Interviews - Zeme un valsts
11th LMSP International Conference in 23 days, 29 October. Learn more ›

Latest articles

Nature Conservation Agency invites donations for the restoration of nature tourism infrastructure damaged by the storm
Stricter penalties to be applied for environmental crimes
How we are doing with meeting UN sustainability goals – five facts about the environment in Latvia
The future of the forest sector begins in dialogue – Forestry Industry Day to take place at the University of Latvia

Poll

Concern about gaps in the skills and knowledge of our pupils is voiced quite widely from time to time. Unfortunately, only when someone from outside Latvia has concluded as much. Why is that?
There is a political tendency to be busy, to invest, to make promises, but not to think about the results
If you have little knowledge yourself, you do not even know how or what you do not know...
A smart society is not always desirable or welcome
Many interests swirl around education. A "good result" is rarely mentioned among them

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”

VIDEO

Trees on agricultural land – perennial plantations, short-rotation coppice or agroforestry?!
The Baltics in the Kremlin's sights. How serious is the threat?
Latvian and Baltic economic review

Interviews

An increasing number of people do not understand that a board does not “just appear” in a factory. An interview with Āris Jansons, Dr. silv., Director of the Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture

On Latvia's development and statehood. An interview with Uldis Biķis

Latvia is the best place in the world to live. An interview with Romāns Naudiņš, entrepreneur

Real security starts with people, work and confidence in the future. A conversation with Uldis Amerika, chairman of the board of “Laflora”

We'd Like It Faster and More, but Everything Is Heading in the Right Direction. A Conversation with Raivis Jekums, Senior Forest Specialist of Talsi Municipality

College status has let Malnava both continue its work and develop. An interview with Sandra Ežmale, director of Malnava College

Māris Liopa: Latvia must use its land resources as efficiently and usefully as possible

Intensive forestry can be a climate change mitigation measure. Interview with Dr. silv. Aldis Butlers, researcher at LVMI “Silava”

What is a forestry consultant today, and is the price of the advice they give the only criterion for choosing one? An interview with Raimonds Bērmanis, Director of the LLKC Forest Advisory Service Centre

The best way to do something is to start doing it! An interview with Agita Baltbārde, board member of AS “CleanR Grupa” and European Climate Pact Ambassador in Latvia

Who might have an interest in Latvia's forests going unused? An interview with Aivars Lapiņš, adviser on agricultural affairs

Bulduri could create a climate-controlled agriculture centre. A conversation with Rafaels Joffis, board member of Bulduri Technical School

For professional forestry activity, the term “cutting down the forest” is inappropriate and incorrect. A conversation with Jānis Ģērmanis, board member of “Rīgas meži”

When strange and utterly short-sighted ambitions end in nothing... A conversation with Andrejs Ķeizars, co-founder of the Rubeņa fonds

Latvia's representatives should be at every negotiating table, so that the situation in future is as advantageous and favourable to us as possible. A conversation with Didzis Šmits, member of the 14th Saeima

On 2026. A conversation with Dagnis Dubrovskis, board member of “Latvijas valsts meži”

The state earned handsomely. A conversation with Jānis Apsītis, President of the Latvian Timber Producers and Traders Association and Chairman of the Board of SIA “Kurekss”

Fear of oversight is a good cover for not making any unnecessary effort and for doing little thinking. An interview with Mārtiņš Cimermanis, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre

Talent will grow at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, ideas will become reality, and together we will move towards a smarter and more successful Latvia. An interview with Andris Paeglītis, acting dean of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences

An elementary “socialist approach”: “Sorry, we shall have different targets!” An interview with forestry expert Arvīds Ozols

This year is not a typical one… An interview with Jānis Ķirsis, Chairman of the Board of the Silviculture Contractors' Association

Creating a place where people would want to live and work. An interview with Mārtiņš Daģis, Chair of Jelgava State City Council

