RIGA REGION - Environment
Action to preserve the environment
The rich variety of nature in the region of Riga - wetlands, coastal areas, large tracts of forest and beautiful lakes - alternate with extensively developed areas. To avoid the pollution and impoverishment of the landscape, a protected nature reserve has been set up covering an area of 115 km2. In addition to the Kemeri National Park, part of the Gauja National Park, 16 restricted areas, 13 parks and manmade forests, 24 sites of geological and geomorphologic interest are located in the region.
Urbanisation and industry have created environmental problems such as water and air pollution. Currently the wastewater treatment facilities in Riga have partly solved the problem of water quality. The quality of water in the Gulf of Riga has improved in recent years. Evidence of this is the "Blue Flag" water-purity certificate regularly awarded to Jurmala beaches, indicating international testing had taken place and water purity was acceptable for public bathing.
The main cause of air pollution is the rapidly rising number of motor vehicles. The international motorway Via Baltica, which should be expanded in the future, crosses the region but nevertheless it should not cause much harm to the environment. Measures are also in place in Jurmala, one of the most picturesque and popular tourism spots, to minimise the harmful environmental effects caused by transport.
The region of Riga has to solve the problem of waste disposal.
Riga region alone accounts for approximately half of the country's total consumption of electricity. The main power resources in the region are a hydroelectric power station on the Daugava river and two Central Heating Plants. The Riga HPS produces a quarter of the total electricity generated in the country. The Incukalns underground gas storage facility is a natural formation with an active capacity of 2.2 billion cubic metres.
The most up-to-date technology has been introduced in the telecommunications sector (digital systems and mobile communication). Riga region is the only one in Latvia, where the fixed telephone lines are completely digitalized.
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