Fundraising goals
Until now, Fukušima has operated seasonally. The purpose of this campaign is to diversify and stabilize our operations throughout the year.
Improvements to the territory will be implemented in phases. The next steps will be decided in more detail after Phase 1 is concluded, in accordance with our actual needs and resources. Progress will be measured by specific milestones, and outlines for each phase have been prepared.
Phase 1: Buildings acquisition
Budget: 100,000€
Our current indoor facilities include 2 rented buildings: a sauna (80m²) and a former workshop (150m²). By acquiring the buildings, we will be able to host cozy gatherings indoors regardless of weather conditions. It will also permit the registration of our own café. Both of these factors will result in lower rental expenses for event organizers, as the fixed costs of our operations will be spread out over more events and all seasons. It will directly improve the quality of the visitor experience, with access to dry and heated spaces with indoor restroom facilities.
1.1. In our region, the sauna is traditionally the catalyst for community, and the most important structure of any settlement. Fukušima’s sauna building was not originally designed for such a combination of fire and humidity, so some improvements are necessary to ensure its longevity. Insulating the brick and concrete interior will significantly reduce energy consumption and ensure high-quality steam. The WC will be modernized, and the collapsed outdoor structures will be replaced by functional ones. This will permit the secure and efficient organization of site maintenance facilities, and liberate valuable indoor space.
1.2. The 2nd building consists of 3 spaces, that can be combined or subdivided for different purposes. The building and its 2 annexes are structurally sound, but investments are required to make them functional. Before the building can be put to any use, several renovations are essential: asbestos slate roof removal, new roofs, electricity rewiring, plumbing repair, insulation, new doors and windows. Additionally, several large containers will be required to remove the piles of post-industrial waste blocking access to the largest room.
1.3. Once the steps described above are fulfilled, it will be possible to register a café at Fukušima. This will ensure that the project remains self-sufficient and allow us to employ more staff.
1.4. With the long-term security of ownership, it will be feasible to invest in solar panels and other energy efficiency modifications.
1.5. In the 2nd building, there is an attic with low ceiling clearance. If structural and legal conditions allow for renovation, there is potential for an additional 120m² accommodation, events or coworking space.
Phase 2: Expansion
When Phase 1 is complete, it will be possible to develop our facilities and activities to utilize the full potential of the space available. Among the various proposals submitted so far, some ideas stand out:
2.1. Mycoseum
A museum dedicated to fungi. The activities will span various dimensions of mycology, including biology, medicine, ethnography, art, mycotechnology, closed-loop urban cultivation, a cafe, educational workshops, and a community laboratory.
2.2. Endangered species sanctuary
Around Europe, certain spaces are designated by wildlife organizations for the breeding and caretaking of endangered species, to prepare for their release into the wild.
2.3. Barge
A large (15m – 40m) floating structure will provide more indoor spaces to permit the expansion of our core activities and enhance Rīga’s waterfront. In case there will be any uncertainty about our future rights to remain on the territory, or if Latvia experiences a major geopolitical crisis, this aspect of the project can be relocated.
Phase 3: Land acquisition
By acquiring the plot of land, Fukušima will have permanent rights to operate in its current location, as well as the surrounding territory (0,7 ha in total). This will catalyze our ability to remediate the pollution that remains outside our current borders, as well as implement long-term ecological, educational, and recreational projects.
This phase can potentially be integrated into a wider plan for the neighborhood, such as rewilding the forest and riverbank, or the Rīga Historic Centre development plan. The 30×30 Global Biodiversity Framework is legally binding – 30% of Latvia’s land and water must be protected for the rehabilitation of the natural environment by 2030. The current political leadership is neglecting its responsibilities, but there will be increasing pressure from the EU to fulfill these obligations within the next 4 years. See Ecosystem Restoration for details and references
