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

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

About the zemeunvalsts.lv library
Tērvete has burst its banks
How a forest is born: an insight into the LVM Strenči nursery
Farmers concerned about Riga City Council's food and catering procurement
At Christmas and the end of the year... and in 2023...
JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and SIA “Rīgas meži” begin experience exchange in habitat management
The energy wood price 'dam' has begun to shift
Woodworking companies – the main driving force of the Latvian economy in 2021-2022
Seven EU proposals would leave little room for national forest policy – lobbying is aimed at preventing overreach
New executive director for the Forest Industry Federation
LBTU invites you to attend a conference on innovation in the bioeconomy
On the donation of mineral fertilisers to the World Food Programme
Heating companies will not manage to meet requirements by January
JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” included in the European corporate governance family
What sort of victory and what sort of defeat are you fighting for?
Ursula von der Leyen's address at the plenary session of the “New European Bauhaus goes to the forest” event
50 years of the rocking horse
Fierce competition for land ahead
Fastest-growing companies in Latvia. TOP 100 in 2021
European Parliament demands procedure to review protection status of large carnivores
Latvijas valsts meži’s nine-month performance results reflect the company’s growth and future challenges
Sēja Great Oak becomes Latvia's Tree of the Year 2022
“Latvijas valsts meži” restores grey dunes
State Land Service prepares to significantly increase service prices
Forest modelling: the search for the best scenarios
Tree felling to restore water levels has begun in Zaļais purvs
Really – why?!!!...
Long live Latvia!
Market Access Day 2022 to be held in Latvia
“Latvijas valsts meži” categorically rejects allegations of delaying deforestation work on the Latvia-Belarus border
On Lāčplēsis Day
IMPORTANT! On the future of hunting in Europe
Without state mechanisms, the use of timber in construction will remain fragmented
Should the issue of peat use during the energy crisis be revisited?
The war in Ukraine has affected the international timber and log market
Opposing the minimum wage increase, Latvian business organisations have found themselves in a foolish situation
Estonia to revoke firearm licences for citizens of Russia and other third countries
“Lost Jelgava”
The vote on the minimum wage demonstrates the arrogance of the outgoing parliament
Competition Council finds no evidence of prohibited agreements in the wood chip fuel market
7th International Conference “Sustainability of Land Use Sectors – Under Conditions of European Environmental Policy Requirements and Geopolitical Reality”
The nomination process for the board of “Latvijas valsts meži” is compliant with regulatory requirements
Fewer people, more debt
Due to staff shortages, operations at certain less busy VUGD stations will be temporarily suspended
Latvijas valsts meži Council approves medium-term strategy – the value of state forests will continue to grow
Europe could make the use of wood for energy impossible
Faculty of Forestry reunion
Are importers prepared for the EU Deforestation Regulation?
Voting for the European Tree of the Year in Latvia. 2022
“Rīgas Meži” begins implementing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for biodegradable waste management for Riga residents
Peat extraction company in Vecumnieki parish plans to increase volumes of processed products
Fleeing Russia and its journalists in Latvia
Scientists, artificial intelligence and a “drone in the apples” – the daily routine at the Institute of Horticulture in Dobele
“Latvijas Finieris” presents its highest awards – the “Silver Birch Leaf”
Key trends in the housing market in September
The situation in the European timber industry: early October 2022
Which sectors have seen the most new businesses this year?
1st October: celebrating the herald of autumn – the apple – in Dobele
LVMI “Silava” “Forest Science Afternoon”
Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union – September 2022
Using wood for energy: is the criticism justified?
Dramatic increase in spruce bark beetles in Vidzeme, slightly lower in Kurzeme
Climate tech startup “Arbonics” begins operations in Latvia
European Union seeks powers to take control of supply chains in crisis situations
What to do if a large carnivore attack on livestock is detected?
