Latvia is preparing to declare a new state of emergency. This time, however, it will primarily affect forest owners. Weather conditions in recent years have been particularly favourable for the European spruce bark beetle. These insects have multiplied to such an extent that they threaten to turn our spruce stands into something resembling the infamous Białowieża Forest, warn forest researchers. Conversely, nature conservationists are concerned that, under the guise of an “emergency situation”, spruce trees growing in protected nature areas could also be felled.

The bark beetle has also caused devastation in the Pūči farm forest in Drabeši parish. The owner, Jānis Driba, made no secret of the fact that, upon seeing it, tears began to flow. Approximately 10 hectares (ha) of forest have been destroyed.