Meanwhile in Lucavsala

Lucavsala island, located in the middle of Riga, is an unpredictable place. In its numerous allotment gardens one can meet people of very different background: eco-activists, fishermen, archaeologists, gardening enthusiasts, Russians, Latvians, Roma people, barbeque lovers as well as homeless people, ex-cons, hooligans and drug users. The future of the island has become a battleground between eco-friendly idealists fighting for a greener environment, and pragmatic businessmen wishing to develop and sell property. This battle reflects a global dilemma: whether to move towards a more industrialized or a more eco-friendly environment. The ‘urbanists' portray the island as a ‘bum and trash island’ which needs to be transformed into a 'civilized residential area'. But more and more enthusiastic people are starting their gardens there. However, the green enthusiasts are real individualists, not very keen of collective activities, including those of fighting against the construction plans.