Participation in international organizations
Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI) participates in the work of various intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that are instrumental in the progress of marine and freshwater science and ecosystem-based management in the Baltic Sea region, Europe and beyond.
LHEI is actively involved in the work of the intergovernmental organization Helsinki Convention (HELCOM) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). Our researchers are members of several HELCOM working groups and ICES expert groups.
In the case of non-governmental organizations, LHEI plays an active role in organizations that promote academic and applied research, including Baltic Earth, SUBMARINER Network, EurOcean, Nordic Testbed Network and SEADATANET AISBL (members of SeaDataNet).
We are long-term members of Baltic Earth, part of the Baltic Earth Science Steering Group (BESSG) and, among other things, contribute to scientific publications and organize conferences. As an active member of BESSG, LHEI is routinely represented in scientific committees of the biannual Baltic Earth Conference and, alongside Leibniz-Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde and Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Germany) in 2024 we hosted the 5th Baltic Earth Conference in the city of Jurmala. By participating in Baltic Earth activities, LHEI contributes to the knowledge of the Baltic Sea region and identifies important topics during the planning and implementation phases of the research activities.
As part of the SUBMARINER Network For Blue Growth, LHEI collaborates with other members to find sustainable blue economy solutions that meet societal needs for ocean resources while promoting a healthy marine environment. This collaborative approach allows us to work with national authorities, research institutions, and entrepreneurs outside of Latvia to develop, share, and apply innovative solutions to support decarbonization and address challenges such as eutrophication and biodiversity loss.
As a long-term member of the SEADATANET, LHEI contributes to development and maintenance of data infrastructure, tools as well as products.
Representatives of LHEI are members of the pan-Baltic scientific committee providing outline for a major scientific event in the Baltic Sea science – biannual Baltic Sea Science Congress, the latest of which has been hosted by Finland.
Recently LHEI has was invited to join the “EurOcean” community, which includes national-level research institutions as well as private, non-profit, transnational and non-governmental organizations all across Europe. As newcomers, we are currently working on establishing the best way to contribute to the achievement of EurOcean’s goals and objectives.
Finally, LHEI representatives periodically participate in European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) activities.