Industry
https://www.vaad.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/visa-latvijas-teritorija-atsakusas-ikgadejas-meza-apsekojumu-parbaudes
During the inspections, both deciduous and coniferous stands are surveyed to confirm that no plant quarantine organisms have become established in Latvia and to assess the phytosanitary condition of the stands.
https://www.delfi.lv/193/politics/120119802/pedejie-tornu-dezuranti-ka-latvija-riske-ar-saviem-meziem
Following last year's cut to the State Forest Service's budget, only 20 of the previous 103 fire-tower lookout posts have been kept, spread across 10 towers, and in several locations the cameras that could replace human observers have not even been installed.
https://www.lvm.lv/jaunumi/7991-latvijas-meza-dienas-sogad-rekordliels-apmekletaju-skaits
During the event, visitors could learn about Latvian forestry at more than 100 forest information stops and enjoy an extensive entertainment programme on the event stage.
https://www.lvm.lv/jaunumi/7986-popes-kokaudzetava-ekspluatacija-nodots-stadu-skirosanas-komplekss
(...) construction of the new seedling sorting complex at the Pope tree nursery has been successfully completed and the facility has been put into operation.
https://jauns.lv/raksts/bizness/710407-kokrupnieku-skandals-ir-maksligi-uzpusts-uzskata-latvijas-kokmaterialu-razotaju-un-tirgotaju-asociacijas-prezidents
Although the situation looked stable after the artificial boom created by Covid, everything changed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The market reacted quickly to what had happened, and it became clear to the world that housing could no longer be built at that pace.
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/ekonomika/27.05.2026-vecpilsetas-ainava-vai-meza-izcirtuma-kuldiga-diskute-par-jaunas-elektrolinijas-izbuves-vietu.a649035/
Why is “Latvijas valsts meži” speaking out loudly about the impact almost for the first time? Because, over the course of our existence, in managing state forest land, 30,000 hectares have already been handed over for various state and municipal functions. That reduces the value of state capital, and also our ability to earn in the future.
https://tv3.lv/zinas/latvija/lauzam-ledu-latvijas-kokrupnieciba-smarde-darbu-sak-pasaule-modernaka-akustisko-platnu-rupnica/
The factory currently operates one shift, but it plans to ramp up and run round the clock in order to produce four and a half million square metres of board a year.
https://www.malnavaskoledza.lv/aktualitates/662-atklata-sia-avoti-jauna-mebelu-razotne-rezekne
The creation of the new plant is part of an ambitious development project — more than 40 million euros were invested in its first stage. The project will significantly increase the company’s production efficiency and capacity, while making a major contribution to the economic development of the Latgale region, boosting employment and strengthening export potential.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=107l1OvbUKY
Forest News #32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV0_qncPdZ8
Forest News #31
https://www.delfi.lv/bizness/54883004/dzilak-meza/120118869/mezs-nav-muzejs-tas-jaiepazist-tuvak-ka-daba-mus-skolo
The forest is not a museum (...)
https://www.santa.lv/plus/raksts/klubs/mes-jebkuru-no-eiropas-valstim-varam-parkost-ka-jaunais-rupnieks-andris-dlohi-piecos-gados-apsteidza-vaciesus-82886/
At the Latvian Wood Construction Cluster we spoke with credit analysts from Citadele bank, who confirmed that 70 percent of mortgage-financed private homes in Riga and the surrounding area are built from wood. That came as a surprise to me.
Recognition
https://www.lbtu.lv/lv/raksts/2026-05-28/sveicam-lbtu-tenurprofesorei-baibai-rivzai-pieskirts-izglitibas-un-zinatnes
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies congratulates tenured professor Baiba Rivža on the state award she has received and highly values her many years of contribution to the development of higher education and science in Latvia!
Worth knowing! About upcoming and current events
5 June conference “Science and Industry for State Security: From Food Systems to High Technology”
https://www.lbtu.lv/lv/raksts/2026-05-12/lbtu-notiks-augsta-limena-ekspertu-konference-zinatne-un-industrija-valsts
16 June Opportunities Day for entrepreneurs
https://www.es.gov.lv/lv/uznemejus-aicina-piedalities-latvijas-prezidenturas-eiropas-savienibas-padome-iespeju-diena
27 June Malnavas kolēdža’s 105th anniversary
https://www.malnavaskoledza.lv/aktualitates/642-lbtu-malnavas-koledza-aicina-uz-105-gadu-jubilejas-svinibam.html
1 August Hunters’ festival “Minhauzens 2026”
https://www.latma.lv/minhauzens-2026-koknese-mednieku-festivals-notiks-augusta-pirmaja-nedelas-nogale/
https://www.latma.lv/nebijis-notikums-minhauzens-2026-lidztekus-festivalam-notiks-ari-lmka-medibu-sunu-izstade/
Until 24 May in Rēzekne exhibition “From Latvian Roots to World Peaks”
https://www.finieris.com/lv/latgales-vestnieciba-gors-skatama-izstade-par-koksnes-nozimi-bioekonomika-un-rupnicas-verems-attistibu/
Until 31 May exhibition “Peat. Getting Acquainted” at the Bauska Museum.
