Paper Short Abstract:

Eco-nationalism in Latvia links national identity with environmental protection, where territorial belonging and cultural landscapes play key roles. Historical movements, such as protests against infrastructure projects, highlight the connection between place identity and environmental activism.

Paper Abstract:

The origins of eco-nationalism are closely linked to nation-building processes, especially when national, territorial, and ecological concerns intersect. National identity, alongside ethnic or cultural belonging, is often shaped by a deep connection to a specific territory. The relationship between land and nation has historically fueled debates about ethnicity, location, and national autonomy. Over time, environmental protection has become an increasingly important aspect of national policy. Moreover, the frequency with which nationalist ideas have been closely linked to ecological and environmental issues worldwide, from ethnic eco-nationalist movements in Germany to civic eco-nationalist movements in post-Soviet Russia, raises a compelling question: why?

The synthesis of environmental protection and nationalism, approaching eco-nationalism ideas, is not new also in Latvia. Beyond the 1970s beech tree liberation movement initiated by writer Imants Ziedonis, other protests against threats to Latvia’s cultural landscape in the 1980s, including opposition to dams and metro projects, meant concerns over large-scale infrastructure and migration. Since 1987, when the Environmental Protection Club and its divisions were founded, the synthesis of environmentalism and nationalism has also been seen in the neighborhoods of Riga. Why do people in these neighborhoods engage in environmental activities? Is it merely about protecting the environment?

Biographical interviews reveal that many understand their personal lives in the context of significant political, social, and environmental change. In studying eco-nationalism, it is crucial to recognize why people stand up for their environment and living space. A key factor is place identity, a vital element of eco-nationalism in Latvia’s landscape of identities.