''What Is It Like to Be a Scientist?'' An Exploratory Hike in Liepāja

To gain a deeper understanding of the unique environmental characteristics and ecological condition of the Karosta Canal, the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepāja, we invite you to take part in an exploratory hike on 11 August at 15:30 (meeting point at Oskars Kalpaks Bridge (the Liepāja Port Authority building)). Accompanied by researchers and environmental experts from the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology and the association ‘’Baltijas Krasti’’, participants will be able to step into the role of scientists by trying out various research activities and experiments. The hike is organised as part of Project No. NFI/AK/02 “Remediation Works at Historically Polluted Sites in the Karosta Canal of Liepāja Port”.

Everyone is invited to take part in the event—regardless of whether they have prior knowledge of aquatic ecology, as the hike will provide an opportunity to gain new experiences and knowledge and find answers to questions related to the environment and water quality.

Human activity and the resulting environmental and climate changes have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems and water quality. The ecosystem of the Baltic Sea is unique; however, as a result of intensive and ill-considered human impacts, it is considered one of the most polluted seas in the world. The pollution of the Karosta Canal and Lake Liepāja bears witness to ill-considered decisions made in the past.

This informative hike will encourage participants to think about the processes taking place in nature, how our everyday actions affect the environment, how we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, and how we can create a better environment for our future.

The total route of the hike is planned to be 4 km. We will meet on 11 August at 15:30 by Oskars Kalpaks Bridge, on the southern side (the Bridge House of the Liepāja SEZ Authority), at Oskars Kalpaks Street 119, and then head to the first activity station at Liepāja Beach. After visiting the first activity station, the bus organised for the event will take participants to the next stopping point by the Liepāja Concert Hall ‘’Lielais dzintars’’. From the concert hall, the walk will continue to the activity station at the birdwatching tower on Zirgu Island. It will be possible to join the event at any of the hike’s stopping points (please indicate this in the registration form or by telephone).

15:30 meeting by Oskars Kalpaks Bridge (the Bridge House of the Liepāja SEZ Authority)

17:00 stopping point by the Liepāja Concert Hall ‘’Lielais dzintars’’

17:30 stopping point by the birdwatching tower on Zirgu Island

We encourage participants to dress appropriately for the weather, consider wearing waterproof footwear, and bring drinking water.