Last year project carried out scientific research in the exclusive economic zone of Latvia. Three sites were studied in depth to be included in the network of marine protected areas. These areas need names, so the project is launching a competition to get everyone involved.
The largest of the newly developed territories is located west of Ventspils, the second is located southwest of Pāvilosta, and the third is located northwest of Liepāja.
To participate in the competition, each participant must fill out a form here https://ieej.lv/vxd3j by March 25. Anyone can submit an unlimited number of names. All submitted proposals will be compiled and published on the website of the project, but the authors of the three selected titles will not only be able to be proud of their titles, but will also receive promotion prizes.
Andrejs Svilāns, Director General of the Nature Conservation Agency, emphasizes that place names are part of the country's history, preserving evidence of the peoples living in the country, natural objects, trades and traditions, historical events and personalities. Svilāns admits that there are also difficult-to-pronounce new formations of names that are out of place and sentimental. The NCA therefore urges that names be suggested for potential marine protected areas. "They may not even have to think about it, maybe the fishermen have given them to these places before. We will be happy to hear all suggestions," says Svilāns.