News - Zeme un valsts
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Latest articles

Latvijas Banka issues a symbolic collector coin, "Chestnut"
The European Innovation Act and the forest bioeconomy – what can Latvian forestry gain from it?
The “Trojan Horse” of Turkish Plywood – Growing Concerns Among European Timber Producers
Nature Conservation Agency invites donations for the restoration of nature tourism infrastructure damaged by the storm

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

Collector coin “Chestnut”
Trees on agricultural land – perennial plantations, short-rotation coppice or agroforestry?!
The Baltics in the Kremlin's sights. How serious is the threat?

News

The world's tallest hybrid timber tower
Changes in Norway spruce wind resistance under the influence of root rot and stem bark damage
For Latvians, the forest is an emotional matter
Over-nourished rivers and lakes
The radicalisation of society could also affect forests!
European management errors
At Christmas and New Year
How to become a "green superpower" – or the prospect of an oxygen trading post
Financial "allocation" for lynx, wolves and bears contradicts the EU Biodiversity Strategy
Loggers being driven out of the forests
We must constantly go deeper
Three Latvian companies to build glued-timber electric vehicle charging stations in Denmark
“Rīgas meži”, together with Riga City Council, offers a digital map (mdps.rigasmezi.lv) for forest walks
Evaluation of Latvijas valsts meži's round timber assortment sales process confirms its economic validity and compliance with legislation
Improved identification and calculation of damages to forests
Latvian scientists ready to help the fish processing industry
A forest is a forest...
Results of the roundwood market price monitoring in Latvian regions in November 2020
Right now, it is a story about money, about opportunities to profit from nature conservation projects
The forestry industry is unthinkable without IT. Latvia's "Nokia" – the LVM GEO platform
A conversation on sustainable forest management post-Covid-19
Restored building of the Riga wooden architecture collection
LVMI "Silava" research awarded "LIFE Award 2020" for significant contribution to tackling climate change
This has been a good year for the peat industry
Conference “Development problems and prospects of the forest and related sectors in the era of climate change in Latvia and Europe”
How to understand the forest and manage it wisely
New company established for forest owner and farmer lending
Support mechanism for the German forestry sector is already up and running! Money is available
Forestry sector's appeal heard by ministries
Overview of the Latvian timber industry export sector and a summary of softwood sawn timber export statistics for the Baltic Sea region for the first 9 months of 2020
2020 phase of the study on the status of large carnivore populations under the influence of hunting has concluded
Graduates receive job offers alongside their diplomas
...I have had such a fiery year
Is this the end of the cod fishing era? Green light given for scrapping vessels
Causes and consequences: why the forest industry needs the OZOLS database
An end to the absurd battle against the Lielie Kangari road
Honey is being spread on our ears, but… be careful with the implementation!
How to trade the unhealthy rhythm of Riga for the peace of the forest
Latvenergo recognised as Latvia's most valuable company and the most valuable energy company in the Baltics
The European Green Deal – where is it leading us?
Latvijas valsts meži has succeeded in exceeding planned revenue and reducing costs
On predators, prey, natural meat and ecology
What fuel will we use in a climate-neutral future?
Otter monitoring has begun
Commercial fishing in Lake Burtnieks to be discontinued from 2022
The impact of Covid-19 on forestry is very varied
The potential negative impact of the European Union Biodiversity Strategy on forests and forestry.
What the future of Mežaparks looks like
Results of roundwood market price monitoring in Latvian regions for November 2020
A path to excellence. Latvian inventors in the world
18 November
Mandatory use of timber building materials must be stipulated in public building procurement
Industry ready to increase the share of wood products in construction
The European spruce bark beetle – the most dangerous enemy of forests?
Why must forests be harvested, and why can’t we just let them grow?
Times of change have begun
Recommendation to grow common beech in Latvia
Prohibiting economic activity in the forest is not a smart strategy
On Lāčplēsis Day
Work for a certification specialist
An explosion in cadastral values could change the landscape
Comprehensive eradication of bark beetles using chemicals is impossible
Concerns set the tone in debate over waste co-incineration
“Latvijas valsts meži”: the company’s operational targets for this year will be met in terms of both volume and income
We are living in force majeure conditions
There are no conditions in Latvia for any species to disappear entirely
National interests – what will they be?
Students have become much more motivated
The desire to avoid reality is very shortsighted
List of invasive alien species developed and assessment of their prevalence underway
The wolf would turn green with envy
On the organisation of hunting during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions
Latvijas valsts meži: major changes expected in the company's development
Three aspects that will directly impact the future of Latvian farmers
Oak forests require patience and care
How many trees must be planted to offset your CO2 emissions?
