On 12 May, shortly after his 85th birthday, the distinguished Latvian forest scientist Imants Baumanis passed away.

Imants Baumanis was born on 21 April 1934 in Riga, spending his childhood and school years in the Zentene parish in the Talsi region. He studied at the Bulduri Gardening School and the LLA Forestry Faculty. From 1961, he worked at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute 'Silava', serving as the institute's director from 1993 to 2001. From 2001, he worked as a lead researcher in the field of forest breeding and genetics.

The life's work of Imants Baumanis was linked to the restoration of Latvia's outstanding pine populations and the cultivation of pine forests. Imants' work with pines began immediately after the Second World War, when he participated in the sowing of pines in forests that had been felled during the war. The role and influence of Imants Baumanis in Latvian forest science and the development of the forest industry are timeless and significant. The experimental pine crosses and progeny test plantations established under Imants' leadership are used as a basis in modern forest science, while seeds obtained from pine seed orchards ensure more productive and higher-quality forest stands for future generations. While working as director of the forest research institute, the leading forest scientists of today began their work under Imants' leadership, and the forest research institute gained a stable and lasting place in the forest industry.

Imants Baumanis was a State Emeritus Scientist, awarded the Cross of Recognition, and received the 'Zelta čiekurs' (Golden Cone) forest industry awards for his contribution to science in the development of the forest sector and for his life's work.

The farewell for Imants Baumanis will take place on Friday, 17 May, at 14.00 in the grand farewell hall of the Riga Crematorium, with an evening of remembrance at the forest research institute 'Silava' from 16.00.

Latvian State Forest Research Institute 'Silava'