Paper short abstract:

The role, contribution and perspective of sustainable living communities in an urban environment are analyzed in the paper. The artistic part of the paper is based on the works of photographer Reinis Hofmanis "Garden on the Island" (2020), available at: https://atstatuvums.wrong.lv/darzs-uz- salas

Paper long abstract:

Lucavsala is a territory rich in natural and cultural heritage, mentioned in the sources already in 1559, and included in the city of Riga in 1904. The length of the island – 2 km, width – 1 km, 89 residents. One of the sources of livelihood for the islanders has traditionally been vegetable gardens. With the growth of the public and private sectors in the 21st century Riga, aggressive infrastructure development plans are being developed that do not take into account the interests of the small neighbourhood community. Companies have tried to implement massive construction, but for various reasons so far it has failed. Also in 2020, a huge real estate development company planned to invest more than 260 million euros in the development of the territory, but this idea was stopped by COVID-19.

Due to the long-term precarious situation, the municipality makes contracts with the residents only for a year, as a result of which the community lives in ignorance and uncertainty about its future. Nevertheless, the community seems accustomed to the threat of instability and continues to live up to its internal rhythm and values. Even more, recently, it is increasingly joined by young people who are implementing permaculture, sharing, DIY, Zero Waste and other sustainable living ideas.

The artistic part of the paper is based on the works of photographer Reinis Hofmanis "Garden on the Island" (2020), which were created within the framework of the "Art Needs Space" foundation’s project "Atstatuvums" (curator Katrīna Jaunupe), available: https://atstatuvums.wrong.lv/darzs-uz- salas.