Forest owners get an upgraded and more powerful register
Paper recycling must be linked to renewable energy
Compromise in agricultural policy in the European Parliament
Wind farms will now also be in our forests and bogs
The "redivision" of the Arctic and Greenland as a security black hole
Old-growth forests must be specially protected. The "devil is in the detail" with the definition!
Exporting with streamline parquet
Government permits deforestation for wind farm development
A book about LLU professor and academician Baiba Rivža
Results of the roundwood market price monitoring in Latvia's regions in October 2020
...to reduce the bureaucratic burden for forest owners?
Why is the Rēzekne River being dammed up?
Reserves of protected areas to be found in peatlands
Where has the Lilaste river disappeared to?
If you only want species and do not want an economy, or vice versa, that is a dead end!
State Forest Service urges caution regarding in-person visits to forestry offices
European Commission launches public consultation to evaluate EU Timber and FLEGT Regulations
There will be snow this winter. There will also be more whirlwinds and insects. How could changes in weather conditions affect forestry?
Warning regarding potential seed shipments from third countries
Exhibition “Nordic Sustainable Cities” at the Museum of Architecture
Forest owners' attitudes towards forests are gradually changing
8 Melnie by the Venta – a farmstead in modern technology and aesthetics
Future trends in logging are primarily linked to the implementation of sustainability
An obstacle to conquering foreign markets - a qualified workforce
Unique study course on national defence begins at the LLU Faculty of Forestry
Last year, ICT sector companies generated a turnover of more than 2 billion euros
Trees can increase property value
Investing in forest fire protection
Results of the monitoring of the Latvian roundwood resource market. August 2020
From 2021, a very large proportion of the population will be unable to afford to buy a private car
On experts and what matters (Sandra Veinberga*)
The forest comes to town
A magnificent three-hectare birch nature clock is taking shape at Zābakkalns
We risk becoming raw material suppliers to China
SCA (Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget) to acquire 13,000 ha of forest land in Latvia
Forest Science Afternoon on 25 September
“Laflora” unveils Latvia’s first peat amphitheatre – a natural concert hall in the bog
400-year-old Bārta wooden church restored
The Forest comes to Jelgava 2020!
On the quality of silviculture in private forests
Threats to investment and Latvian exports
Newcomer
Billions of euros left to rot in the forests... Can we afford this in a "wealthy country"?
Comrades! Who would benefit from this?
Latvia will reduce competitiveness by introducing a G component for wind energy producers
Forest fire danger period lifted in Latvia
A Green Deal towards… local produce
We must not allow the reimposition of a bankrupt timber trading model
If the State Audit Office believed what it has written, it would be the same as believing the Earth is flat
Issue I of the international forestry journal "Baltic Forestry" for 2020 has been published
The potential in the woodworking sector is far from exhausted
What to do if you encounter a bear?
10 most significant environmental issues. Solutions must be found by 2030
Why the European Commission's 4th proposal on lead ammunition restrictions is nonsensical and will not work
Research into tree leaf fossils reveals high atmospheric carbon levels
Will a forest owner ever be able to choose for themselves—do I want this nature reserve or not? A conversation with the head of the VMD
Laflora unveils plans for a green industrial zone in Jelgava Municipality
Concerns over the preparation for creeping privatisation
Plant thought to be extinct found after 84 years
Green growth and sustainable development
Results of the roundwood market price monitoring in Latvian regions for 08/2020
Potential wave of bankruptcies in the Latvian timber industry
Persistent misconceptions about woodworking
Interpretations of the Green Deal threaten the peat industry in Latvia
Woodworking companies urge against turning Latvia into a mere exporter of roundwood to China
Top-quality agricultural land in Latvia now costs 10,000 euros/ha
Unique hemp variety developed in Latvia; researchers and farmers hope for industry growth
The idea of making almost all agriculture organic is not realistic
The cost of moving towards a "greener" Latvia has been revealed
The virus exposes the chronic ailments of the economy
Partisan bunker discovered in the forest near Renda
None of the potential Covid-19 scenarios are favourable for the forest industry
The future of energy, environment and climate in Latvia is green
Representatives from China offered to buy all of Latvia's peat bogs
Ban on lead ammunition postponed indefinitely
As conflicts in nature conservation continue, everyone loses
Implementation of sweet cherry research continues
Baltic and Nordic sawn timber export report. January-May 2020
Speech by President of Latvia Egils Levits at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”
This is a barefaced lie and a deliberate deception of the public
Results of the Latvian roundwood resource market monitoring. July 2020
Appeal by Swedish “green” organisations to the Swedish government: time to act to avert a crisis in the country’s forests
2020 Agricultural Census
Support programmes approved to promote employment for exporting and tourism companies
The world is changing and forestry must change along with it
Increased funding required for forest fire safety
The patience of Mazjūra fishermen has run out, they are joining forces
Regulations on the registration of trees and round timber. Discussion of amendments
Is there a future in Latvia for scientists, hunters, anglers, wild animals, birds and fish?
