The Ventspils Digital Centre will implement the project “Planet Earth: Sustainable Use of Environmental Resources,” within which a new exhibit titled “Planet Earth” will be created at the VIZIUM Science Centre. In addition, the functionality of the “Projection Tunnel” exhibit will be improved. These initiatives aim to educate VIZIUM visitors about the sustainable use of environmental resources, climate change mitigation, and the underwater world.
Given the rapid pace of climate change, it is essential to educate children, young people, and society as a whole about how the consequences of these changes affect various natural processes both globally and here in the Baltic region. It is equally important to highlight the need to protect the Baltic Sea from the impacts of climate change—preserving biodiversity, safeguarding coastal communities, strengthening economic resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future for the region.
The “Planet Earth” exhibit, which will be located at the center of the VIZIUM exhibition hall, will serve as a modern and alternative learning tool, enhancing STEM education and encouraging the public to engage more deeply with this critical topic.
Meanwhile, in the Projection Tunnel, where visitors can currently experience the northern lights and the vibrant underwater world, new interactive features will be introduced as part of the project. After implementation, visitors will be able to explore and learn about the fish species that inhabit Latvia’s waters in an engaging and interactive way.
The Ventspils Science Centre VIZIUM was opened in June 2022 and has since welcomed 389,000 visitors. At VIZIUM, everyone can explore science in an exciting and engaging way, discovering topics such as physics and mathematics, modern technologies and programming, healthy lifestyles, human biology and self-awareness, geography, and more.
The mission of the science centre is to inspire and motivate individuals to take an interest in, explore, and acquire knowledge in the STEM fields—complementing formal education with a captivating and interactive experience of discovering the world.
The project implementation period is from August 2025 to July 2026. The total project funding amounts to EUR 137,591.72, of which 90%—EUR 123,832.54—is provided by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) under the open project application selection competition within the Fisheries Development Programme 2023–2027, under Action 5 “EMFAF3: Sustainable Use of Environmental Resources and Preservation of Coastal Natural Values.” The remaining 10%—EUR 13,759.18—will be co-financed by the Ventspils State City Municipality.
