The Environmental Education Fund organized the Eco-Schools Winter Forum for the tenth time—an educational and experience-sharing event that took place from February 21 to 23 at Ropaži Secondary School. The forum brought together around 300 young people and educators from all over Latvia to explore environmental and sustainable development issues, share experiences, and strengthen the Eco-Schools movement. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ropaži Municipality, Ropaži Secondary School, LIFE Waste To Resources IP, and the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund.
During the forum, participants had the opportunity to engage in both joint and parallel activities. The three-day program included diverse and interactive environmental workshops, experience-sharing sessions, exciting team challenges, and bonding activities.
"The Eco-Schools Winter Forum took place for the 10th time, providing an educational event for schools across Latvia. The event featured a diverse program, ranging from lectures and workshops on current environmental protection and education topics to interactive and engaging team-building activities. A key component was experience-sharing and applying the acquired knowledge after the forum. Therefore, participants were given a task to develop ideas for activities they would implement in their schools afterward. The forum was a great opportunity to gain new ideas, experiences, and inspiration to continue their heroic efforts for the environment,’ said Daniels Trukšāns, Head of the Eco-Schools Program."
In skill-building workshops and educational lectures, a number of experts shared their insights, drawing attention to pressing topics such as the impact of clothing on health, sustainable nutrition, food waste in school catering, and more. The sessions were led by representatives from Zero Waste Latvia, the Nature Conservation Agency, the Green Liberty organization, as well as companies like Elektrum, Ltd ZAAO, and Ltd Getliņi EKO, along with experts from the University of Latvia and others.
Once again, the Eco-Schools Winter Forum was organized following environmentally friendly principles—no disposable tableware was used, waste was minimized, and energy resources were used efficiently. The menu featured fewer animal-based products, promoting sustainable nutrition. Event supporters ensured eco-friendly solutions and facilities. Thanks to Ltd NMS RIGA, "LUCART" hygiene paper, made from recycled Tetra Pak cellulose fibers, was available throughout the forum.
A big thank you to all supporters of the Eco-Schools Winter Forum 2025: Mayeri, the band Sudden Lights, Boards You, Ezīša Kofīšops, Līgatne Nature Park, the zero-waste store Burka, the adventure park Zeit, and Eži.
Eco-Schools Winter Forum 2025 Program:ej.uz/ezf25programma
List of Participants (Educational Institutions): ej.uz/ezf25macibu_iestades
The Eco-Schools program is one of the most comprehensive and popular environmental education approaches in the world. In Latvia, more than 200 educational institutions (ranging from preschools to universities) are currently part of the program, while globally, 48,700 educational institutions across 101 countries are involved.
Any educational institution willing to focus on environmental protection and sustainable development in the long term is invited to join the program. Participation in the Eco-Schools program does not necessarily require applying for Eco-School status—schools can simply take part in the program’s environmental education activities, such as campaigns, competitions, training, experience exchanges, forums, and more.
Being part of the Eco-Schools program is a valuable experience not only for the educational institution’s community but also for municipalities, as the program actively promotes public engagement in environmental management alongside its other environmental education goals.
Environmental Education Fund:
http://www.videsfonds.lv
https://www.facebook.com/videsfonds/
https://www.instagram.com/fee_latvia/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fee_latvia
Eco-Schools:
https://ekoskolas.lv/
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