Together We Protect Nature, Strengthen Rural Communities, and Inspire Future Generations


Lestenes Pagasta Lauku Un Dabas Draugu Biedrība "Zaļais Rūķis" is a community-based non-profit organization committed to preserving Latvia's natural environment, promoting sustainable rural development, and encouraging environmental education. Through collaboration, volunteerism, and innovative community initiatives, we work to create healthier ecosystems, stronger local communities, and a greener future for everyone.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire environmental responsibility by promoting sustainable rural development, protecting biodiversity, supporting conservation initiatives, and encouraging active community participation.

We are committed to empowering individuals through education, volunteer engagement, environmental awareness, and collaborative partnerships that preserve natural ecosystems while improving community well-being.

By connecting local residents, environmental organizations, educational institutions, and volunteers, we strive to develop practical solutions that contribute to ecological sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Through every initiative, we seek to leave a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the communities we serve.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a future where thriving rural communities and healthy natural ecosystems exist in harmony.

We envision communities where environmental education is accessible to everyone, biodiversity is protected, sustainable practices become part of everyday life, and citizens actively participate in preserving their local environment.

We aspire to become a trusted leader in community-based environmental initiatives by encouraging innovation, cooperation, and long-term sustainability while helping future generations inherit a greener, healthier, and more resilient world.

Lestenes Pagasta Lauku Un Dabas Draugu Biedrība "Zaļais Rūķis" is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting nature, supporting sustainable rural development, and strengthening community engagement throughout Latvia. We believe that healthy ecosystems and thriving rural communities go hand in hand. Our organization promotes environmental education, biodiversity conservation, responsible land stewardship, and volunteer participation through collaborative initiatives and community programs. By bringing together residents, educators, environmental advocates, local organizations, and volunteers, we encourage practical solutions that preserve natural resources, inspire environmental responsibility, and improve the quality of life for present and future generations.

Programs & Activities

Environmental Conservation

Organizing local conservation projects that protect forests, parks, wetlands, rivers, wildlife habitats, and natural landscapes through practical community action.

Community Volunteer Programs

Creating opportunities for volunteers to participate in environmental restoration, clean-up campaigns, habitat improvement projects, and public awareness initiatives.

Environmental Education

Providing educational workshops, seminars, outdoor learning experiences, and awareness campaigns for children, students, families, and community members.

Biodiversity Protection

Supporting projects that help preserve native plants, wildlife species, pollinators, and natural ecosystems while encouraging responsible environmental practices.

Sustainable Rural Development

Promoting environmentally responsible land use, sustainable agriculture awareness, eco-friendly community initiatives, and local environmental stewardship.

Youth Engagement

Encouraging young people to become environmental leaders through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, leadership development, and hands-on conservation activities.

Community Partnerships

Working alongside municipalities, educational institutions, environmental organizations, researchers, and local businesses to achieve shared sustainability goals.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Developing campaigns that encourage recycling, waste reduction, energy conservation, climate awareness, and responsible use of natural resources.

Green Events

Hosting nature walks, tree planting events, environmental festivals, educational exhibitions, and community gatherings that strengthen appreciation for Latvia's natural heritage.

Why Choose Us

Choosing Lestenes Pagasta Lauku Un Dabas Draugu Biedrība "Zaļais Rūķis" means supporting a community-driven organization dedicated to making a lasting environmental and social impact.

Community Focused

We place local communities at the center of every initiative, ensuring that our programs address real environmental and community needs.

Environmental Responsibility

Every project promotes conservation, sustainability, and responsible management of natural resources.

Transparency

We are committed to operating with integrity, accountability, and openness in all of our activities and partnerships.

Volunteer Driven

Our volunteers are the heart of our organization, contributing their time, skills, and passion toward meaningful environmental action.

Educational Impact

We believe education is one of the most powerful tools for creating long-term environmental change.

Long-Term Sustainability

Our initiatives are designed to generate lasting environmental, educational, and community benefits rather than short-term results.

Inclusive Collaboration

We welcome partnerships with schools, municipalities, businesses, environmental professionals, researchers, donors, and community organizations.

Positive Social Impact

By protecting nature and supporting rural communities, we contribute to healthier environments and stronger communities for future generations.

Our Core Values


  • Sustainability

  • Environmental Stewardship

  • Community Engagement

  • Transparency

  • Integrity

  • Inclusion

  • Education

  • Innovation

  • Volunteerism

  • Collaboration

  • Respect for Nature

  • Long-Term Impact

What We Believe

We believe that every individual has the power to make a positive difference.

We believe healthy ecosystems are essential for healthy communities.

We believe education creates lasting environmental responsibility.

We believe collaboration produces stronger solutions.

We believe sustainability should guide every decision we make.

Our Goals


  • Protect local ecosystems

  • Promote environmental education

  • Increase community participation

  • Expand volunteer engagement

  • Support biodiversity conservation

  • Encourage sustainable lifestyles

  • Build strategic partnerships

  • Inspire future environmental leaders

  • Promote responsible resource management

  • Strengthen rural communities

Impact We Aim to Create


  • Cleaner natural environments

  • Stronger rural communities

  • Better environmental education

  • Increased volunteer participation

  • Protected biodiversity

  • Sustainable community development

  • Greater public awareness

  • Long-term conservation success