The peat extraction and processing company “Laflora”, operating in the Jelgava region, has received the State Environmental Service’s Green Excellence Award in the extractive industry category, which is the highest recognition for significant achievements and contributions to environmental management. The company was nominated for the award by the Jelgava regional municipality.

The Green Excellence Award recognises the company's long-standing sustainable peat extraction and processing, the modernisation of its production facilities, and the peatland reclamation programme implemented over an area of more than 200 ha. It also acknowledges the next stage of reclamation – the planned production of renewable energy and the creation of a green industrial zone on former peat extraction sites in the Kaigu bog in the Jelgava region.

“Ten years ago, we defined and began implementing responsible peatland management, for which we are receiving this significant State Environmental Service award this year! Sustainable peat extraction and processing involve the proper organisation of extraction processes, the constant increase in value-added to peat products, and the smart long-term use of land after peat extraction is completed. Most importantly, through this responsible approach to the environment and resources, we can mitigate and compensate for our environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, so that the company can become climate-neutral by 2030,” says Uldis Ameriks, head of “Laflora”.

The State Environmental Service assesses companies and institutions every year that have distinguished themselves by implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. The Green Excellence Award is the highest annual recognition in the environmental protection sector for significant achievements and contributions to environmental management.

As Hardijs Verbelis, Director of the Zemgale Regional Environmental Board of the State Environmental Service, notes: ““Laflora”'s cooperation with environmental and research institutions is particularly noteworthy, for example, the various studies conducted on peatland reclamation and the mitigation of environmental impacts. Furthermore, their forward-looking decisions on steps towards the company’s climate neutrality will contribute to the climate-neutral development of the entire Zemgale region.”

The “Laflora” reclamation programme is being implemented in the part of the Kaigu bog owned by the company where peat extraction has ceased. In cooperation with Latvian scientists and partners, various types of reclamation or subsequent land use have been introduced, including afforestation, paludiculture, the cultivation of lingonberries, cranberries and large-fruited blueberries, as well as the cultivation of rhododendrons, heather, Labrador tea, and more. The company has also begun peatland renaturalisation – currently covering 40 ha – with the aim of creating carbon sinks.