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

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