A year of survival for food manufacturers
People follow the economy. The Latvian government clings stubbornly to the coin, not the person
Unveiling of a memorial to the national partisan war in the forests of Kabile
Forest fire danger period ends, fewer forest fires this year compared to last
EU energy ministers' meeting concludes without a decision
Europe: firewood prices soaring, wood fuel in short supply
State forests unable to fulfil roundwood supply obligations (with LVM explanation)
On 15 September, a memorial site for the national partisan war will be opened in Kabile parish
EU ministers to discuss setting gas price caps. Reports emerge again that Russian pipeline to Germany will remain closed
Two new books on industry issues
Opening ceremony of the Faculty of Forest Sciences (MF) Interdisciplinary Scientific Laboratory
Interdisciplinary Scientific Laboratory of the Faculty of Forest Sciences to be opened
In H1, Rīgas Meži turnover exceeded €10.9 million. Production and maintenance costs have increased
Trade union conference to discuss opportunities for improving the State Forest Service and the future of forest monitoring
Ministry of Agriculture invests 22 million this year for the development of agricultural educational institutions
Continuation
Photo competition “The bear – our neighbour”
New lines of business for "Latvijas valsts meži" – subsoil exploitation and research into wood fibre extraction
“Latvia’s Best Building of the Year 2021” winners announced
On the Annual Award in Hunting
At times it was impossible to tell whether the government was curbing or fostering COVID-19 with its decisions
Wood chip shortages in many sectors
Energy-intensive manufacturing companies to receive state support for compensating rising energy costs
Exaggerated “green” requirements
Public consultation invited for the Gauja National Park nature conservation plan project
This year could be a successful one for agriculture overall
Opening of the finished products warehouse at the “Latvijas Finieris” “Furniers” mill. Seminar: “Timber Construction in Latvia”
The Latvian Peat Association restores its national committee within the International Peatland Society
“Honey Festival” at Ogres tehnikums
Aina Stašāne leaves the position of Director General of the State Forest Service
Cewood’s upcoming production facility will help triple production capacity
No jobs – no people!
Guntis Gūtmanis elected as Chairman of the Board of the Cooperation Council of Agricultural Organisations (LOSP)
We are looking for a tree with a story until 4 September
Forum for Latvian professionals working in international organisations to be held in Riga
Results of certain competitions for management positions in state-owned enterprises raise questions about compliance with good governance principles
Waterfowl hunting season starts on Saturday
Forest inventory data will be available to everyone online
Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Australia
In a month's time, Latvijas valsts meži will begin wood chip deliveries
Hymenorus doublieri in Latvia
National joint venture "Latvijas vēja parki" plans to produce green energy with a total capacity of at least 800 MW
Hunters' Festival “Minhauzens 2022”
Can Russia split Europe?
Businesses – the nation's lifeblood!
Estonia to discuss potential transition to standard European railway gauge with Latvia and Lithuania
Swedish buyers snap up Latvian woodchips, Italians buy pellets, and prices keep rising. Is now the right time to ban the use of peat for energy?
NBD expert group has developed recommendations and criteria for researching dendrological and other natural values and assessing their uniqueness in specially protected nature areas
LLU to auction Lielauce Palace in the second half of September
New protected areas – is this a form of creeping forest nationalisation?
New nature conservation plan for Gauja National Park being developed; objections received
Board of AS "Latvijas valsts meži" approved
Refusing to bow to Russia's gas blackmail: human safety is more important than the well-being of mice
How will we heat our homes in the near future?
