...to reduce waste dumping and potential damage.

To reduce illegal waste dumping, prevent environmental pollution and environmental damage in the areas managed by “Rīgas Meži”, a new and modern “STROPS Technologies” video surveillance system has been installed within the company's territory.

Unlike the existing several dozen video surveillance cameras, which also perform their functions well, the new system has several advantages. Specifically, it operates online, is connected to a security system (monitoring centre), can react to signals (movement), saves recordings in an archive, and has other technological advantages. As a result, the responsible service is guaranteed to arrive at the scene promptly, and perpetrators (and their vehicles) can be identified and detained immediately.

“The new system is being trialled in Riga first, as the capital and its outskirts are the most popular spots for illegal polluters. In general, waste in our territories is a major problem. Household waste, bulky waste, car tyres and hazardous waste, such as asbestos, are all being dumped in the forests,” notes Anita Skudra, Chair of the Board of “Rīgas Meži”.

The video surveillance system will ensure that the detection of illegal polluters is even more efficient. The surveillance system has been installed in accordance with personal data and privacy protection principles, including the placement of signs in “Rīgas Meži” territories informing the public that video surveillance is in operation.

To reduce illegal waste dumping, the company is working in three directions: control (cameras and barriers on forest access roads), cooperation with responsible institutions and local authorities, and public awareness. “Rīgas Meži” reminds everyone: “Whatever you take into the forest, take it out with you!”

In 2021, nearly 1,500 tonnes and more than 1,000 m3 of various types of waste, as well as nearly 30 tonnes of tyres, were collected in the territories managed by the company. Compared to 2020, the volume of waste in forests and parks increased by almost a third; damage is also on the rise, especially in parks during the warmer months of the year.

In addition to the new system, several dozen standard video surveillance cameras are operating in “Rīgas Meži” territories. Their locations are regularly changed and they deliver results (at the end of last year, a camera captured a man dumping a bag of rubbish in the forest: https://bit.ly/3gHzY2k; the information was handed over to the police).

Every year, illegal waste causes a financial burden of tens of thousands of euros for both the company and the residents of Riga; its collection is a process that is demanding in terms of human and time resources, and the waste causes serious harm to nature. Therefore, “Rīgas Meži” is grateful to everyone for their involvement in keeping the territories clean. A long-term cooperation has been established with the National Guard (Zemessardze) regarding the collection of hazardous waste.

The video surveillance system service is provided to “Rīgas Meži” by the security company “GRIFS AG”, which strives to use environmentally and human-friendly technologies in its operations, as well as to save natural resources and reduce pollution.