I help people understand Latvia's geological soul
Fourteen years studying sandstone cliffs, cave systems, and the waterfall landscapes that make Līgatne special. What I've learned gets shared with everyone who wants to truly experience these places.
From curiosity to conservation
I was seventeen when I first hiked out to the Līgatne cliffs. It wasn't supposed to be a big moment—just something to do on a Saturday afternoon. But standing there, looking at those massive sandstone walls carved by water over millions of years, something clicked. I realized I didn't just want to visit these places. I wanted to understand them.
That curiosity led me to the University of Latvia. During my undergraduate years, I spent more time mapping sandstone formations across Vidzeme than I probably should have. My professors noticed. After finishing my Master's degree in Earth Sciences in 2010, I went straight to the Latvian Environmental Institute, where I spent seven years leading research projects on cave systems and waterfall dynamics.
The breakthrough came in 2015 with my study on recreational carrying capacity in sandstone cliff zones. It sounds dry on paper, but it meant something real—it actually influenced how regional tourism got managed. That's when I realized the gap: we had the science, but people didn't understand why it mattered. They'd visit these incredible places without knowing the story behind them.
Now at doubledirectinc SIA, I get to bridge that gap. Every article I write, every guide I develop—it's about helping visitors see what I see. The geology, the ecology, the careful balance between access and preservation. When people understand these landscapes, they naturally become better stewards of them.
First cliff visit
Saturday afternoon that changed everything
Master's degree earned
Earth Sciences, University of Latvia
Environmental research
Seven years at Latvian Environmental Institute
Landmark study published
Recreational carrying capacity in sandstone zones
Doubledirectinc SIA specialist
Creating accessible content on Latvia's geological heritage
Areas of specialization
More than a decade of focused research and field work across Latvia's most distinctive geological landscapes
Waterfall systems & hydrology
Understanding how water shapes sandstone formations. I've mapped waterfall dynamics across protected areas and studied the relationship between seasonal flow and geological erosion patterns.
Cave formations & speleology
Cave systems tell stories about climate change over millennia. My research focuses on how these underground spaces formed and why they matter for both geology and biodiversity.
Sandstone geology & geomorphology
Līgatne's sandstone cliffs are geologically unique in the Baltic region. I study their composition, formation history, and how they continue to change—information that shapes responsible tourism.
Woodland ecosystems & conservation
The forests around these geological features are equally important. I work on understanding how to balance human access with ecological preservation in sensitive woodland areas.
Sustainable tourism development
Research shows visitors don't damage places—ignorant visitors do. My work focuses on how education and proper management allow more people to experience these landscapes responsibly.
Nature-based wellness & relaxation
Beyond the science, I understand how these environments affect human wellbeing. I help people find genuine rest in natural spaces—not Instagram moments, but real peace.
What I believe in
Science, made accessible
Research papers sit in databases. What I do is translate fourteen years of study into writing that actually makes sense. You don't need a geology degree to understand why Līgatne's cliffs matter or how to explore them properly.
Access through education
I'm not against tourism or public access. Quite the opposite. When people understand what they're looking at—the 80-million-year geological story, the ecosystem it supports—they visit more responsibly. Knowledge creates stewards.
Authenticity over marketing
Every article I write comes from field research and peer-reviewed sources. I won't exaggerate the "mystical energy" of a place or promise that visiting will "transform your soul." I'll tell you what's actually there and why it's worth experiencing.
Continuous learning
Geology doesn't stand still. Neither do I. New research on climate impacts, erosion patterns, and ecosystem changes influences how I understand these landscapes. That's reflected in everything I create.
What I'm creating right now
At doubledirectinc SIA, I develop content and guides that help visitors understand and responsibly experience Latvia's geological heritage
Nature relaxation guides
Comprehensive guides covering waterfall trails, cave exploration, and woodland rest spots across Līgatne and surrounding regions. Each guide combines geological information with practical visitor guidance.
Waterfall Trails GuideEducational content series
Articles exploring the geological and ecological stories behind these landscapes. Why caves form, how waterfalls shape stone, what makes certain woodland spots special for relaxation.
Browse all guidesMindfulness in nature
Exploring the intersection of geology, ecology, and human wellbeing. How understanding the landscape deepens the relaxation experience. Research-backed approaches to genuine nature-based wellness.
Read moreConservation advocacy
Working with regional authorities and conservation organizations to ensure these spaces remain protected for future generations. Balancing research, policy, and public education.
Learn about doubledirectincEducation & experience
Education
Master's degree in Earth Sciences
University of Latvia, 2010
Undergraduate studies in geology
University of Latvia, 2008
Professional roles
Senior Nature Conservation Specialist
Doubledirectinc SIA, 2017–present
Research scientist, cave systems & geomorphology
Latvian Environmental Institute, 2010–2017
Notable research
Recreational carrying capacity in sandstone cliff zones
2015, published & adopted by regional authorities
50+ peer-reviewed publications & articles
Geomorphology, conservation, and tourism journals
Ready to explore Latvia's geological heritage?
Start with one of my guides. Learn what makes these landscapes special. Then experience them with that knowledge in mind.