Hunters participate in comprehensive national defence training
“Latvijas Finieris” launches the most ambitious investment project in Latgale in recent years
When ensuring Ukrainian grain exports, Ukraine's interests and security considerations must be taken into account
EU concerned about low yields and soaring prices
The economy is shifting from slowing growth to a sharp downturn
Closing the energy peat sector from 2030 – a national error
Local landowners and peat producers oppose the closure of the energy peat sector, contrary to VARAM and foreign-capital peat field tenants
Competition Council urged to monitor the wood fuel market
Wolf hunting season begins, 280 predators permitted to be culled
Discussion on solutions to protect natural areas from off-road driving
Residents hope for a public consultation on the creation of the Zalve military training ground
New military base planned for the Aizkraukle and Jēkabpils regions
BDO study on the practices of European countries in mitigating the impact of inflation
The role of wood in energy has changed
Public consultation on the use of lead ammunition to continue due to prior procedural errors
To preserve biodiversity, Latvijas valsts meži is expanding its nature conservation areas
“Sadales tīkls” will be unable to accept all the electricity generated by solar panels into the system
Visiting hours changed at the State Forest Service
EC: Protecting biodiversity – nature restoration targets in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy (Nature Restoration Law)
Number of wolf attacks increases, public urged to report them more actively
State Forest Service centralises specific functions
Frenzy sustains pellet demand
On the draft Nature Restoration Law prepared by the EC
Rising costs of raw materials and energy resources are also driving sharp price increases in agriculture
ZAAO to build a 9.6 million euro biodegradable waste processing plant
Amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 308 of 2 May 2012, "Regulations Regarding Forest Regeneration, Afforestation and Plantation Forests"
Latvian farmers and food producers to receive €20 million in support to mitigate the negative impact of Russia's war
At the Summer Solstice
Mālpils Strawberry Festival '22
The moment before the adoption of the European Nature Restoration Law
Riga City Council’s Housing and Environment Committee to decide on ending Rīgas Meži’s involvement in the roundwood processing business
European spruce bark beetle activity most prominent in Sēlija and Vidzeme
Global Wind Day celebrated for the first time in Jelgava Municipality
“Latvijas valsts meži” to increase energy wood production volumes
EFI launches new study: “Conservation and enhancement of forest biodiversity in Europe”
Consumption tax rates are being reduced to curb inflation and ensure prosperity
Public interest in collecting logging residues in state forests has quintupled in some areas
The future of renewable bioenergy
High demand for pellets has led to shortages
Ministry of Agriculture instructs Latvijas valsts meži to secure additional wood chips for the coming heating season
First orienteering course in the capital established in Mežaparks, managed by “Rīgas Meži”
Studies in sustainable agriculture and forestry programmes continue
Latvia is implementing an ill-conceived and expensive bio-waste management system with delays
Hunters have the opportunity to get involved in strengthening national defence capabilities
On the fifth column in Latvia
Brown-tail moth population explosion in Zemgale
Regarding the 2021 Annual Report of Latvijas valsts meži
2021/2022 ungulate hunting season concluded
#SignForHunting Hunting must continue!
Golden Cone 2021
Tour of abandoned houses in Ērģeme and Kārķi parishes
Memorandum on coordinating action to promote national economic growth
LVMI "Silava" lead researcher Roberts Matisons elected editor-in-chief of the forestry journal "Baltic Forestry"
Spruce bark beetle attacks forests again
LLU Council begins work under the leadership of former Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma
From Sunday, Russian electricity no longer enters the European market
Peat for fuel could increase energy security in Latvia
Forest fire in Valmiera municipality destroys over 18 hectares
From 1 September, LLU will be the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
LLU amends its Constitution and defines several directions for specialisation
“Laflora Energy” established for the construction of the “Laflora” wind farm
The efforts of 'green activists' are not aimed at nature conservation, but at destroying the national economy
Joint study by three Baltic states on public attitudes towards large carnivores
Risk of European spruce bark beetle outbreaks increases. What should and should not a forest owner do?
Statistics on forestry and game animals available on the Official Statistics Portal
In Kaigu peat bog, Laflora expands pine plantations and organises a knowledge transfer seminar for foresters
Get out of Latvia!
Guidelines developed for the indexation of construction costs
A wooden sculpture carving competition will take place at the Gauja rafters' festival
Tax payments in 2021. Which sectors paid the most?
Widespread fires in Siberia, but Russian firefighting forces are in Ukraine
Ukraine restricts exports of buckwheat, rye and oats
Opening of the “Latvijas Finieris” betulin extraction pilot plant “Betulin Lab”
“Latvijas valsts meži” invites manufacturing companies to collaborate
On the Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia
Scientists fear the war in Ukraine will worsen the situation with Siberian forest fires
Relationships across borders. It is also the feeling that something has already happened and something is inevitably approaching...
