The Baltic Sea hides not only the sound of waves and amber sand, but also a rich and fragile world of life. In order to better understand and protect the sea, in cooperation with the Nature Center of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, three seminars were organized under the common title - “Research and values ​​​​of the Baltic Sea and the North Vidzeme Coast.”

These seminars were not intended for a narrow circle of scientists. Their target audience was much wider and, perhaps, even more significant in the long term - education specialists and librarians of the Limbaži and Valmiera regions. It is in their hands that the next generation of knowledge and understanding of the surrounding environment is held, and the LIFE REEF project understood how important it is to involve these people in the story of marine protection.

On the first day of the seminar, gathering in the cozy premises of the ZBR Nature Center, the participants were welcomed by the project manager Ilze Sabule and the specialists of the nature center. The day began with an introduction to the offer of the ZBR Nature Center, which is closely related to the research of marine biodiversity of the LIFE REEF project.

The videos about fishing and science in the Baltic Sea, shot during the project, were of particular interest. These visual stories revealed two seemingly different worlds – traditional fishing with its centuries-old traditions and modern scientific research that seeks to uncover the secrets of the depths of the sea. The video helped to understand how closely these two areas are connected and how important it is to find a balance between human economic activity and nature protection.

The seminar continued with an examination of the ecosystem services of the Baltic Sea. This concept may have been new to some participants, but its importance is difficult to overestimate. It was explained how the sea provides us not only with fish and recreational opportunities, but also purifies water, regulates the climate and even affects our mental well-being. Understanding these services helps to realize how important it is to take care of the health of the sea.

An equally important topic was invasive alien species. The Baltic Sea, being connected to other bodies of water, is subject to the introduction of new, often aggressive species. During the seminar, it was discussed how these species can affect local biodiversity, out-competing native species and changing the ecosystem beyond recognition. Participants were introduced to some of the most common invasive species in the Baltic Sea and their potential threats.

However, theoretical knowledge is only half the story. In the second part of the seminar, participants went to the sea itself – to the coast of Northern Vidzeme. This was a great opportunity to turn theory into practical experience. Armed with simple markers, education specialists and librarians began to study the mussels and algae found in the sand and stones of the beach.

This practical activity turned into an exciting journey of discovery. Participants compared the specimens they found with interest with the illustrations and descriptions shown in the markers, learning to recognize different species. Discussions arose about the importance of each creature found in preserving biodiversity. Why is it important to have different types of mussels? How do algae form the basis of the food chain? These and many other questions were discussed at the seaside, with the wind blowing in your hair and the waves gently washing your feet.

Many ideas arose about how to integrate the knowledge gained at the seminar into the learning process, how to organize similar field trips for students, and how to use the resources of the nature center to make learning about nature interactive and exciting. The librarians, in turn, expressed their readiness to create thematic collections of books and other materials about the Baltic Sea and its protection, thus providing accessible information to the wider public.