Regional Scenarios for Vidzeme Region in Latvia Visvaldis Valtenbergs, Ph.D
Regional scenarios for Vidzeme region in Latvia Visvaldis Valtenbergs, Ph.D. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Innovation Circle Network IV Annual Conference “Europe in Transformation. Focus on the future for communities and cities in rural regions,” Jūrmala, Latvia, Dec 8-9, 2011 2011.06.29 2 Need for cohesion Disparity of GDP levels between metropolises and hinterlands, 1995-2004 About Vidzeme 3 planning region 0-5% 0-5% -5%-10% • Largest region – 23,6% from total territory of Latvia • Least populated region - 231,067, or 10,4% from general population • Lowest population density – 15,2 people/km2, (Latvian average– 34,5 people/km2) • Depleting population Largest population decline from 2006-2011 - 4,9% (Latvian average – 2,8%) • Ageing population especially in rural areas Population decline (2006-11) Gadi • Poor accessibility. Most territories outside 45 100+ minutes reach from large urban areas 95 • Agrarian economy – 17,5% employed in 90 Sievietes 85 Vīrieši agriculture and forestry. (Average - 8,8%) 80 • Many employed in education - 11,5% (on 75 average– 10,2%) 70 65 • Consists of 25 local municipalities, + Valmiera 60 55 • Large towns – Valmiera (27,000), Cēsis (19,538) 50 Smiltene (14,226). 45 • Strong industries –dairy products, forestry, wood 40 35 processing, chemical industry and others 30 Decline in birth • Industries with potential - ICTs, creative 25 during 1990s industries, green energy, Vidzeme University of 20 15 Applied Sciences in Valmiera 10 5 Decline in birth during 0 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 recession Source: PMLP data, Regional Development in Latvia report (2010), Economic profile of Vidzeme 4 Internal territorial diversity To Tallin To Tartu About 30% live in “triangle” Valka agglomeration of Valmiera-Cēsis-Smiltene Valmiera To Pskov- Smiltene Alūksne Cēsis Gulbene Riga Madona People employed in industry, 2009.
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