From 17 September to 8 October 2025, the Ministry of Climate and Energy organized a series of seminars titled “On the Way to Action – Circular Economy and Waste Management at the Local Level.” More than 100 representatives from municipalities, state institutions, waste management companies, educational institutions, NGOs, and other organizations participated in the seminars. The aim of the seminars was to discuss solutions on how to integrate circular economy principles into the daily work of municipalities and to encourage residents to take sustainable action.
The seminar cycle covered four practical topics for municipalities. This year’s seminars continued the series launched last year on improving the waste management system and transitioning to a circular economy at the municipal level. This article provides an overview of the last two seminars, their discussion topics, and conclusions.
Can We Talk About the Circular Economy in a Way People Understand?
A seminar titled “Public Awareness and Effective Communication on Waste Management and Circular Economy Issues” took place in Rēzekne, with the aim to discuss how to communicate with residents in language they understand. The seminar moderator, journalist Sandra Kropa, encouraged participants to think about how to explain the terms often used in institutional communication in simple and clear language. For example, the term “circular economy” can be explained more simply – it is thoughtful management in which available resources are used repeatedly and responsibly to reduce waste generation.
Both S. Kropa and other speakers emphasized that before creating a message, it is essential to understand exactly who the intended audience is, since the form and language of communication must be adapted to those who listen, watch, or read the information.
Representatives from both public administration and waste management companies shared their experience in developing public information campaigns and provided practical advice on addressing society. Seminar participants were also able to share their experiences and evaluate how to explain complex terms in simple language within the communication of institutions and organizations.
Participants also discussed the challenges of waste management and how to motivate the public to sort waste and reduce its volume. It was noted that communication about waste sorting should also emphasize the safety of landfill workers. Unsuitable waste creates dangerous situations as it may contain sharp objects, glass, hazardous waste, or toxic liquids.
At the end of the seminar, participants visited the newly opened circular cabinet at the youth center “Zeimuļs,” designed for the exchange of children’s and youth items. This is a practical example of how the ideas of the LIFE Integrated Project “Waste as Resources in Latvia” inspire other organizations. As S. Kropa emphasized – action inspires action.
Seminar presentations in Latvian available here:
Communication that Reaches People: Experience of the LIFE Project "Waste to Resources Latvia"
From Information to Action: How to Promote Public Environmental Awareness
Information Campaigns, Keywords, and Communication Channels for Public Engagement
How to Talk About Waste to Be Heard? Practical Communication Solutions
Public Awareness Activities in Rēzekne City and Municipality
Why Is Cooperation Important?
The final seminar of the cycle, “Cooperation – The Key to Sustainable Waste Management and Implementation of the Circular Economy,” took place in Kuldīga. During the seminar, participants discussed what constitutes the key to successful cooperation and what are the main challenges in collaboration among stakeholders.
Cooperation challenges can vary across different situations, and each participant had the opportunity to identify them within their working group. The main obstacles to cooperation mentioned were regulatory limitations, insufficient resources, and management quality. Other challenges included the division of responsibilities, lack of common understanding and goals, as well as the human factor and low public motivation.
Participants concluded that cooperation is a dynamic process that can improve or deteriorate depending on the actions and circumstances of the involved parties. Cooperation is strengthened when stakeholders share a common understanding of their joint goal, which should remain the focus when addressing issues.
Moving toward a shared goal as the key factor for successful cooperation was highlighted by Lāsma Ozola, Coordinator of Cēsis Municipality. She presented the Bioregion, which was established based on the voluntary involvement of various organizations. It includes municipalities, NGOs, companies, and community groups that have signed a memorandum of good will. The memorandum prioritizes the protection of natural resources, strengthening of nature-based economic activities, and ensuring the availability of healthy food in the Gauja National Park region.
Meanwhile, Cēsis Municipality expert Kristīne Āboliņa emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in promoting cooperation. Both residents and institutions or companies often hesitate to make decisions in situations related to waste management and efficient resource management, or they claim that the specific situation is not sufficiently regulated by legislation. However, every resident is responsible for the waste they generate, and each municipality must take responsibility for the natural resources available in its territory and for managing them meaningfully so they can be preserved for future generations.
Jolanta Malnace, Senior Expert at the Ministry of Climate and Energy, provided recommendations on how municipalities can improve their waste management systems and implement circular economy principles. She emphasized that initially, relatively simple steps can be taken, such as reviewing the information available on municipal websites about which company manages waste in a specific area, how to contact them, and how easily residents can access this information.
Kaspars Poriķis, Member of the Board of SIA “Kuldīgas komunālie pakalpojumi,” noted that successful cooperation in Kuldīga is based on the provision of several services within a single company. The company provides waste management, street and area maintenance, janitorial, and other services, ensuring an integrated approach to the management of municipal spaces.
At the end of the seminar, participants visited the Kuldīga sorted waste collection site, the reuse point, and the composting site. These visits demonstrated the successful cooperation between the company and residents and their responsible approach to resource management.
In addition, participants visited the Kuldīga Restoration Center – a practical example of cultural heritage preservation and resource reuse. The center offers residents the opportunity to participate in the restoration of windows and doors and to donate wooden window frames or doors for free refurbishment. In this way, residents not only help preserve the historical center of Kuldīga but also promote the sustainable management of their own property’s resources.
Seminar presentations in Latvian available here:
Seminar "Cooperation - The Key to Sustainable Waste Management and Implementation of the Circular Economy"
LTD “Kuldīga Municipal Services”
Recommendations for Municipalities to Improve the Waste Management System and Transition to a Circular Economy
Circular Economy Roadmap for Municipalities
Types of Cooperation in the Bioregion
The seminar cycle was implemented within the framework of the LIFE Integrated Project “Waste as Resources in Latvia.” Its aim is to create opportunities for meetings, discussions, experience sharing, and joint exploration of practical solutions for improving the waste management system and transitioning to a circular economy at the local level.
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