Smart Coastal Development: Balancing Nature Conservation, SME Growth, and Sustainable Tourism in Coastal Communities

Coastal regions face a dual challenge: preserving fragile natural ecosystems while fostering local economic resilience. Hosted by Ventspils Municipality in Užava, Latvia, this hybrid session brings together local authorities (Ventspils and Talsi), international partners from Denmark (Port of Hvide Sande), environmental experts (Nature Conservation Agency), academia, regional planners, and local business support organizations (LIAA, ZBA). The event addresses key themes such as coastal erosion management, sustainable eco-tourism, and SME growth in rural communities. Participants will explore Danish best practices in coastal management and learn from real-world experiences of Latvian coastal enterprises from both municipalities, balancing nature preservation with economic viability. Welcoming around 50 key stakeholders onsite—including local tourism providers, SMEs, and community leaders—alongside a broad online audience, the session delivers practical models for cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration through expert keynotes and interactive panel discussions (powered by Slido). The event bridges the gap between environmental regulations and enterprise needs, charting a pathway toward a resilient, year-round coastal economy.