Latvian and Estonian partners will improve biodiversity and city water ecosystems.
BioFloat floating islands as biodiversity pit stops and pollution cut outs towards more resilient cities.
The islands are lightweight platforms planted with diverse vegetation. Their roots host microbes that help reduce algae and excess nutrients and provide shelter for insects, birds and fish. The concept is part of BioFloat’s wider goal to preserve biodiversity and restore water ecosystem quality in urban areas.
Three pilot sites
- Lake Põrmujärv (Võru County, Estonia): Launched in September 2025. Community partners and researchers are testing how islands can improve water clarity and habitat.
- Cēsis Castle Park Pond (Latvia): Launched in October 2025. To support the pond’s food web, partners released pike at the opening event with support from local stakeholders.
- Dzirnavu Pond, Gulbene (Latvia): Installation and anchoring took place in September 2025, with demonstrations to tailor the design to local needs.
Floating islands are a practical, nature-based solution: they can absorb pollutants, dampen waves, increase biodiversity and add greenery to city ponds and lakes. BioFloat is developing a ready-to-use concept and clear guidance so local governments can procure solutions suited to each water body.
Follow the news on their Facebook: Facebook
More information about the BioFloat project: BioFloat | ESTLAT
Project partnership:
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (Latvijas Hidroekoloģijas institūts)
- Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre (Stockholmi Keskkonnainstituudi Tallinna Keskus)
- Estonian University of Life Sciences (Eesti Maaülikool)
- Latvian Ornithological Society (Latvijas Ornitoloģijas biedrība)
- ALPS ainavu darbnica LTD (ALPS landscape atelier) (SIA “ALPS ainavu darbnīca”)
- Gulbene Municipality Council (Gulbenes novada pašvaldība)
- Cesis Municipality Council (Cēsu novada pašvaldība)
Duration: 27.11.2023 – 26.11.2027
Total budget: 893,630.00 EUR
ERDF contribution: 714,904.00 EUR
Contact person: sanda.svipsta@lhei.lv
Links to partners’ websites:
– Interreg project BioFloat
– BioFloat project
– ALPS landscape workshop
– Gulbene municipality
– Cēsis municipality