We expect politicians at least not to fuel inflation
Ministry of Agriculture agrees with producers and retailers on three necessary steps to mitigate the rapid rise in food prices
Europe is looking for cowslips
Land prices experience turbulence
Will Africa be heard? What European decision-makers should know about hunting, conservation, and survival
The forest comes to Jelgava
“Latvijas valsts meži” invites manufacturing companies to collaborate
European pellet markets currently have high potential
EU considers reaching a 45% share of renewable energy by 2030
First LLU Council established
European forest owners call on European Union leaders to transform the Green Deal to build a sustainable, secure and prosperous Europe
Discussion "Man and Forest. What we chose in the past, what we choose today"
On the need for immediate action in the interests of the Latvian state, society, and the economy
Need to consider temporarily waiving certain environmental requirements and biofuel blending mandates
War is not a matter of a few minutes of TV coverage or social media videos
News from hunting organisations
Five companies have shown interest in providing rail transport services in Latvia
EC approves investment of over 114 million for the purchase of new electric trains in Riga and the Pierīga region
Fish migration is hindered by thousands of obstacles
This is currently a war crisis, not an economic crisis
Design and concept competitions to be launched for four monuments and memorial sites in Riga
Amendments to the Hunting Regulations
Tender announced for the purchase of nine battery electric trains
The Vimba Festival returns to Bauska
At Easter...
Eurasian lynx added to list of specially protected species
Fallow land permitted for food production in Latvia this year
March sees fastest rise in consumer prices since 1996
Industrial solar energy park implementation now being offered in Latvia
The truth is not grey! Why do Kažoka, Evelone and their ilk act this way?
Estonia will be independent of Russian natural gas by autumn
Latvia joins the US-founded programme for nuclear security and clean energy development
The world on the eve of deglobalisation
Biological agent destroys Zika virus, coronaviruses and enteroviruses
Anodox Energy Systems plans to establish the first LFP prototype electric vehicle battery plant in Europe in Latvia
European Investment Bank support for Ukraine
28 forest fires have already occurred this year
An alternative – wood gasification. Shall we use it?
The EU wants to end fast fashion and the "take-make-dispose" culture
Registration is now open for the Latvijas valsts meži MTB marathon
Better our own wind turbines than an enemy in the yard
Over €30m to be invested in the development of sustainable forestry in Latvia
Importing timber and wood products, including furniture and paper, from Russia and Belarus is a breach of the law
Brown bears are cautious – they do not attack humans without cause
Once this nightmare is over…
Guardian of the Białowieża Forest* wins European Tree of the Year 2022 vote. Aģe Oak in 9th place
State Forest Service implements changes gradually
Theory of war: why Putin chose a destructive war
21 March – International Day of Forests
Questions not yet asked
Sustainable Investment Awards 2022
On the understanding of words in the so-called Russian and Russian-language information space
Latvian products are here to stay!
Bear attacks and injures a person in Žīguri
Latvijas valsts meži Zemgale regional customer centre takes first place in the Timber Construction category
Latvian food producers are fully capable of meeting the food product demand of the Latvian population
Due to sanctions, the timber industry will lose cheap raw materials from Russia and Belarus
The new reality is still shrouded in mist
BillerudKorsnäs and Viken Skog to explore possibilities to join forces in pulp production
An ill-considered approach to the Green Deal could result in an unbelievable food price thriller
New board begins work at Rīgas meži
Ukraine: A timeline
A letter from a representative of the Ukrainian forestry sector
Environmental requirements must be integrated into the production of any product
A bear has awoken in Vidzeme
Latvian Construction of the Year Award 2021
From Munich to Moscow
Latvia marks National Armed Resistance Remembrance Day for the first time
War in Ukraine - Latvijas Finieris condemns Russian and Belarusian aggression
Saeima unanimously votes to allow Latvian citizens to serve in Ukraine
Voting for European Tree of the Year ends at midnight
An appeal to hunters to donate communication devices to Ukrainian territorial defence units
“Latvijas valsts meži” concluded 2021 with excellent results
The Ministry of Economics invites...
