CONFERENCESurvey summary: Experts' perspectives on beavers and river ecology
The aim of the expert survey was to gain a better understanding of how specialists from different fields in Latvia assess the ecological condition of small rivers, the role of natural barriers, and the presence of beavers in freshwater landscapes. Conducted during the autumn and winter of 2025, the survey explored how experts perceive the relationships between natural processes, river management, economic interests, and opportunities for coexistence within river ecosystems.
The survey brought together the views of 45 experts representing a wide range of fields, including nature conservation, water management, forestry, agriculture, environmental governance, education and research, as well as public administration. The questionnaire covered topics such as perceptions of a good ecological status of rivers, evaluations of large woody debris and beaver dams, conflicts arising in different landscape contexts, and potential approaches to river management.
The full survey summary in latvian is available here
Survey results: recreation by water and canoeing habits in Latvia
As part of the Water Cultures project, an online survey on recreation by water and canoeing habits in Latvia was conducted in spring 2025. A total of 178 respondents from different regions of Latvia participated. The survey explored how people use waterscapes for recreation, what motivates them to go canoeing, and which river characteristics they value most. The results show that the most popular activities by water are walking along riverbanks, swimming, and recreational canoeing, while peace, tranquillity, and nature are the strongest associations people have with waterscapes.
The main motivation for canoeing is the opportunity to spend time in nature and with family and friends, while riverbank scenery and river flow dynamics are the most important factors in choosing a river. The study identified four characteristic canoeing profiles: comfort-oriented recreationists, independent nature enthusiasts, adventure campers, and sporty challenge seekers. Respondents mentioned 64 rivers across Latvia, with the Gauja, Irbe, Daugava, and Salaca being the most frequently named. Their responses highlighted not only the rivers' visual and atmospheric qualities, but also personal memories, shared social experiences, ecological diversity, and the dynamic, ever-changing nature of rivers.
The survey summary in latvian is available here.
Survey on boating and water recreation
We invite you to participate in a survey about water recreation and boating on Latvian rivers!
The survey is part of an interdisciplinary study on the historical development of recreational water uses in Latvia, including water tourism.
The survey is available here
Inland Water Tourism
One of the manifestations of water culture that we are studying in the project is the formation of the tradition of water tourism in Latvia historically and nowadays, focusing on boating in rivers. We analyze how boating and the adaptation of rivers to boating reflect and bring to life various normative, economic and aesthetic ideas and imaginaries about rivers as tourism infrastructure. In addition, we are interested in how boating tourism promotes embodied knowledge of river ecology and the formation of environmental awareness.
→ In the near future, we will address various participants involved in boating tourism, inviting them to share their observations, experiences and knowledge related to boating and rivers.
