How we
work?
To create what no one's created,
go where no one's went
How we
To create what no one's created,
Researchers at the Institute for Environmental Solutions believe in data-driven decisions and effective action. In order to continuously come up with new approaches for tackling different challenges, we need to keep our horizons broad and dare to seek answers in an interdisciplinary environment.
Multidisciplinary approach
We employ a multidisciplinary approach to our work. Our team consists of scientists and practitioners from fields such as biology, chemistry, hydrology, environmental science, physics, mathematics, computer science, landscape planning, forestry, etc. One of the core values of the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) is openness and willingness to learn. That is why our team contains many international experts as well. We are constantly developing cooperation projects and knowledge exchange with partners in Europe and other parts of the world.
Data and state-of-art technology
Only quality and objective data can enable successful environmental resource management decisions. The Institute for Environmental Solutions is one of remote sensing pioneers in Latvia. We use remote sensors deployed both on the ground and on various airborne platforms – drones, aircraft and satellites. The obtained data sets allow us to look at the subject from a unique perspective, discover new patterns and develop innovative and effective solutions.
Science and art
Scientists are pragmatic. Artists are passionate and creative. By combining these values, excellence is forged.
Art has been present in the Institute’s activities since its very beginnings. The premises and territory of the Cēsis Brewery, owned by the IES, have been the venue for the New Art Biennial (JCE), the Cēsis Art Festival exhibitions, as well as individual art events and performances. In the future, the Brūzis is planned as a Science and Arts Centre.
Various artistic disciplines come in handy to translate the seemingly emotionless observations of science into a format that people can understand and feel. In the summer of 2021, as part of the LIFE CRAFT project, together with curator Aleksejs Beļeckis, we created the exhibition “Lauka pētījumi” (“Field studies”). The exhibition explored the relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Photos: Kristīne Madjare
To taste. To protect Recipe book
"Pļava"
Natural meadows are the treasure chest of Latvian nature. Up to 50 species of wild plants can be found in one square metre of natural grasslands. But these riches are disappearing quickly. Today, natural grasslands cover only 0.7% of Latvia’s territory. As natural grassland areas decline, not only habitats, landscape and sensations are being lost. A whole palette of flavours is disappearing. To protect it, we need to get to know it first.
That is why the Institute for Environmental Solutions, together with the Latvian Fund for Nature and the chef of the restaurant KEST, Māris Jansons, has created the recipe book “Pļava”( “The Meadow”). “Pļava” is a part of project GrassLIFE, dedicated to restoring Latvia’s natural grasslands.
Pet projects
At IES, we think that the most successful innovations will come from those who do what they truly believe in. That’s why our researchers are encouraged to cherish a pet project alongside their daily tasks. During the course of a pet project, we provide our researchers with the resources, time and support they need to nurture the plants they see potential in. Currently, the Institute has several ongoing pet projects, including Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) and various types of catnip.
Design sprints
Design sprints offer the opportunity to develop solutions to complex problems quickly. The work cycle involves several stages: research, identification of potential solutions, selection of the best solution, prototyping and real-world testing.
