In order to enrich the experience of knowledge of Latvian natural diversity with an educational entertaining element of the game, the “Geocaching for LIFE” series has been set up during the 30-year anniversary of the LIFE Programme. Geocaches have been deployed at the sites of the LIFE Programme projects – Natura 2000 sites in the central part of Latvia and the coast of Kurzeme. 16 newly created geocaches will reveal the diversity of Latvia's nature and allow all the secrets to know the natural values of the surroundings – rare and protected plant and animal species, habitats and important cultural and historical landscapes.

The stories included in the geocache descriptions help you navigate successfully by looking for geocaches, expanding knowledge and getting to know the natural values of the surroundings. At the same time, stories also present important conservation initiatives implemented or continued by the Nature Conservation Agency (NCA) together with partners in the LIFE Programme over the 20 years (2002-2022).

Deputy Director General Andris Širovs: “The projects of the LIFE Programme implemented by the NCA represent a valuable contribution to the preservation of the natural diversity of Latvia and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. The deployment of LIFE projects has contributed to innovative and sustainable improvements, such as the renewal of the hydrological regime in previously drained swamps, the restoration of the natural seabed of rivers and the natural nature of forest structures. I would also like to highlight the economic assessment of ecosystem services, initiatives to combat invasive species, the development of guidelines for the management of habitats as important measures to help restore and preserve natural habitats and promote the protection of endangered species. The LIFE projects also provide an opportunity to test new methods and make sure that they are practicable."

Geocaching is a fascinating adventure in the open with orientation and pleasure of finding, where the guidelines are to look for geocaches, small containers of treasure. The geocaching for LIFE geocaches contain a pad, or a guestbook, where an entry is to be made on the find and find time. Finding all 16 series geocaches and unifying the report will allow you to find out the location of the bonus geocache, where the LIFE-IP LatViaNature project's surprise awards will be expected.

To start hiding, you need a smartphone with a GPS function or GPS device, create a profile on the Geocaching.com site, and install a Geocaching mobile app.