The University of Latvia has been founded in 1919 and currently, with its more than 14 000 students, 13 faculties and over 20 research institutes and independent study centers, is one of the largest comprehensive and leading research universities in the Baltics. The University offers more than 130 state accredited academic and professional study programs in over 50 research fields. Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences of the University of Latvia provides academic studies in geography, geology and environmental science. Academic staff of the Faculty in collaboration with scientists from many countries of the world ensures development of scientific research in environmental science in Latvia. One of the main research fields of the Faculty is research on environmental problems and sustainable development, carried out by the Department of Environmental Science. Research capacity of the Faculty is evaluated by an international science evaluation team and has been rated as excellent. The faculty has been ranked among the 15 top research institutions in Latvia.

The multi-disciplinary research group on Environmental and Sustainable Development Governance that will be involved in the project consists of thematically complementary group of multi-disciplinary professionals with extensive academic teaching-research and project work experience in the fields relevant to the project. Research results are reflected in quality publications in international scientific journals and proceedings indexed by scientific databases.

Research group has a long tradition of international cooperation in research, e.g participation in the 6th and 7th RTD Framework Programmes, EU BONUS program, also various LIFE, Interreg programmes, UNESCO, Nordic Council projects ensuring unity of teaching and research. Team members are teaching on all three academic studies levels – bachelor, master and doctoral studies programmes.