Weekly review
Poll
Concern about gaps in the skills and knowledge of our pupils is voiced quite widely from time to time. Unfortunately, only when someone from outside Latvia has concluded as much. Why is that?
There is a political tendency to be busy, to invest, to make promises, but not to think about the results
If you have little knowledge yourself, you do not even know how or what you do not know...
A smart society is not always desirable or welcome
Many interests swirl around education. A "good result" is rarely mentioned among them
12–17 November
Congratulations to Uldis Biķis, Chairman of the Council of Latvijas Finieris, on being named Economist of the Year!
Upcoming events
### Forestry conference next week, 23 November, in Ogre
### You can sign up for the future of hunting in Europe here: signforhunting.com
### Next week, 25 November, the final event of the European Tree of the Year in Latvia 2022 competition by the Sēja Great Oak
On policy
On 11 November 2022, the European Commission (EC) approved Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan for 2023–2027. The CAP Strategic Plan provides for investing 2.5 billion EUR in the agricultural sector and rural development in Latvia over the next five years (2023–2027). The largest share of funding, 1.7 billion EUR, will be allocated in the form of direct payments; 0.791 billion EUR is earmarked for rural development measures, and 10 million EUR for support measures under the Common Organisation of Markets.
There will be more money available, as a total of 2.5 billion euros is intended for the support of Latvian farmers over the next five years, but the requirements will also be greater. Those who can work in accordance with the Green Deal guidelines will win. However, before looking ahead, it is worth looking at how things have fared in the by no means easy previous years. This, as well as sketches of the future, is the subject of a conversation with Jānis Eglītis, Head of the Office of the Minister of Agriculture.
On environmental matters
To promote the restoration of wetlands in Ķemeri National Park and reduce the risk of bog desiccation, the Nature Conservation Agency (hereinafter – the Agency) has begun nature restoration work – the felling of trees and shrubs – in the Zaļais Purvs bog.
Zaļais Purvs is located in Ķemeri National Park, in Smārde Parish, Engure Municipality. By restoring its natural water regime, the negative impact of the drainage system on the bog itself, as well as the adjacent swampy and wetland forests, will be prevented.
One of the programme's priority goals is nature conservation, the preservation of biodiversity, and the creation of green infrastructure, including in urban areas. The planned ERDF funding for this purpose is 9.97 million euros. Supported measures include joint activities for solving cross-border problems.
On energy issues
The new tariff increase project developed by AS Sadales tīkli will significantly increase expenses for all Latvian households, but it is aimed particularly at energy-efficient households, for which electricity connection and supply costs will increase by up to 7 times.
The energy infrastructure required for the switching of the Baltic States' and Poland's power transmission grids from the Russian to the continental European frequency zone will be completed at the end of 2024, which is why synchronization with European networks could be carried out a year earlier than previously planned without additional expenditure...
About... in short, good news
A programme has been developed at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava which can also be called a tool for forest modelling. It was created to support the forest industry when it is necessary to model a strategy and understand where it might lead.
Following an evaluation of the contribution made by Daiga Zute, researcher at LSFRI Silava and 2022 European Climate Pact Ambassador in Latvia, in the field of climate and building a greener Europe during events organised by LSFRI Silava and other organisations in 2022, the European Commission has once again granted the LSFRI Silava scientist the credentials of a European Climate Pact Ambassador.
This year, the State Forest Service also plans to expand its fleet with four new Mercedes Benz Unimog U4023 forest fire-fighting vehicles. One of them will be received by the North Vidzeme Forest District on 16 November – the vehicle will be based in Limbaži. The next three will be received by the East Latgale, South Kurzeme and North-East Forest Districts by the end of the year.
The story of the over 200-year-old Nordeķi Manor is as colourful as a woodpecker's belly. There have been times in the history of these beautiful Baroque log buildings when one has to wonder how they survived at all. However, the house not only stands in its place and has retained part of its antiquity, but also allows a glimpse into several periods of its life. This is reflected in the interior, where the relatively restrained older times are replaced by opulent eclectic and even oriental motifs.
In Jelgava Municipality, a wooden bridge for a 60-tonne load has been built over the Vircava River, the municipal council reports. The road transport bridge was built on the Šalkas-Upmaļi-Vircava road; it was designed and manufactured by SIA Zaza Timber.
We are Latvians, what is the point of us not living in Latvia, this is how the Beņķis family justified their decision made in 1995 on the Latvian Radio programme Global Latvian. 21st Century. Almost 30 years ago, Selga and Juris Beņķis, together with their two daughters – Lelde and Liāna – moved from their home in Australia to Latvia.
A chance to smile about current events