Coastal Erosion Threatens Communities in Western Latvia

April 14, 2025 - By Juri Rescheto, DW Riga Bureau Chief

In recent years, coastal erosion has intensified in western Latvia, leading to significant challenges for local communities. The small village of Bernati, known for its picturesque white sandy beaches and surrounding national park, has become a focal point for this growing environmental issue. The increasing encroachment of the sea has resulted in the loss of land and homes, raising concerns for residents about their future.

Residents in Bernati are witnessing firsthand the dramatic effects of coastal erosion. Surprisingly, the nearby sandy beaches that attract many visitors are now at risk, as powerful storms and changing sea currents exacerbate the situation. These changes have been linked in part to infrastructure developments, including the construction of the port of Liepaja, which has altered local water dynamics and contributed to the loss of significant amounts of sand each year.

One resident, Ernests Schliesseris, has taken steps to protect his home by reinforcing its perimeters with rubble, a makeshift barrier against the relentless waves. However, his optimism for the future remains dim. “I don't know,” he stated. “I don't see much of a future here. If the sea comes from the other side one day, from behind, then all this will go.”

The situation in Bernati highlights a larger trend of coastal erosion affecting not just Latvia, but regions across the globe. As climate change accelerates, the impacts of rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten coastal communities.

Recent assessments have shown that several farms near Bernati have already been claimed by the sea, leaving families to grapple with the loss of their livelihoods. This harsh reality underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate the effects of coastal erosion, which pose a long-term challenge for the region.

As Latvia continues to confront the realities of coastal erosion, residents and local authorities face difficult decisions regarding future development and environmental conservation. The plight of Bernati serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities coastal areas face amid changing climate conditions.

For now, the residents of Bernati remain hopeful that their community will find ways to adapt to the challenges ahead, though uncertainty looms over the future of their homes and livelihoods.