The North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve is the only biosphere reserve in Latvia. It is located in the northern part of the country and Vidzeme. The reserve covers an area of 4576 km2, its administration is located in Salacgriva.
The North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve is the only such specially
protected nature territory in Latvia. It is a large area where
internationally important natural and landscape values are
preserved by ensuring sustainable social and economic development.
In order to radically improve the ecological situation in the
Salaca river basin and the North Vidzeme coast of the Gulf of Riga,
as well as to create preconditions for the organization of a
biosphere reserve in this territory, 26.03.1990. The Council of
Ministers adopted Decision no. 75 "On the Establishment of the North
Vidzeme Regional Nature Protection Complex and Measures for the
Organization of the Biosphere Reserve". The boundaries of the ZVRDAK
territory are determined by the Salaca River and its catchment area,
which is the most important salmon spawning ground on the eastern
side of the Baltic Sea basin. Scientist Aija Melluma, poet Jānis
Peters and biologist Indulis Emsis participated in the founding of
ZVRDAK.
1997 On December 11, the Saeima passed a law on the
North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (ZBR).
On 15 December 1997,
it was recognized as a protected nature area of international
importance under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB). A
ZBR Advisory Council has been established to coordinate the
activities of the Biosphere Reserve and to involve local governments
and other interest groups. It consists of representatives of state
institutions, local governments and non-governmental organizations.
On October 10, 2000, Cabinet Regulation No. 353 “North Vidzeme
Biosphere Reserve Individual Protection and Use Regulations”.
In 2008, SIA ELLE developed a Landscape Ecological Plan for the
territory of the ZBR.
June 1, 2009 - The administration of
the ZBR was included in the Nature Protection Board as one of the
structural units.
February 1, 2011 - by merging the
administration of the ZBR and the administration of the Gauja
National Park, the Vidzeme Regional Administration of the Nature
Protection Board was established, which supervises the territory of
the ZBR.