The opinion of rural school children about the development of rural areas and sustainable management opportunities in Latvia

Abstract

The previous survey among adult inhabitants of rural areas indicated that they do not see the possibility for development of business facilities in some rural regions of Latvia - so called specially protected nature territories (SPNT). However, the opinion of the younger generation (pupils of local schools of SPNT) about sustainable management and preservation of the nature has not been analyzed so far. The aim of study was to study the level of social awareness of children living in rural areas on sustainable environment issues. Several discussion-lectures on sustainable environment issues were organized during March-April 2017 in one of SPNT (Raznas National Park; 87 children from 6 to 12 classes were participating). The pupils' opinion on environmental and social awareness indicated that children are more motivated to take active role in protection of environment. Moreover, most of them were aware of the importance of ecosystem services in their lives as well as their impact on nature. It was also found that the interest of children in agriculture derives from their family's core activities in this area indicating that there might be successful future scenarios in this area concentrating on development of ecological and economically sustainable innovative farming. Social innovation labs are very good example on potential scenario that could be repeated also in Latvian rural areas to areas of social actions in order find a better solutions and cope with problems and after all help to successfully generate ideas and implement innovations.