https://bauskasdzive.lv/kultura-un-izklaide/bauskas-muzeja-aplukojama-unikala-izstade-kudra-partapusi-makslas-darbos/
Until 31 May public engagement campaign “Become an Avenue Detective!”
https://kurzemesregions.lv/aprili-un-maija-aicinam-klut-par-aleju-detektiviem-kurzeme/
Until 26 July photo exhibition “My Bird 2026” at the Latvian Museum of Natural History
https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/fotoizstade-mans-putns-2026
Until 10 August, public consultation on the “stress test” of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/18072-Birds-and-Habitats-Directives-stress-test/public-consultation_lv
Baloži peat narrow-gauge railway museum excursions in 2026
https://kudrasbanitis.lv/lv/ekskursijas
Garden Days and masterclasses at the Institute of Horticulture in 2026
https://fruittechcentre.eu/lv/article/2025-12-23/darza-dienas-un-meistarklases-darzkopibas-instituta-2026
Economy
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/ekonomika/29.05.2026-rujienas-saldejums-plano-buvet-desertu-razotni-siguldas-puse-investicijas-vairak-neka-10-miljoni-eiro.a649055/
The company’s financial indicators have grown very rapidly in recent years. Over three years, the company’s turnover has nearly doubled, while profit has increased more than threefold.
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/cilvekstasti/28.05.2026-atpakal-atvilinaja-mazpilsetas-sarms-jaunie-uznemeji-elizabete-un-davis-leisi-ienesusi-jaunu-energiju-ape.a648584/
The world has taught us a great deal and shown us a different view of everything and everyone, of all that is and isn't. Getting to know the world, cultures, cuisines, diversity, people (...)
https://inc-baltics.com/droni-iedraga-viesmilibas-biznesu-latgale-un-vies-bazas-zemniekos-cer-uz-valsts-atbalstu/
We have no information that any insurer has refused to insure grain dryers, biogas tanks, or oil or other product storage terminals because of drone-related risks. At the same time, it is worth noting that the terms of all Latvian insurers list events related to acts of war as an exclusion.
Hunting
https://www.medibam.lv/vilkene-ar-laci-satiekas-aci-pret-aci-es-tagad-zinu-ka-meza-ruc-lacis
Lauris remembered all the advice he’d heard – don’t run in a panic, back away calmly. But in reality everything turned out differently. When a bear is growling five metres away, theory disappears.
https://www.medibam.lv/gaidit-pirmo-tragediju-skaidro-kadel-iesniegta-balsu-vaksanas-iniciativa-par-lacu-populacijas-kontroli
Discussions about the growing bear population in Latvia are likely to become increasingly frequent in the coming years, as the paths of people and large predators cross more and more often.
https://www.medibam.lv/kad-pleseju-klust-par-daudz-somijas-mednieki-aicina-pienemt-atbildigus-lemumus-un-atjaunot-lacu-un-lusu-medibas
According to forecasts from the Natural Resources Institute Finland, around 2,800 bears currently live in Finland. The lynx population is estimated at around 4,000 individuals. Data show that between 2024 and 2025 the bear population in Finland grew by 16 percent. The lynx population also increased, by more than 20 percent.
https://www.medibam.lv/kad-daba-pati-noregules-vairs-nestrada-ko-zinatne-saka-par-lusu-un-stirnu-lidzsvaru
A scientific study on lynx and roe deer shows that balance in nature is not created by a single species alone. It is shaped by the presence of predators, by hunting, and by the conditions of the specific location. If these factors are not assessed together, the coexistence of roe deer and lynx in the landscape can become fragile.
https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/710207-lusi-latvija-klust-arvien-biezak-sastopami-cilveku-tuvuma-eksperti-skaidro-iemeslus
The network of roads suitable for driving through forests has also grown significantly, which allows people to encounter lynx more often, and residents own many automatic photo and video cameras that capture animals, increasing the number of chance images obtained.
Splendour
https://www.lvm.lv/jaunumi/7985-junija-kosakais-galamerkis-peoniju-ziedu-parade-lvm-arboretuma-kalsnava
The “Latvijas valsts meži” arboretum in Kalsnava invites visitors in June to one of the most splendid events of the season – the “Peony Flower Parade”, where, during the flowering of more than 300 peony varieties, concerts, educational tours and various activities for the whole family will take place every week.
