Lithuanian and Latvian representatives discuss strategy and actions to reduce pollution in the Lielupe river basin
On Thursday, a meeting of the Lithuanian-Latvian Intergovernmental Commission for Transboundary Cooperation took place in Kulda, Latvia, to discuss improving the state of the international Lielupe River basin, exchanging information, and strengthening cooperation between municipalities in the transboundary control of water pollution in the Lielupe River.
Representatives of the Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development presented a proposal from the municipalities of Bauska and Vecumnieki for improved information exchange and closer cooperation between the relevant authorities and municipalities of Latvia and Lithuania in the joint management of pollution control in the Lielupe River basin.
Mr. Tomas Želvys, a representative of the Lithuanian Ministry of the Environment, outlined the measures planned to control and reduce pollution in the Lielupe River basin on the Lithuanian side.
The Commission adopted a protocol decision on this issue, stating that transboundary impacts on shared waters need to be addressed at the national, regional, and local levels. They emphasized the need to work together using existing cooperation mechanisms and, where necessary, develop new cooperation mechanisms between local and national authorities to improve river ecosystems.
It was also agreed to establish a Joint Lielupe River Basin Management Board, which would include representatives of border municipalities and experts from Lithuanian and Latvian environmental authorities.