We want to understand how riverbanks ought to be managed. An interview with Mārcis Saklaurs, forest owner in Salacgrīva
Biology. The entire mechanism is based on tiny vesicles... Arnis Rītups in conversation with Seppo Vainio
Looking to the future – the true, the right and the only way forward. A conversation with Armands Apfelbaums, co-owner of “ACA Timber”
There is no one else who ought to be thinking about Europe's security in our place. An interview with Kristīne Rapa, Chair of the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union
An organised minority commands a disorganised majority
Cooperation with the forestry sector is extremely valuable for the faculty's development. An interview with Professor Vivita Puķīte, Dean of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences at LBTU
People must be at the centre of everything. An interview with Kristīne Rapa, chair of the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union
I am glad for every person in Latvia who owns land in Latvia. An interview with Ģirts Krūmiņš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Every representative of the forestry sector sees the forest broadly and in different ways. A conversation with Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture. Part II
Land is, was and will be the foundation of Latvia's prosperity. A conversation with Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture. Part I
We must return to raising statesmen and stateswomen. An interview with Sniedze Sproģe, adviser to the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
A strong economy is the foundation of every country's prosperity. A conversation with Jānis Ciems, Chairman of the Board of a/s “Latvijas Finieris”
We heard the call. An interview with Raimonds Cipe, co-owner of the forestry company “Timbro”
The forest sector is one of the most important things for Latvia's future. An interview with Daiga Grīnfelde, Head of Corporate Relations at Latvijas valsts meži
The strength of every community matters. An interview with Dainis Karols, adviser to the Minister of Agriculture on local government affairs and Deputy Chair for administrative affairs of Talsi Municipality Council
The green course must not be abused
Anyone working in politics or interested in it should definitely spend at least some time in the private sector. An interview with Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Economics
I am looking for various routes and hoping for good fortune. A conversation with Maija Dubro, head of the Sabile care association "Kalme"
We are strong and mighty. That must be felt in everyday life too. A conversation with Egils Helmanis, Chairman of Ogre Municipality Council
Latvia must certainly become a producer country of higher added value. A conversation with Andis Araks, chairman of the board of “Krauzers” and vice-president of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation
Our country must be defended and strengthened
Society still allows excessive regulation of everything to continue. An interview with Tomass Kotovičs, Head of the Communications Department at Latvijas valsts meži, member of the Forest Owners' Association and the cooperative Mežsaimnieks
When we manage forests, we think about all the values society receives from them. An interview with Dr. silv. Āris Jansons, leading researcher at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute (LVMI) “Silava” and chair of its Scientific Council
Nature protection should be about management, not a burden on the state budget. An interview with Andis Purs, Director of the Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture
Where are the principles of fairness, or where have they gone!? An interview with Raivis Kronbergs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Cooperation – the founding principle of sustainability and positive communication. A conversation with Gunita Rakēviča, Director of the Latvian Local Government Training Centre
About the corncrake, and about what scientists argue over. An interview with Dr. biol. Oskars Keišs, ornithologist, head of the Ornithology Laboratory of the University of Latvia
The economy comes first – everyone ought to understand that. A conversation with Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture
Simple questions on a current topic. An interview with Jānis Ruks, forestry expert at “Arbonics”
Security is in your own hands
Latvia's future is based on manufacturing companies. A conversation with Normunds Ramanis, Head of Metalworking at “Stiga RM”
A factory, just like Riga, will never be finished! A conversation with Viesturs Krēvics, Director of the “Stiga RM” birch plywood factory in Kuldīga
Effective management is the key to rapid growth for Latvia. An interview with Andris Ramoliņš, owner of “Stiga RM”
To change anything, you need a great deal of willpower. An interview with Jānis Ontužāns, a forest owner
