19–25 July - Zeme un valsts

19–25 July

In the industry

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/ekonomika/19.07.2025-eksporte-zagmaterialus-un-kurinamo-kas-trauce-razot-augstakas-vertibas-koksnes-produktus.a607391/
The largest exports are sawn timber and fuel wood, but it has long been said that these goods count as low-complexity products that can also be sold more cheaply, and that Latvia should raise its competitiveness by turning to the manufacture of higher value-added products.

https://www.db.lv/zinas/laflora-apgrozijums-pern-audzis-par-212-522412
The company's management explains the increase in peat extraction volumes by more favourable climatic conditions during the peat extraction season and by the efficiency of the extraction process.

https://www.zemeunvalsts.lv/dziesmu-un-deju-svetkos-izmantoto-berza-saplaksni-nodod-skolam
Looking for a way to reuse the material, the organisers of the Song and Dance Celebration have handed over the plywood donated by “Latvijas Finieris” and used at five celebration venues to 11 vocational schools.

https://rigasmezi.lv/jaunumi/rigas-mezi-uzsak-sabiedrisko-apspriesanu-par-integreto-meza-apsaimniekosanas-planu
...the public consultation began on 10 July and will continue until 7 August (inclusive).

https://www.finieris.com/lv/meza-apsaimniekosanas-pilnais-cikls-stasts-par-kokaudzetavu-zabaki/
About the history of “Zābaki”, its technological development and the full cycle of forest management...

Worth knowing! On upcoming and current events

Until 31 August, the exhibition “Photo installation of Latvian timber construction projects” at the LVM Customer Centre
https://www.lvm.lv/jaunumi/7660-lvm-rigas-klientu-centra-skatama-koka-buvniecibai-veltita-izstade

Until 30 July it is possible to submit a tender in the open competition “Provision of forest regeneration, tending and protection services in 2026–2028”
https://www.lvm.lv/jaunumi/7654-izsludinats-konkurss-mezkopibas-darbu-veiksanai-valsts-mezos-2026-2028-gada

Baloži peat narrow-gauge train excursions in 2025
https://www.bdklubs.lv/lv/ekskursijas

The exhibition “Who was rustling in the forest?” on the Līgatne nature trails
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/ligatnes-dabas-takas-atklata-jauna-ekspozicija-kas-meza-brikskinaja

From 21 June, the environmental education centre of the National Botanic Garden of Latvia, “Botania” in Salaspils, hosts a permanent exhibition created by AS “Latvijas Finieris” and its partners, “From the birch seed to betulin”
https://www.finieris.com/lv/izstade-no-berza-seklas-lidz-betulinam-turpmak-bus-skatama-latvijas-nacionala-botaniska-darza-vides-izglitibas-centra-botania/

From 28 June to 14 September, Home Café Days
https://www.delfi.lv/56414296/komercials-saturs/120077698/saksies-ikgadejais-latvijas-garsu-celojums-majas-kafejnicu-dienas-2025
https://majaskafejnicas.lv/

25 and 26 July, the Sabile Wine Festival
https://www.talsunovads.lv/lv/notikums/sabiles-vina-svetki-2025

26 July, Bat Night in Dundaga
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/siksparnu-nakts-dundaga-aicina-gimenes-ar-berniem

30 July at Valdemārpils library, the event “Strangers in Latvia's nature”
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/informativa-pasakuma-izglitos-par-spanijas-kailgliemezi-un-invazivajam-augu-sugam

1 and 2 August, the hunters' festival Münchhausenin Višķi
 
8–10 August, orienteering competition in Sigulda, “Sigulda Cup 2025 WRE Sigulda–Krimulda” (both a World Ranking Event (World Ranking Event) and a stage of the Latvian Cup in orienteering)
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/gaujas-senieleja-notiks-pasaules-limena-orientesanas-sacensibas
 
14 and 15 August, the first teachers' development forum DABĀ
https://www.lvm.lv/jaunumi/7587-skolotaj-piesakies-izaugsmes-forumam-daba
 
20–22 August, the international scientific conference organised by the Institute of Horticulture, “Sustainable horticulture from plant to product: challenges in a temperate climate – 2025”
https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/lv/conference
 
4 September, “Green Classroom” at Sarkaņkalns in Rēzekne municipality
http://www.sarkankalns.lv/pasakumi/zala-klase/

12 September, “Forest science in the Blue Hills”, Ogre Blue Hills

15–19 September, the international scientific conference EuroDendro
 
 
30 October, the LMSP 10th international conference “Sustainability and resources in land management: cooperation in times of crisis and change” at the LBTU Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences
 
Officially

https://www.em.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/grozijumi-eku-buvnoteikumos-atvieglos-mazo-buvniecibas-ieceru-istenosanu
...no construction design documentation will be required for the new construction or siting of a small building (up to 25 m²) in villages and rural areas (except in the territories of state-protected cultural monuments), nor for the new construction or siting of a small building in a town on a plot of land where the construction of a one- or two-flat dwelling is permitted (except in the territories of state-protected cultural monuments).

