News

Yesterday, at the concluding event of the scientific research competition organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MEPRD), the winners of the competition presented their developed studies. The students conducted scientific research on topics related to the prevention or management of food and biological waste. During the event, the three best research projects were presented, and their authors received cash prizes.

The event was opened by Ph.D. Rudīte Vesere, the Acting Deputy State Secretary for Environmental Protection of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and the Director of the Environmental Protection Department (MEPRD). She congratulated the competition participants on their successful work and expressed appreciation for their contributions: "Your research and efforts are essential in our fight for a better and cleaner future. We encourage you to continue your studies in the field of waste management and recycling. Your contributions will be crucial in addressing future environmental challenges."

A total of eight works were submitted to the competition, but only the six best ones were selected for further evaluation. The first-place winner, Grēta Girvaite, a student at the Liepāja Academy of Riga Technical University, introduced her innovative permaculture tool, “GALA Garden.” This tool is a combination of a garden and a compost bin, suitable for use on lawns, asphalt, paving, or other surfaces in private properties or community gardens. The wooden components are treated using the Japanese wood-burning method, making this tool durable and sustainable.

The second-place winner, Antra Adiene, a student at Riga Stradiņš University, analyzed various initiatives aimed at reducing food waste in Europe. She highlighted the role of Danish non-governmental organizations in driving change, the regulatory framework in France that prohibits supermarkets from discarding good quality food, Italy's focus on facilitating food donations, and Lithuania's food banks acting as intermediary networks. The laureate urged exploring the experiences of other countries in reducing food waste and adapting successful practices to the Latvian context.

Daniela Dreslere, a student at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, who earned the honourable third place, presented her research on the potential of cod skin for collagen extraction. Her study aimed to assess the chemical composition of cod skin, evaluate quality indicators, refine the collagen extraction method, and analyze the quality of the collagen produced.

At the event, Elīna Dāce, the lead researcher at the Baltic Studies Centre of Riga Stradiņš University, provided insights into the measurement of food waste quantities in Europe and Latvia. Meanwhile, Lāsma Ozola, the Head and Activity Coordinator of the Zero Waste Community in the Environmental and Climate Neutrality Department of Cēsis Municipality, shared her experiences in establishing the Zero Waste community in Cēsis and discussed their upcoming plans.

The committee members - Inga Beousa from the “Green Liberty” association, Dace Ugare from the Ministry of Agriculture, and Rūta Bendere from the “Latvian Waste Management Association” - emphasized the importance of new initiatives in the field of waste management and expressed gratitude to each competition participant for their developed studies. The prevention and management of food waste is an issue that affects us all, and engaging with science plays a crucial role in helping to understand the circular management of food waste. Each of the submitted works was inspiring and included valuable insights and suggestions.

In conclusion, participants were encouraged to continue their ongoing research and to become ambassadors for implementing a circular lifestyle among those closest to them – their family, friends, and colleagues. Such events are a significant step towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The insights gained will help advance the practices of food and biological waste management in Latvia.

Presentations in Latvian:

1. Elīna Dāce, Dr.sc.ing., RSU, Baltic Studies Centre vadošā pētniece “Pārtikas atkritumu daudzuma mērījumi Eiropā un Latvijā”

2. Grēta Girvaite, RTU Liepājas akadēmija, Vides inovāciju tehnoloģijas, 4.kurss, "Permakultūras rīks "GALA Dārzs""

3. Antra Adiene, RSU, Starptautiskās attiecības - Eiropas studijas, 3.kurss “Pārtikas atkritumu mazināšanas iniciatīvu analīze: risinājumi Eiropas valstīs un Latvijas labās prakses piemēri”

4. Daniela Dreslere, LBTU, Pārtikas kvalitāte un inovācijas, 4.kurss “Mencu ādu potenciāls kolagēna ieguvē”

5. Lāsma Ozola, Cēsu novada pašvaldība "Zero Waste kopienas izveide Cēsīs"