Memorandum on Good Will for the creation of a Bioregion in the Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park – the largest, oldest, and most renowned protected natural area in Latvia. It encompasses the municipalities of Cesis, Sigulda, Valmiera, and Saulkrasti. Historically known as an outstanding scenic area with significant biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage. Widely recognized as a recreational destination and an attractive scientific research site. Here, there are engaged communities and self-organizing groups valuing a harmonious coexistence with nature. Currently, within the park's territory, the area of biologically certified agricultural land exceeds the Latvia’s average. Many small farms and businesses operate here, producing and processing high-quality food, maintaining traditional rural landscapes, lifestyles, and preserving the environment.

We, municipalities, government institutions, agricultural organizations, educational and research institutions, communities, associations, and foundations, residents, and other stakeholders who have signed below,
feeling responsible towards current and future generations and the need to create an example for a new economy that is environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, socially inclusive, and promotes well-being,
Acknowledging that nature and its diversity sustain all life on Earth and, therefore, should be conserved and enhanced,
Implementing the rights of the region's residents to live in a clean and healthy environment,
Recognizingthat sustainable development can only be ensured through collaboration and pooling resources, knowledge, and experience,
agree to jointly create a Bioregion in the Gauja National Park area in accordance with the following principles:

1. Promoting organic farming in agricultural lands;

2. Managing natural resources – water, land, forests, etc. – sustainably, reducing the risk of ecological overload and resource depletion;

3. Protecting and preserving biodiversity, especially protected natural areas and natural landscapes;

4. Fostering empathetic and respectful relationships among people and their interactions with nature;

5. Supporting and promoting businesses that conserve natural resources, the climate, and cultural heritage;

6. Ensuring democratic decision-making for the Bioregion's activities, based on the principles defined in this memorandum, research, evidence, and data.

We commit to working in the following priority areas:

1. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and increasing the consumption of healthy organic food in the region,

2. Developing cooperation between local farmers and entrepreneurs to create short food supply chains and a circular economy-based business;

3. Implementing nature capital management based on the ecosystem service approach;

4. Reducing waste generation in households and businesses;

5. Implementing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy resources and production;

6. Creating educational events and programs that change residents' behaviour and promote the sustainable use of natural resources and cultural heritage;

7. Developing tourism based on inner peace and harmony, promoting authentic experiences for local and foreign travellers;

8. Strengthening community and youth engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in living in the Bbioregion and serving as an inspiration to others.

By signing this Memorandum, the municipalities commit to to extend the provisions of this document to the entire administrative territory of the municipality.