More than two hundred teachers of geography and physics from all over Latvia participated in the seminar on renewable energy resources held on Friday at the Ministry of the Environment. “Environmental Projects” Ltd. organized the seminar with support from the UN Development Program and British Council.

University staff and experts in the field of the environment talked to teachers about climate changes and different forms of renewable energy in the event. During the day teachers found out more about the influence of fossil fuels on climate and climate change, alternative forms of energy. Evaluation questionnaires from the seminar reveal that teachers need such training events about environmental issues very much, as well as brochures, posters, DVD and other informative materials, which could be useful in the study process. A great support would also be student contests helping to motivate children to study natural sciences.

Teachers received an “A-Energy” DVD and a brochure entitled “Alternative Energy”, a new publication issued by the Ministry of Environment “Climate Changes ….In My Pocket”, as well as materials from the British Council and the Movement of Eco Schools for their future work.

The DVD and brochure on alternative forms of energy were made as a result of close cooperation between UN Development Program and state “Environment Projects” Ltd. Journalist Uģis Olte explores ways to obtain alternative energy and the use of this energy in Latvia in seven series, and Gustavs Terzens tells about the effects of heat insulation on multistoried buildings. It was supplemented by a brochure on alternative forms of energy and energy saving written by Anitra Tooma.

These informative materials teachers will be able to use as supplementary aids in geography and physics lessons, and possibly in project weeks as well. “Environmental Projects” will also send the DVD and brochure “A-Energy” to other schools all over Latvia.

Participants of the seminar were greeted by Raimonds Vejonis, Minister of the Environment, Silvija Kalniņš, environmental projects manager at UNDP, Agita Kalvina, director of the British Council office in Latvia, and Girts Strazdins, head of the Eco School Movement.

7. This seminar will also take place in Daugavpils for teachers from Latgale region on December 7.

Additional information:
Margarita Apine, Head of Public Awareness Department, state „Environmental Projects” Ltd., phone: 7225377, 9497441