Last summer researchers from the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering Institute of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), together with colleagues from Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija Higher Education Institution (LIK), launched the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme project “Enhancing Urban Resilience with Climate Adaptive Green Space Planning in Latvia and Lithuania” (UrbanGreenAdapt, LL-00273).
During the initial phase of project implementation, several knowledge- and capacity-building activities were organised. One of the key events was a three-day training programme entitled “Planning and Management of Climate Adaptive Trees” held in Berlin, Germany and hosted by Lorberg Tree Nursery. The Climate Tree initiative addresses a critical issue in contemporary urban planning: the selection of appropriate tree species plays a decisive role in strengthening urban resilience and adapting cities to climate change.
The training focused on climate-resilient planting design, long-term management strategies, and practical solutions for integrating adaptive tree species into urban environments. Participants included project partners from LBTU and LIK, as well as municipal specialists from Jelgava city and Jelgava county municipalities, Šiauliai City municipality administration, and Klaipėda City municipality, alongside representatives from the association “Annas koku skola”.
During the trainings participants gained both theoretical and practical insights from German experts. Tree quality specialist Andreas Plietsch highlighted the importance of quality control systems and clear guidelines in planning and implementing urban plantings. Meanwhile, Ilva Petrikaite from Lorberg shared practical experience in selecting climate-resilient tree species and explained their functional role in ensuring long-term urban sustainability. Within the practical part of training, participants explored principles of post-planting crown formation and examined the characteristics of various tree species suitable for urban environments. Practical demonstrations provided valuable insight into how early-stage management decisions influence tree stability, longevity, and ecosystem performance in cities. Final part of the training was visits to implemented climate tree projects in Berlin. Participants analysed urban areas developed in different historical periods, assessing rainwater management systems, climate-adaptive plantings, and their integration into the built environment.
The training served as an important educational and capacity-strengthening event, equipping participants with practical tools and up-to-date knowledge on climate-adaptive tree selection and management. The insights gained will be compiled into the project’s final outputs, providing municipalities and wider society in Latvia and Lithuania with accessible and practical guidance on climate change adaptation through strategic tree species selection and sustainable green infrastructure planning.
UrbanGreenAdapt demonstrates that informed tree selection is not merely a design decision—it is a long-term investment in resilient, climate-ready cities.
