In contrast to the high urbanization level at the center, unique biotopes of wetlands, meadows and dunes are found on the coastal areas and outskirts. The biotopes and species listed in Biotopes Directive (EU Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 92/43/EEC, 1992,) and Birds Directive (EU Directive on the conservation of wild birds 79/409/EEC, 1979) can be found there. Most typical biotopes are estuaries, boreal coastal meadows, embryonic shifting dunes, shifting dunes, wooded dunes of Boreal region , and others.

The biodiversity of the City is not investigated in whole. There is more detailed knowledge about diversity of nature-protected areas, forests and parks and gardens.

The NATURE PROTECTED AREAS  are most valuable from the biodiversity point of view.  They present biotopes mentioned above, which are rare in the Europe and Latvia, as well. There are nesting grounds of species of the birds (see Table 2) protected in Latvia, 20 species - listed in Bird Directive 79/409/EEC , 32 species of plants (see Table 3 )  protected in Latvia and 2 species, protected in the Europe as well as  3 amphibian species (see Table 4) protected in Latvia and listed in Habitats and Species Directive 92/43/EEC .

Coastal meadows and wetlands are rich of wild orchids - 10 species or 29 % are found in Riga`s nature protected areas from 31 common in Latvia.

FORESTS   contribute to the diversity of nature in the city. Dominating species of the trees in Riga`s forests are pines - 88.1 %. Others are deciduous trees - birches and black alder. The biologically most valuable city forest sections with are of 214.8 ha are listed as specially protected forest biotopes. Major part of the forests presenting typical dune complex with picturesque pine forests is incorporated in Piejuras Nature Park.