Science

The UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy in science sets forth three strategic objectives:

· promoting principles and ethical norms to guide scientific and technological development and social transformation;

· improving human security by better management of the environment and social change;

· enhancing scientific, technical and human capacities to participate in the emerging knowledge societies.

The guidelines for Science Programme in the 21^st century include sustainable development, man’s security, as well as development of new interaction between society and discoveries in science. Since Latvia joined UNESCO Latvian scientists participate in five UNESCO programmes and networks.

The International Centre of Biomedicine and Biotechnology actively participates in the activities of the UNESCO Molecular and Cell Biology Network. Receiving support of UNESCO in 1997 the Centre was established on the basis of the Biomedical Research and Study Centre at the University of Latvia, which is one of the leading research institutions in Latvia. Research at the Biomedical Research and Study Centre develops in several fields of molecular biology and genetic engineering by using the most state-of the-art methods in genetic and protein engineering and cell biology. The Biomedical Research and Study Centre provides a vast choice of theoretical and practical courses as a part of the study programmes in biology and medicine at the University of Latvia. The research that is done by local and foreign students and researchers is supervised by Elmârs Grçns, Professor at the University of Latvia and Director of the Biomedical Research and Study Centre. At the World Science Forum the observance of ethical norms in science was highlighted as one of the topical issues of modern science. It is especially important in the field of biotechnology. Therefore as an event of international significance may be considered the election of Professor Elmârs Grçns a member of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee at the 31^st Session of the UNESCO General Conference in autumn 2001.

Latvian scientists participate in the UNESCO programme in environmental sciences “Man and Biosphere” (MAB). Its aim is to strengthen the link between the diverse biological and cultural heritage and to promote awareness rising among different social groups concerning the values in nature. The programme is implemented under the supervision of the MAB Latvian National Committee, headed by Pçteris Cimdiòš and Mâris Kïaviòš, professors at the University of Latvia.

The programme attaches a special importance to biosphere reserves . Since 15 December 1997 the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, a MAB member in Latvia, has been inscribed in the UNESCO List of protected territories, becoming one out of 324 biosphere reserves in 82 countries of the world. To achieve the goals of the programme education and training is much focused on. In Latvia it is carried out by the club “Young Researchers of Nature” for school children and students, the activities of which is coordinated by the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) focuses on water resources and the relevant ecosystems. Its goal is to reduce the social and economic threats to water, especially fresh water, resources. The tools for achieving the programme objectives are set to be strengthening of institutions, education and training, as well as using of information technologies in the management of water resources and research. A group of Latvian researchers, headed by Professor Jânis Valters from the Agriculture University of Latvia, participates in the International Hydrological Programme. Research is carried out on the climatic changes in Latvia and their possible impact upon the water resources, as well as the management of the Daugava resources. The group is also engaged in ensuring the flow of information on the national and international level. Latvia’s IHP group and its Head have participated in drafting the UNESCO medium term strategy for the years 2002-2007.

Objectives of the programme “Management of Social Transformations” (MOST) include improvement of the curriculum substance in social sciences at universities and the development of strategy for involving research and public institutions, as well as society in the drafting of social transformation policy. The programme focuses on the three following activities: management of multicultural and multiethnic society, city management and the exchange of local and global information. The MOST programme in Latvia is headed by professor Aivars Tabûns, leading researcher at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, the University of Latvia. Latvian researchers work at raising society’s awareness about social and political processes in the country, as well as seek for the ways how to improve cooperation between representatives of social sciences and the officials of public, local government, non-governmental other institutions.

One of the UNESCO strategic goals is awareness raising about the interaction between social systems and environment, coastal areas including, as in the whole word urbanization of coastal territories develops at a great tempo alongside with the growing activities of tourism industry. All this leads to the need of finding a compromise between values of nature in these areas, the traditional life style of the population and sustainable development perspective. The Institute for Environmental Science and Management, University of Latvia, headed by associate professor Raimonds Ernšteins, participates in the Sustainable Coastal Development Programme. In September 2001 in the Institute the UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Coastal Development was established for researching problems of sustainable development of coastal regions. At present the Institute for Environmental Science and Management and the UNESCO Chair work intensely in the Northern Kurzeme coastal region where they research and jointly with local governments elaborate the perspective development of the region, taking into account the specific features of the region’s nature, cultural environment and social economic peculiarities.

Objectives of the programme

· To promote the participation of Latvian scientists in the UNESCO programmes and international projects.

· To seek for the support of the government and relevant ministries in programme development by proving to them the significance of the implementation of the programmes and the respective contribution to sustainable development of science in Latvia.

· To cooperate with the National Commissions of UNESCO member states in the field of science, paying a special attention to regional cooperation with the Baltic and Nordic countries.

· To participate the UNESCO organized conferences and seminars in Latvia and in other countries and to popularize the achievements of Latvian science abroad.

· To expande the importance of the UNESCO programmes in Latvia and inform society about the attained results.

Priorities of the programme

· Friendly environment and man in it. Research and education in social sciences, environment protection and modern biotechnology.