The Latvian National Botanical Garden is planned to be reorganized next year by merging it with the Nature Conservation Administration (NCA), reports Diena.
This year marks the second wave of reorganization: since January 1, the Botanical Garden has become an institution of direct management. A competition was announced for the position of its director, but no candidates could be found.
As indicated by the Ministry of Smart Management and Regional Development (MSMRD), the merger of the Botanical Garden with the Nature Conservation Administration (NCA) will reduce bureaucracy and administrative costs, as well as create conditions for its development, including attracting funding from European Union funds. The savings are estimated at approximately 150,000 euros per year.
This decision was made to increase the efficiency of public administration, reduce bureaucracy, and save budget funds, explained the head of the ministry, Raimonds Čudars, who is the initiator of this proposal. He noted that the merger of the Botanical Garden with the Nature Conservation Administration aligns with the government's priorities and principles of good governance, as both structures are subordinate to MSMRD and implement environmental policy, including biodiversity conservation and public education.
Thus, as a result of the merger, a unified and stronger structure will emerge that will be able to achieve environmental goals even more effectively. Duplication of administrative functions will be eliminated, a unified price list for services will be created, and the public will gain better opportunities to connect with nature. This step will also facilitate the attraction of EU funds and the implementation of larger projects.
