European Union's Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027, Activity 1.1.1.9 "Post-doctoral Research" of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 "Strengthening research and innovative capacities and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system" of the research application No 1.1.1.9/LZP/1/24/105
The aim of the research is to develop science-based solutions by creating a multi-criteria decision-making guide that will promote the development opportunities of Latvia’s bioeconomy sector (forestry and agriculture) in relation to the carbon market and carbon market mechanisms. This will support the sustainable development of bioeconomy sectors and contribute to achieving Latvia’s climate policy goals.
The main research activities include:
- Mapping of previous research and policy processes, and preparing a baseline assessment of Latvia’s bioeconomy sector in the carbon market;
- Studying the perceptions and motivations of Latvian land managers and industry enterprises regarding potential involvement in the carbon market, and developing prototypes for carbon offset projects;
- Developing carbon market governance guidelines and a multi-criteria decision-making guide for Latvia’s bioeconomy sector.
The research will enhance development opportunities for Latvia’s bioeconomy sector in the context of the carbon market and contribute to the national scientific capacity in this field. The study will include interdisciplinary and international cooperation with Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands) and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, integrating knowledge-intensive bioeconomy, sustainable rural development, and social innovation fields. Interdisciplinarity is a prerequisite for achieving the complex research goal. The research solutions are designed to move from a meta-analysis of existing carbon market mechanism studies and policy mapping, to the preparation of a baseline assessment of Latvia’s current situation, analysis of the perceptions and motivations of Latvian landowners and bioeconomy sector companies, development of carbon offset project prototypes, and the creation of governance guidelines for Latvia’s carbon market and a multi-criteria decision-making guide to promote the use of carbon market potential in Latvia’s bioeconomy sector (forestry and agriculture).