A determined move towards modernising the sector. An interview with Jānis Osis, member of the board at Stiga RM
It is difficult to implement large projects in Latvia. This problem must be evaluated very critically, the situation must change. An interview with Jānis Vitenbergs, Minister of Transport
Peatlands could become a cornerstone of future growth
Politicians rarely spot serious risks; unfortunately, others have to deal with them. An interview with Agris Meilerts, Chairman of the Board of “Latvijas Finieris Mežs”
Collaboration requires work, investment and skill. An interview with Laimdota Straujuma, Chair of the Council of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU)
For business to be sustainable, constant investment and a sense of stability are required. An interview with Uldis Biķis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Latvijas Finieris
When work comes easily... A conversation with Maija Dubro, head of the Sabile care association "Kalme"
There is no lack of diversity in the Latvian landscape; people must be given the opportunity to develop this environment. An interview with Aiga Grasmane, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture
There is no "somewhere else" in the world. A conversation with Dr. silv. Āris Jansons and Dr. silv. Andis Lazdiņš, leading researchers at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava"
We have lived well for long enough, and there has always been plenty of food. An interview with Valters Zelčs, a farmer and foreign policy specialist for the association “Zemnieku saeima”
Times of change for a four-billion-euro industry
Latvia has a serious basis to be a very wealthy country with its timber resources alone. A conversation with Didzis Šmits, Minister for Agriculture
It is crucial for Latvia to both articulate its wishes and defend its interests! A conversation with Pēters Putniņš, Chairman of the Board of JSC “Latvijas valsts meži”
It is good, but let us remain cautious and vigilant! A conversation with Gundars Kalve, farmer and soldier
One-day businessmen are not the benchmark for evaluating the sector. An interview with Mārtiņš Ailts, a forest owner in Dobele County
Every institution must first clarify for itself what rules it has prepared and written. An interview with Inguna Sudraba, economist and Auditor General (2004–2013)
It is the right time to look further and higher – what is above the forest and what is below it. A conversation with Jānis Lapiņš, a member of the Management Board of “Latvijas valsts meži”
A small school can also provide a quality education. A conversation with Dzintars Kudums, a deputy of the South Kurzeme municipality and a deputy of the 7th and 11th Saeima
Lies – whether intentional or accidental – must be answered sharply and loudly enough. A conversation between Māris Liopa, Chairman of the Forest Certification Council of Latvia, and Pauls Rēvelis, editor of zemeunvalsts.lv
For a greater opportunity to strengthen a Latvian Latvia. Raivis Dzintars, Chairman of the National Alliance, answers questions from zemeunvalsts.lv
Give a Latvian a piece of land that needs tending, and they will get the job done! An interview with Jānis Vitenbergs, MP of the 13th Saeima and Minister for Economics (2020–2022)
If my neighbours are doing well, I will do well too. An interview with Nauris Jurgenbergs, an entrepreneur in Vaidava parish
Weak and irresponsible management of national capital is a serious problem. A conversation with Andris Bite, co-owner of the fish processing company Karavela and President of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia
We can be proud of the families in our region! A conversation with Uģis Mitrevics, Chairman of the Sigulda Municipal Council
...to the countryside, to Varakļāni, to Latgale. Interview with Marika Zeimule, Head of the Minister of Culture's Office
If we cannot defend our interests, we shall exist de jure, not de facto
You must feel confident in what you do. A conversation with Roberts Sipenieks, head of the O. Kalpaks Museum "Airītes"
The problem is not the need for protection, but consumption. An interview with Artūrs Bukonts, Executive Director of the Latvian Independent Timber Producers Association and the Latvian Timber Manufacturers and Exporters Association
...let the head work, let the hands know what to do, let the head not “run” ahead of the hands and vice versa
Resources must be used thoughtfully, with an eye to the future. An interview with Ģirts Krūmiņš, Director of the Rural Support Service
You can fight it, or you can create favourable conditions for your plans. A conversation with Sanita Matule and Indulis Skrebelis, owners of “Vidnieki”
Time to look after ourselves and make use of what is available to us. A conversation with Haralds Barviks, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Hunters Association