Economy

https://www.delfi.lv/193/politics/120080632/valsts-nakamgad-plano-panemt-vairak-no-kapitalsabiedribu-nopelnita
The State Chancellery has drawn up a proposal that would allow the 2026 budget to consider raising the level of dividends paid by state-owned companies from 80% of the reporting year's profit to as much as 100% of the reporting year's profit. This year's budget provides for state-owned companies to pay 70% in dividends.

https://ltrk.lv/ltrk-aptauja-uznemeju-vislabak-noverteta-publiskas-parvaldes-institucija-ar-kuru-tie-saskaras-ir-csdd-bet-vissliktak-buvvaldes/
The LTRK has collated the views of businesses on cooperation with public administration institutions.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/ekonomika/24.07.2025-valmieras-industrialais-parks-top-ka-sausas-ostas-prototips.a608010/
A 4.6-hectare logistics yard is being built at Valmiera Industrial Park. The future yard will serve as a combined freight transfer point with direct access to the railway...

https://www.zemeunvalsts.lv/latvijai-neder-jebkurs-citur-eiropa-derigs-problemu-risinajums
In recent years many of the rules relating to food production have changed substantially – lower use of plant protection products and mineral fertilisers, greater emphasis on organic farming, and also less pollution, a cleaner environment and cleaner air.

https://www.db.lv/zinas/uznemumu-kopaina-rada-stagnaciju-522390
Considerably higher equity capital, much more paid in taxes, but a smaller number of employees, together with huge swings in profit and a slight yet real fall in net turnover – such is the overall picture of business last year compared with 2023.

https://zz.lv/vai-patiesam-izvele-ir-musu-rokas-nepilnigi-tirgi-un-to-ietekme-uz-pateretaju-labklajibu-teoretisks-un-empirisks-skatijums/
Consumer power is not merely a concept from economic theory – it can be put to use, especially in today's market, once people become aware of the mechanisms by which their own behaviour influences the behaviour of retailers. For example, conscious choice, a review of buying habits...

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kas-notiek-latvija/raksti/24.07.2025-kas-notiks-ar-veja-energiju-latvija-16-projektiem-ar-290-turbinam-pabeigts-ivn-process-cik-liels-bus-buvniecibas-vilnis.a607566/
At present 112 wind turbines with a total capacity of 137.4 MW are installed in Latvia, which is 3.7% of all electricity-generating capacity installed in the country.

https://www.tvnet.lv/8291953/brivo-arodbiedribu-savieniba-sasutusi-par-darba-deveju-konfederacijas-prezidenta-bites-izteikumiem
A collective agreement would be precisely the document through which agreement is reached on the supplement for overtime. If an employer comes to the trade union and says – we want to raise wages substantially but reduce the supplement, it is hard to imagine a trade union that would not agree to that.

Language

https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/32026447/culturenvironment/120079946/justine-bondare-sprostos-deta-valoda
Until now I have been thinking about two extremes, namely, uncritical and frivolous use of language, and sharp condemnation directed at those whose use of language is not always “correct”.

https://www.delfi.lv/898102/versijas/120080521/valdis-klisans-vai-kads-ir-bijis-terbata-neviens-tartu-visi
...after many years of work, both reading historical sources and literature and working with various kinds of audiences, the need to introduce a few changes to certain historical terms has crystallised in my mind. I so very much do not want to reproduce mistaken and erroneous designations, some of which were created in the days of tsarist Russia.

Hunting

https://www.tvnet.lv/8292377/krauze-nevaram-dzivot-iluzijas-par-miliem-lacisiem-bistamus-dzivniekus-apdzivotas-vietas-jalauj-medit
Although the bear is a protected animal, in the minister's view, if a bear has come into someone's yard it should be considered dangerous and it should be permitted to shoot it.

Transport

https://bnn.lv/vai-reiss-uz-jusu-pagastu-paliks-atd-izskata-lidz-pat-37-sabiedriska-transporta-tikla-samazinajumu-61522
The Road Transport Administration is continuing to assess the reduction in the size of the route network for next year.

https://www.delfi.lv/bizness/56234200/eiropas-zinas/120080406/dzelzcela-staciju-modernizacija-par-desmitiem-miljonu-eiro-vilciens-vel-nav-gala-pa-celam-ari-kritiski-posmi
All 48 stations and stopping points were to have been put into operation by the end of 2023 as part of stage 2 of the project, but the works have dragged on considerably. Delays in construction, cost increases and geopolitical upheavals are only some of the factors holding up the project.