In Skrīveri municipality, a German citizen fells an oak grove...
Forests in Latvia are managed sustainably
Strange and incomprehensible: The State Audit Office wants to ban wolf and lynx hunting
Officials cannot be the leaders, as most often they have never been entrepreneurs
Hunters and sports shooters stand against unfounded bans
Still looking! Still wanting to find out!
The hunting sector's attitude towards the ban on lead ammunition in the EU
Peat extraction and processing company “Laflora” celebrates its 25th anniversary
Fruit harvest in Latvia could be better this year than last
Illegal logging globally, high-risk countries, imports of timber and wood products and the EU. Timber Regulation
At the Summer Solstice
New industry professionals join the forestry family
“Insiders” brought in for nature conservation plan discussions. Hunters are uninvited guests
European spruce bark beetle activity in the summer of 2020
Results of roundwood market price monitoring in Latvia's regions. June
An increase in the bear population expected in Latvia in the future
Starting positions of Latvia's new municipalities differ sharply
The "correct" rhetoric
"Technique Road" opened in Saldus
Beekeeper concerned about the increase in the bear population in Latvia...
On rapeseed, bees, and inspections. VAAD news
Five previously unregistered caves discovered during Latvia's "nature census"
The shadow economy in Latvia: Trends and concerning forecasts
Thanks to the national resistance movement, the national will remained alive and Latvia regained its independence
Lilac flower jam no longer sold due to European regulations
For Latvia's fish-filled waters to become a source of national pride, the sector requires state support
Latvian Land – Long-term Development Perspectives. Summary
237,927 euros in state support will be available for the development of the forestry sector this year
The EU Biodiversity Strategy is "on track". Will the situation improve?
An investment tsunami is approaching the Latvian economy
European forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. What to expect from the "Green Deal"?
Latvijas valsts meži has sold 16.2 million forest tree seedlings this year
Our greatest asset is our people and nature
Whatever is harvested in Latvia, is also replanted!
Simple raw materials and global ambitions. Cewood maintains the mark of Latvia's 'green gold'
Ornithologists are nationalising private forests
Results of roundwood market price monitoring in Latvia's regions 05/2020
Virus has led to a food industry crisis in Europe
Burnt land, ash and smouldering peat. Misunderstood nature conservation
We are renewing forests ever more...
The forest must not become a dumping ground!
Conceptual absurdities
"Fake news" and half-truths about Latvian forests and forestry – can we set things right?
Are forest regeneration areas increasing in Latvia?
Climate-friendly forestry: the missing link
Micro-reserves. Current updates
Micro-reserves increase land areas blocked from management
Forests to burn...
4 May
On the lesser spotted eagle in Latvia
Uncertainty for forest owners regarding sales opportunities. Private owners are not carrying out felling work in forests
Forest owners to seek state protection
For those who work, this is not a cry for help…
"Laflora" plans to build a peat factory in Daugavpils district
State Plant Protection Service involved in international project to eradicate Sosnowsky's hogweed
(Forest2Market) COVID-19 Analysis and Information
Sign against disproportionate restrictions on managing your own land!
In the current crisis situation, the Latvian timber processing industry can certainly see quite a few opportunities
Forest product exports fell by 5.1% in two months
LZP organises a series of FLPP seminars from 28 April to 2 June
LLU enters International University Impact Rankings for the first time
Protesting against the Council's decision, "Stiga RM" leaves Tukums
Institute of Horticulture launches research into growing sweet cherries for timber and fruit production
Results of the roundwood market price monitoring in Latvian regions 04/2020
Imports of forest products decreased by 9.9% in the first two months
2019's Best Buildings in Latvia
Bioeconomy: the missing and unifying link in the European Union's "Green Deal"
What will be the result of the “nature census*”?
Action plan for the protection of spruce stands against the European spruce bark beetle
Once and for all!?
