RIGA, July 3 (LETA) - Edgars Tavars (United List), Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development, promises to ensure environmental protection without creating new obstacles to business development.

Today, following a visit to Kurzeme, the minister told LETA that restrictions on small-scale coastal fishermen and business in general need to be reviewed.

The coast is meant for everyone-not just flora and fauna, but people as well, the minister emphasized. Restrictions cannot be imposed on fishermen who catch flounder right there on the spot to sell at the local market. A balance must be found, the minister explained.

He emphasized that the values and beauty of the coastal area must be preserved, but nature conservation must not create new obstacles.

During meetings with local governments, the minister listened to their concerns. According to him, the main concerns in Kurzeme is the depopulation of this planning region, the declining number of children, and migration to Riga and the surrounding area. Therefore, issues related to the municipal financial equalization fund must be addressed, while also recognizing the challenges faced by Riga and the surrounding area, the minister emphasized.

The visit also addressed reducing bureaucracy, putting an end to the "passing the buck among officials", and fostering closer cooperation between the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development and the Ministry of Climate and Energy, Tavars explained.

To promote coordinated action, specific officials have been tasked with holding regular meetings and addressing various issues, the minister said.

As reported, Tavars met with local government representatives and coastal fishermen during a working visit to Kurzeme on Friday, where they discussed issues relevant to the region's development.

During the visit, the minister traveled to Berzciems, where he met with representatives of the Mazjuras Zvejnieki Association and participated in a meeting of the Kurzemes Planning Region Development Council in Engure.