“Rīgas Meži” to carry out sanitary felling in Ogres Zilie kalni
Russian military could target satellites
Aģe Great Oak takes part in the vote for the European Tree of the Year title
Škoda promises to deliver new electric train sets by the end of 2023
Forestry specialists raise the alarm: bark beetles could seriously threaten spruce stands this year
Significant step taken to strengthen energy independence and achieve the goals of the NECP 2030
"Silava" begins research on greenhouse gas emissions from tree trunk surfaces in deciduous forests
Last-minute calls to postpone EU deforestation regulation
US banks strongly object to climate stress tests
European Green Bond Standard
Universal sustainability (ESG) standards are needed
Modern video surveillance system installed in “Rīgas Meži”
Invitation to participate in the Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project call
Criticism of zero-emission standard setting methodology is unfounded
LTRK study: communication between the public and private sectors is insufficient and fragmented
Safeguarding biodiversity. EU action prevents the introduction of invasive alien species harmful to European nature
“Rīgas Meži” profit reached 2.5 million euros in 2021. The company is working on strategic development
Once again on the Green Deal and taxonomy
Hunting in the city. What does this mean for hunters and the rest of society?
Winners of the Forest Industry Annual Award “Zelta čiekurs 2021” determined
Ministry of Agriculture rated highest for the accessibility and convenience of digital services
New “Mednis” application for collecting data on wild animal populations
European Tree of the Year 2022. Voting continues until midnight on 28 February
The council of "Latvijas valsts meži" has approved the 2022 budget
Following the EU Court ruling, the Senate will continue to examine two cases regarding compensation payments
State plans to subsidise the purchase of "green" energy production equipment for residents
The Ministry of Agriculture announces a competition for five LLU council member positions
Three bidders for Rail Baltica regional station design in Latvia
Wolf hunting season has ended
The European Green Deal – where is the business opportunity for us?
Recent storms have raged through Riga's forests and parks as well
Wood in electric vehicle batteries. Six highly topical innovations from the Finnish bioeconomy sector
Major storm damage in Zemgale
"Latvijas valsts meži" plans to close the year with a turnover of €404.8 million
Valters Samariks receives the 2022 Latvian Academy of Sciences Young Scientist Award
Ziedonis Sarmulis receives the 2022 Arvīds Kalniņš Award from the Latvian Academy of Sciences
Jurģis Jansons awarded the 2022 Latvian Academy of Sciences Kaspars Bušs Prize
Roberts Zīle elected Vice-President of the European Parliament
Non-financial objectives approved for Rīgas Meži
What to do if pests appear on your property?
Foresters call for a significant reduction in the number of moose and deer in Latvian forests
Three-year scientific study on acute oak decline concludes
Scientists are able to model the future of the forest
“Science for Latvia 2022” personality – Forest Faculty Associate Professor Āris Jansons
Mires – peat – mire cultivation and myths
Which packaging can be returned in the deposit system?
Changes to the VMD are necessary for the service to become a modern and contemporary public administration institution
Application for the issuance of a general administrative act regarding the lynx hunting quota for the 2021/2022 hunting season
State Forest Service employees raise the alarm over planned reforms
2021 was a successful year for Latvian industry
In 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture will invest 21 million euros in education
Globeflower – Plant of the Year 2022
I am an optimist about the future of Latvia's forests
Weasel - Animal of the Year 2022
Corporate sustainability – how far we currently are in Latvia and why companies are thinking about it
To produce or just stand still? The forestry sector has suffered more from decision-makers than from the virus
The Common Swift - Bird of the Year 2022
“State forests will not change course,” a conversation with the new LVM council chairman Edmunds Beļskis
Organised licensed fishing to be discontinued at Lake Zebrus