedavale Open Air Museum creates a working environment for sculptures and artists using various techniques and mediums including woodcarving, printmaking and stonecarving.They are encouraged to draw inspiration from nature and locally found materials and has a collection of over 150 sculptures and works of art by local and foreign artists.

http://www.pedvale.lv/?l=1

Day 4 - Tuesday 9th - Tervete Nature Park with environmental guide Ligita Bogdane.

Tervete Nature Park is a very popular family friendly park set in a picturesque landscape with an interlocking network of paths dotted with wooden sculptures and fairy tale characters reflecting Latvia's rich cultural heritage.The park is listed as one of the top ten must see places in Latvia and has won the tourism award as the best place for family recreation in 2005

http://www.lvm.lv/eng/for_press/press_releases/?doc=1955

Day 5 -Wednesday 10th - State Forest Service, Consultation Centre in Vestiena, Pakalniesi with forest nature trails environmental guide Inese Mailte.

Pakalniesi is a training centre for forest owners, families and school children. It consists of interactive educational trails that teach about the ways and habits of wildlife.

http://www.kpc.gov.lv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=68&lang=EN

Day 6 -Thursday 11th- Gauja National Park with environmental guide Meldra Langenfelde.

The Guaja National Park is the largest in Latvia and is a marvellous combination of nature (forests, rivers, caves ) and cultural sites ( cities of Sigulda, Cesis, Valmiera, castles of Sigulda, Krimulda and Turaida.) The park focuses mainly on the promotion of environmental education and creating a greater understanding of nature and conservation.It also has facilities for hiking, cycling, boating and camping and although focusing mainly on nature protection it also includes educational and leisure tourism.

http://www.gnp.gov.lv/public/eng/

Day 7.Friday 12th

Day 8 Saturday 13th Departure

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Latvia