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The North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (Latvian: Ziemeļvidzemes biosfēras rezervāts) is the only biosphere reserve in Latvia, located in the northern Vidzeme region along the border with Estonia.
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The reserve includes a multitude of diverse natural and semi-natural habitats. It encompasses vast areas of primeval and traditional landscapes. The area includes 25 nature reserves, one nature park and two marine protected areas.
From a touristic point of view the main points of interest in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve are:
HistoryEdit
In 1990 the Latvian government created the North Vidzeme regional nature conservation complex in the borders of the present biosphere reserve. An administration was created with the seat in Salacgrīva which started active planning for the creation of the first biosphere reserve in the country. The project was ambitious because the new nature protected area encompassed approximately 6% of the total area of Latvia, including multiple towns, industrial and infrastructural objects.
The North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve was officially created on 11 December 1997. It is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The central administration is located in the seaside town of Salacgrīva, in a renovated historical building. It has a staff of 11 people. Some members of the staff are seated in other areas of the vast reserve.