Conversations on Climate and Culture: Green Heritage

Bringing together experts from various fields, researchers, and representatives of intangible cultural heritage communities, “Conversations on Climate and Culture: Green Heritage” will take place in Riga on March 6 and 7, organized in Latvia by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (ILFA).

How do climate change impacts affect intangible cultural heritage in Latvia? How are folk traditions and traditional livelihoods being challenged? What strategies might ensure adaptation to climate change without losing living heritage? These and related topics will be the focus of discussions on March 6, the first day of the event, held at the Archives of Latvian Folklore reading room (ILFA). The event is part of the international research project “Green Heritage. The Impact of Climate Change on Intangible Cultural Heritage”, which fosters dialogue and mutual exchange between experts across disciplines. Insights shared during the conversations will be summarized as policy recommendations for both national and European-level strategies.

The second day of discussions, on March 7, is open to the public. From 15:00 to 18:00, in the “Virtaka Classroom” on the 1st floor of the National Library of Latvia, the key takeaways from the first day will be presented, highlighting perspectives from various fields on the intersection of climate and culture. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about traditions from different European countries already affected by climate change.

The afternoon will conclude with a screening of the documentary film “Smart Farming – The Zimbabwe Story” (Director: Kārlis Lesiņš; Cinematographer: Mārtiņš Jurevics; Producer: Ingrīda Strazdiņa, 2024), which explores themes of cultural heritage, climate change, and climate justice. The screening will be introduced by the director Kārlis Lesiņš, who will also be available for a Q&A session.

This roundtable event is part of the international ERASMUS+ project “Green Heritage. The Impact of Climate Change on Intangible Cultural Heritage” (Green Heritage: D5. 13 Policy Roundtable – M29). The project brings together partners and researchers from Latvia, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Belgium, aiming to highlight the direct and indirect effects of climate change on intangible heritage and explore ways to ensure its sustainability. In Latvia, the project is represented by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia.