KNHM decorated with the Cross of Recognition
On November 11th 2009, Kees Joosse, executive manager of the Dutch Koninklijke Nederlandsche Heidemaatschappij (KNHM), was decorated by president Valdis Zatlers with the Cross of Recognition. The Cross of Recognition is the highest decoration for foreigners who are meritorious for the Latvian society. Kees Joosse received the decoration for the introduction and implementation of Community with Spirit in Latvia, the liveability contest where initiative groups are challenged to improve their local environment.
In 1978, KNHM introduced Community with Spirit in the Netherlands. In 2002, KNHM brought the successful concept to Poland and Latvia. Since 2004, 870 initiative groups have participated in Community with Spirit in Latvia. 56 Partners and 10.536 volunteers collaborated in the projects. Up to 129.550 people profited from the improvements in their environment. In total, an amount of € 650.000,- has been invested in the projects of Community with Spirit. The successful initiatives of Latvian initiative groups range from the reconstruction of kitchens in ‘cultural houses’ to the realisation of nature trails.
