In 1990, the
North Vidzeme regional nature conservation complex was created by the Latvian government, on the border of the present biosphere reserve. An administration was created in
Salacgrīva which started active planning for the creation of the first biosphere reserve in the country. The new protected area encompassed approximately 6% of the total area of Latvia, including multiple towns, industrial and infrastructural objects. The North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve was officially created on 11 December 1997. Since its creation, it has been internationally recognized in the UNESCO
Man and the Biosphere Programme. It also became part of the
World Network of Biosphere Reserves. In the beginning, the central administration was located in the seaside town of
Salacgrīva in a renovated historical building with a staff of 11 members. Staff members were posted in various parts of the reserve. Twelve years later, in 2009, the administration of the Biosphere Reserve was integrated into the Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia. In 2011, the administration of the Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia (NCAL) was reorganized. In 2013, a co-ordinator for the Biosphere Reserve was appointed. The Vidzeme Regional Administration (VRA) includes large areas like the Gauja National Park, the North Vidzeme biosphere reserve and other protected landscape areas and strict reserves. Consultancy council now consists of 24 members, who represent various local municipalities, governmental institutions and NGOs. ==Main statistics==