Perspectives on Climate Change Impact on Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Case of Traditional Lamprey Fishing in Latvia

Climate change is occurring worldwide, affecting everyday life and cultural traditions cherished for centuries. Intangible cultural heritage is vulnerable to climate change, as it depends on local resources and on the skills and knowledge of living in a certain environment. By studying the example of the lamprey fishing tradition in the village of Carnikava, Latvia, the article explores connections between climate change and intangible cultural heritage from the point of view of tradition-bearers, local community, local government, scientists and state institutions. This example shows that, when climate change equally affects both biological species and centuries-old fishing traditions specialised in harvesting these species, sustainable solutions are necessary to preserve both.