About work and people in (our) Latvian forests!
Nature changes every day
At Easter and in spring
Helping export-capable businesses "hibernate"
Latvian peat industry perplexed by exclusion from Covid-19 rental fee reductions
And "nature" couldn't care less. The ideology of misanthropes
Some very uncomfortable questions raised by the pandemic
Farmers Parliament has sent a demand to the Saeima and the government
Spring. Keep an eye out for smoke
ESAF student Intars Bušinskis would like to create the largest ostrich farm in Latvia
Forest breeding for a healthy future forest
"Support local" is not an empty slogan!
Latvians go global: Latvian-built timber structures popular in Scandinavia
All is well with the forest areas in Latvia! (Response from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment)
Landowners and another "type" of virus
Introducing curved wooden flooring
The threat of the European spruce bark beetle to Latvia's forests
Coronavirus: The Hammer and the Dance
Remote sensing technology used in orchard research
Results of the roundwood market price monitoring in Latvian regions 03/2020
Forest management should be addressed by scientists, not bloggers and politicians
Biodiversity is defined by humans! ...on “greens”, hazel flutes and the “rat race”
A decision must not be the non-taking of a decision (open letter)
The Nature Conservation Agency has issued permits for limited goose hunting
PROGRESS project. An explanation
Misunderstanding regarding Green Deal guidelines causes tension for the peat industry
Not losing sight of people behind the trees and birds
Will budget deficits be patched up at the expense of hunters? On where hunters' money goes
Emissions from peat extraction likely to be offset by tree planting
The National Development Plan needs to be clarified and supplemented with the Ministry of Agriculture's proposals
The European spruce bark beetle in Latvia's forests
“We must plant more forests!” How not to lose common sense in discussions about tree felling
What will we have to give up to save our planet?
VARAM prepares reform of nature conservation institutions
Green annexation or environmental protection as a weapon
Plywood manufacturer “Stiga RM” to modernise for nearly two million euros
Volume of various waste increasing in state forests
Funding cuts for rural development. Unacceptable!!!!
Times of the Land Surveyors: passions in Rūjiena municipality
It makes no difference to the forest. It is a matter of national economy
Over one hundred Sarcosoma globosum found in Rēzekne Municipality
Demography – the hidden obstacle in European decision-making
Climate change panic has crossed all possible boundaries
Forecasts, uncertainties and opportunities
Forestry researchers' study on even-aged spruce forests – among the top 10 most outstanding scientific achievements in Latvia!
The forest we like does not happen by itself
Nature lovers – cultists
Beetles must survive, let the pensioners and doctors fend for themselves, I suppose (?)
We will clear 2,000 hectares, we will regenerate 6,000 hectares of forest!
Regulatory shackles on foresters loosened
With birds on the brain, or birds more important than people
Impacted by weather conditions and price drop
31 January meeting at "Silava". What does an uncritical approach to the so-called "green truth" mean?
Ķerus did not arrive at the forest with high-society ladies
University reform will sweep the intelligentsia out of Latvia's regions
Green bog to be cleared of trees - 333 ha clear-fell planned in Nature Conservation Agency forests
European Commission criticises...
Latvijas valsts meži looks back at 2019 in Tērvete Nature Park. What does this year promise to be?
Age or girth? New changes to tree-felling regulations have caused public confusion
Bark beetle
Social anthropologist Kārlis Lakševics calls for a rational reaction to global cataclysms
Logging must be coordinated with socialites
“Silava”: Targeted forestry in Northern Europe can significantly mitigate climate change
Forest scientist Pēteris Zālītis – the first recipient of the Kaspars Bušs Award
And the forest is not a cucumber bed!
Unmasked! How campaigns against hunting are implemented
What we call an expert!
Entomologists warn: ornate meadow ticks have spread very rapidly in Latvia
Not all that glitters is gold! Why does Latvia not need European millions this time?
Lynx hunting in Latvia – an example for the whole of Europe
Creative intelligence heads into the forest...
Announcement regarding the increase of hunters' fees
Updated individual protection and usage regulations for LVM Zebrus Lake
“Don't shoot, I'm an Estonian!” Are Estonian lynx being hunted in Latvia?
About the lesser spotted eagle. Officially.
Consult or bite?
Incompetence or deliberate sabotage by the State Audit Office
A year of stark successes and failures in industry
Over-regulation of the forestry sector hinders economic growth
Bushfires in Australia. More science, less talk!
Listen: are hunts necessary nowadays?
Lynx quota – 100 animals, hunting starts 1 January