Environment-related problems affect local authorities, state institutions, various branches of the economy and the public. All interested parties should be involved in resolving common problems. Co-operation should be both horizontal and vertical. Co-operation is one of the best pre-conditions for the successful implementation of the Environmental Strategy. It is important to co-operate:

within Riga
within Riga Region
within Latvia
within the Baltic Sea Region and Europe

When implementing the Environmental Strategy, initiatives (already undertaken) in the following areas should be supported: transport organisation, waste management organisation, protection of valuable natural areas within the city, environmental education, Agenda 21 activities.

The City must co-operate with the following institutions:

Riga City Council departments, divisions and municipal institutions - to develop an integrated city development programme and create action programmes
Non-governmental organisations, by involving them in the debates about projects on different levels, collection and discussion of environment-related information
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and subordinated institutions on issues related to the implementation of joint projects, drafting of various political documents and guidelines
Riga Regional Development Council and local authorities within the region in resolving joint environmental problems
Other local authorities in Latvia - to develop an integrated development policy for Latvia
Professors, researchers and students of the universities in Latvia

In the course of the implementation of the Environment Strategy, it is important to develop a target-oriented programme for the co-operation with foreign partners, including twin cities, to develop joint projects aimed at the creation of Agenda 21 network, projects related to nature protection, environment management and training, working environment studies, investigation of the effect that environment has upon human health, to create adult training programmes. Implemented together with the University of Latvia and other higher educational institutions and science institutes in Latvia, such programmes should train highly qualified environment experts.

To identify and resolve environmental problems, it is necessary for the City to participate actively in the work of international organisations dealing with environmental issues and sustainable development. It is necessary to:

Participate actively in the Environment Commission of the Union of Baltic Cities and other Commissions and co-participate in international projects
Participate actively in the international organisation ICLEI (Riga is a member of ICLEI since 1992) by preparing annual reports about environmental issues and sustainable development and by participating in important international projects and campaigns
Participate in the international organisation Healthy Cities by developing joint projects with the Association of Latvian Local Authorities and other local authorities in Latvia