1243 | 846 | New knowledge and solutions to the demographic and migration challenges in Latvia: a view from the regions | Zaiga Krisjane, Elina Apsite-Berina, Toms Skadins, Ieva Jegermane, Linards Lapa
Exploring and evaluating local knowledge about the region’s demographic and migratory issues is crucial. Regional workshops help scientists, policymakers, regional planning agencies, and other groups in society connect and share best practices._x000D_
This study investigates and assesses regional needs through the World Café technique, which promotes reciprocal learning and fosters collaboration and personal networks. _x000D_
The method’s implementation included several underlying principles, including 1) setting the scene; 2) fostering a friendly environment; 3) examining important subjects; 4) fostering collaborative creation; 5) blending and connecting different viewpoints; 6) co-creating local knowledge; and 7) revealing divulged findings._x000D_
New knowledge was thus created by examining the opinions of the people studying, working, and living in the regions._x000D_
The results indicate that in all regions, domestic migration from small towns and the countryside to regional centres and Riga influences population dynamics and changes in composition in all areas of Latvia. _x000D_
Regionally the findings indicated: weekly labour migration in Vidzeme, the daily labour movement in Pieriga, Zemgale represents rural migration, seasonal migration is characteristic of Kurzeme, and Latgale means depopulation in the Eastern border areas of the country._x000D_
Solutions include promoting remote work, providing public transportation, enhancing regional traffic, supporting the development of mobility nodes, and strategically planned (directed) population migration management._x000D_
Zaiga Krisjane, Elina Apsite-Berina, Toms Skadins, Ieva Jegermane, Linards Lapa
University of Latvia
ID Abstract: 846