Environment
https://www.kem.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/vvd-aicina-izmantot-atjaunoto-vides-sos-lietotni-modernu-un-ertu-riku-vides-parkapumu-zinosanai
In the first three months of this year, the State Environmental Service (VVD) received 732 reports, of which around 56% related to environmental littering. The most frequently reported issues were dumped household waste, worn-out tyres and construction waste.
https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/trauksme-daba-invazivas-sugas-parnem-latviju-ar-isfilmu-seriju-dabas-aizsardzibas-parvalde-aicina-pieverst-uzmanibu-un-ierobezot-invazivas-sugas
The Nature Conservation Agency has produced a series of short films within the LatViaNature project, “Alarm in Nature. Invasive Species Take Over Latvia”, which uses examples of various invasive species to explain the threat they pose to Latvia’s natural diversity.
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/purvi-zalaji-un-cina-ar-latvaniem-sakas-praktiski-dabas-atjaunosanas-darbi
(...) practical habitat restoration work is beginning in several specially protected nature areas, clearing grasslands and calcareous fens of overgrowth and starting to control giant hogweed.
https://www.ogrenet.lv/brivbridis/to-gruti-sastapt-uz-zemes-tas-tacu-visu-laiku-ir-gaisa-ornitologs-birzgale-iemuzina-reti-sastopamu-g-20400
Dmitrijs Boiko, an ornithologist at the Latvian Museum of Natural History, encountered a European pied flycatcher in Birzgale and managed to photograph it. He explains that it is one of the long-distance migrants, a migratory bird that winters in Africa.
https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/dabas-aizsardzibas-parvalde-atgadina-balto-starku-ligzdas-patvaligi-nojaukt-ir-aizliegts
(...) removing or destroying stork nests without authorisation is illegal.
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/darzs-un-majas/28.05.2026-eksperts-ir-riskanti-stadit-darza-partikas-veikala-pirktus-kartupelus.a649182/
In recent years, shops have been offering certified seed potatoes in small packages. This is safe planting material. The potato expert recommended reading the website kartupeli.lv, which compiles descriptions of the varieties most common in Latvia.
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/vide-un-dzivnieki/23.05.2026-latvija-sobrid-nenotiek-jegpilna-tekstila-parstrade-lielakoties-tas-tiek-sadedzinats-energijas-ieguvei.a648322/
The Central Statistical Bureau also confirms that textile consumption is high. In 2024, Latvia imported 65,000 tonnes of textile products and exported 42,000 tonnes – while nearly 20,000 tonnes of textiles are thrown into household waste bins.
https://zz.lv/vietejas-zinas/lielplatones-pagasta-savairojusies-cilvekiem-bistama-zeltvedera-mukene/
https://www.vaad.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/zeltvedera-mukene-zemgale-kam-pieverst-uzmanibu
(...) the pest not only eats the leaves of many broadleaved trees, but also endangers human health. The caterpillars' cuticle is covered with dense hair. The caterpillars use these hairs for their own defence, shedding them. These hairs are very fine and sharp and contain a toxin that causes skin and eye irritation in humans, but in people prone to asthma it can cause serious respiratory problems.
Miscellaneous
https://satori.lv/article/parsteigumu-nebus
In my view, the biggest intrigue – in a good sense, too – concerns how Kulbergs will get on with the green farmer Viktors Valainis. Not only because both are candidates for the post of prime minister in the Saeima elections, but also because both have built their political profiles as the most ardent champions of business in Latvian politics.
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/vesture/27.05.2026-ista-pilskalnu-zeme-ieskats-latvijas-teritorija-no-1-lidz-12-gadsimtam.a644912/
The second section, “People of the Hillforts”, of the Latvian National History Museum’s new exhibition “Streaming Time” covers the period from the 1st to the 12th century, presenting hillforts and their inhabitants as the centre of community life in the Iron Age.
Current events in cartoons
https://www.diena.lv/raksts/diena-citi/karikaturista-skats/no-ka-uzmanities-senojot-14352419
https://www.lasi.lv/par-svarigo/karikatura/zime-gatis-sluka-ministroflex.42831
https://www.lasi.lv/maja-gimene/majas-viesis/zime-gatis-sluka-bisu-sos.42564
https://www.lasi.lv/par-svarigo/karikatura/zime-gatis-sluka-no-vardiem-pie-darbiem.42780
https://www.diena.lv/raksts/diena-citi/karikaturista-skats/paradi-un-letins-14352311