Land drainage

https://lvportals.lv/norises/378680-i-dala-melioracijas-sistemu-izmantosanas-tiesibas-ieskats-regulejuma-attistiba-un-problematika-2025

https://lvportals.lv/norises/378681-ii-dala-zemes-ipasnieks-neuztur-koplietosanas-melioracijas-sistemu-zaudejumu-prasibas-secinajumi-un-priekslikumi-2025

Thrift and gluttony measures 2025

https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/kemeru-nacionalaja-parka-buves-purvu-vestniecibu
The construction costs of the building are planned at 2.1 million euros.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/23.07.2025-kemeru-tireli-par-46-miljoniem-eiro-cels-purvu-vestniecibu-dabas-centri-ari-citos-nacionalajos-parkos.a607824/
A new nature centre will be built for 4.6 million euros in Ķemeri National Park by the Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk, the Nature Conservation Agency reported. Nature centres are also planned in other national parks.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/22.07.2025-par-auto-novietosanu-pie-liela-kemeru-tirela-jamaksa-dargak.a607624/
Instead of three euros a day it will be three euros an hour – that is what you now have to reckon with when planning a walk along the Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk. It is the most visited site managed by the Nature Conservation Agency.

Environment

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/23.07.2025-rosina-dabas-mikrolieguma-izveide-izmaksas-par-ekspertu-atzinumu-parlikt-uz-pieteiceju-pleciem.a607815/
At present an application to establish a micro-reserve may also be submitted by any person, who may attach an opinion from an expert certified in the relevant field of species and habitat protection; if no such opinion is attached, the state arranges for an expert to be engaged.

https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/varam-paplasina-biotopu-aizsardzibu-ipasi-aizsargajamas-dabas-teritorijas-latvija
To grant 94 existing nationally protected areas the status of protected areas of European Union importance as well, thereby including them in the Natura 2000 network.

https://www.zm.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/lai-mazinatu-pludu-draudus-zemkopibas-ministrijas-nekustamie-ipasumi-sak-ogres-poldera-aizsargdambja-atjaunosanu
During the works the existing embankment slope will be restored and reinforced by building monolithic reinforced concrete supports, the road surface of the protective embankment will be renewed, a gate chamber will be constructed, and part of the existing hydraulic structure – the former pumping station at Rīgas iela 45 – will have its structure concreted on the River Daugava side and restored.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/vide-un-dzivnieki/19.07.2025-petnieki-velas-noskaidrot-latvijai-neraksturigas-dzislkata-bekas-ietekmi-uz-vietejam-senem.a607312/
A fungus of North American origin – the veined-stalk bolete – was recorded in Europe for the first time relatively recently, in 2008 on the Curonian Spit. In Latvia this species of fungus was found around 2013, and its ecological impact has not yet been sufficiently studied.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/vide-un-dzivnieki/18.07.2025-beitanu-pilskalna-talka-izrave-invazivo-augu-puku-sprigani.a607321/
The plant is able to spread extremely rapidly – the seeds of a single plant are scattered several metres away, and balsam produces a great many seeds, so that it quickly conquers large areas.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/kulturtelpa/19.07.2025-uzmanibas-kompass-udenainibas-virziena-recenzija-par-liepaja-2027-vides-forumu-dabas-nemiers.a607340/
The performance lasts about half an hour. During it the viewer finds themselves on a post-apocalyptic beach where, under conditions of fascism (let us think about this concept anew, in the once again topical context of present-day political realities), the figure before them gradually turns into a crab.

Miscellaneous

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/arzemes/23.07.2025-vasingtona-atzime-samnera-velsa-deklaracijas-85-gadadienu.a607895/
In the US capital, Washington, a ceremony marked the 85th anniversary of the entry into force of the Sumner Welles Declaration, by which the USA consistently and on principle refused to recognise the occupation of the Baltic states and their forced incorporation into the Soviet Union.

https://www.aprinkis.lv/index.php/kultura/62881-malpili-atzime-dzemmas-skulmes-simtgadi-ar-izstadem-sarunam-un-darza-svetkiem
The Skulme family home in Mālpils parish has already turned 123 years old, and several generations of the Skulme family have lived there.

https://www.lasi.lv/par-svarigo/latvija/ar-nobidi-pamanitais-apkaunojums.30591
...attitudes are nevertheless changing. But that is not unusual either; in recent years we have seen it on many issues, starting with the toppling of the occupation monument, which not long before that had seemed untouchable. For now, though, it appears that the legal profession is for the most part not ready for it.

https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/24.07.2025-jelgava-nespej-sakartot-lietus-novadisanas-sistemu-iedzivotajiem-jarekinas-pludi-bus-ari-turpmak.a608023/
The local authority does not itself have enough money to put the drainage and sewerage system in order, which is why it turned to the state for help last year. With the 2 million euros received, collectors were rebuilt, ditches cleaned and other works carried out, but that will not be enough.

https://www.1188.lv/zinas/gan-pasvaldiba-gan-iedzivotaji-soka-par-valdibas-lemumu-nojaukt-madonas-simtgadigo-depo/47855
Defenders of cultural and historical heritage and representatives of the local authority are sharply critical of the Ministry of the Interior's plan to demolish the almost century-old Madona fire station building to make room for disaster management centres.

https://satori.lv/article/kur-divi-latviesi-tur-tris-partijas
It seems useful to me to distinguish two causes of dispute. It is easy to notice that at least the most active part of the public is ready to come to blows over fairly marginal questions. Yet the great shouting ends fairly quickly.

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