We cannot be independent without forestry. A conversation with Andris Rimicāns, Head of the Jelgava Information Centre at the Forest Research Station
Teaching what it means to build a house. A conversation with Enriko Podnieks, entrepreneur
The state must clearly show who is in charge here and what the reaction will be. An interview with Inese and Māris Liopa
Those who improve will endure, or beer brewing is a highly patriotic pursuit. An interview with Aigars Ruņģis, owner of the Valmiermuiža Brewery
We are superior when it comes to greenery. A conversation with Raivis Kronbergs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Do not lose your common sense and find a balance. A conversation with Arvīds Ozols, Director of the Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture
Don't just stand there!
Yesterday in the fields, today – helping Ukrainians! A conversation with farmer Gundars Kalve
It is and will be about Latvia's freedom. An interview with Edvards Smiltēns, Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council
As long as I am Minister, state forests will not be privatised!
The issue of compensation is clear and understandable, and I am committed to resolving it. An interview with Artūrs Toms Plešs, Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
The Green Deal will make goods more expensive
The common good is more important than the inconvenience of a single individual. An interview with Andris Ramoliņš, entrepreneur and forest owner
What prompts people to take unnecessary items into the forest? An interview with Edmunds Linde, Head of Silviculture Planning at Latvijas valsts meži
Nature conservation in Latvia is at a 1960s-70s level, when the focus was on species and habitats without taking people into account. An interview with Ivo Vinogradovs, Lead Researcher at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia
Seeing the forest for the trees
There are no friends at work – you either get it done or you don't. A conversation with Egils Helmanis, Chairman of the Ogre Municipality Council
It is important to clarify, express and defend one's point of view at the EU level. An interview with Evita Goša, board member of SCHWENK Latvija and Director of Environment and Legal Affairs
We will produce what is needed on-site in small factories on the forester's or farmer's own property. An interview with Kaspars Liepiņš, Business Development Manager at SIA ““Ventspils nafta” termināls”
I would be happy if, on the 150th anniversary of Latvia, the principles of a national state, democracy and national identity were still a stable goal and foundation. An interview with Ritvars Jansons, a member of the 13th Saeima
"Good heavens, what groups of forest brothers there were in Zemgale and what pranks they got up to!" An interview with historian Inese Dreimane and historian and farmer Zigmārs Turčinskis
We need to talk about the implementation of environmental protection measures. An interview with Sandra Bērziņa, Advisor on Environmental Protection for the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
It is best to do what you are best at. An interview with Ingūna Gulbe, Dr. oec., head of the Agricultural Market Promotion Centre at AREI*
Undoubtedly, serious changes in consumption are coming. An interview with Gatis Zamurs, Parliamentary Secretary of the VARAM, MP of the 13th Saeima
We need to think about active forestry. An interview with Arnis Muižnieks, Chairman of the Board of the Forest Owners Association of Latvia
Prosperity in the country is ensured by production. An interview with Indulis Jansons, Chairman of the Board of the agricultural cooperative VAKS
We must work and we must earn. An interview with Anita Skudra, Board Member of “Rīgas meži”
The coefficients included and used in reports are not scientifically justified for Latvian conditions. An interview with Professor, Dr.sc.ing. Ainis Lagzdiņš, Head of the Scientific Laboratory of Forest and Water Resources at LLU
Where there's a will, there's a way! An interview with Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics from 2018–2021
Russia and Belarus are rubbing their hands at the sight of this. An interview with Andrejs Vītoliņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Nurserymen's Association
I want to see prosperity in Latvia. An interview with Kristaps Klauss, Executive Director of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation
We don’t need to 'grow a mountain', but think about how to recycle. An interview with Gints Kukainis, Chairman of the Board of the municipal waste management company (ZAAO)
The value in my forest is what I define it to be! A conversation with Andis Malējs, Head of Business System Solutions and Marketing at the forest owners' cooperative “Mežsaimnieks”
Of course, a Latvian entrepreneur can! A conversation with Māris Danieks, co-owner and Chairman of the Board of the garden furniture manufacturing company EKJU