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

46 investment projects completed this year
We must seize bioeconomy opportunities
Identifying user needs for cross-border service provision while ensuring data sovereignty (ACROSS)
Latvian green hydrogen startup Naco Technologies has raised 1.2 million euros
FSC certification. Could terminating the FSC certificate create competitiveness issues for Poland? IKEA and FSC
Latvia among leaders in timber exports
At Christmas, the end of the year... and in 2024
Latvijas valsts meži to donate 468 computers to Ukrainian schoolchildren
List of water bodies at risk updated
Biomass procurement principles are transforming
Top industries by turnover and profit in 2022
Hydrogen centre of excellence planned for Latvia. RTU and Fokker Next Gen N.V. agree to collaborate on the development of zero-emission aviation
From 2024, Latvijas valsts meži will stop the dual forest certification process, choosing the leading European certification system – PEFC
PEFC certification system to be used in state forests from now on
The impact of climate change and wind on forestry
President presents the Export Champion award to “Latvijas Finieris”
Thaw and flood risks in Latvia at the end of December
The National History Museum of Latvia publishes a collection of scientific papers, “Wood and Man in Northern Europe from Prehistory to the Present Day”
In memoriam. Aija Zviedre
Ministry of Economics 2024 budget priority is business competitiveness
Turning European directive defects into effects
“Rīgas meži” to begin maintenance work in Šmerlis Forest
Do not cut down a Christmas tree in Riga and Pierīga forests! Relax in them and enjoy the winter!
“Latvijas valsts meži” continues to purchase forest land even as the market slows down
Diversification work to be carried out in the Engure Lake Nature Park coastal forest dunes
European Tree of the Year in Latvia
What will be discussed at the UN COP28 climate change summit?
Latvijas valsts meži’s nine-month operational results highlight the unstable situation in the forestry sector
“Rīgas meži” are the first in Latvia to join the European initiative to plant three billion trees for the future of the planet
Wood processing company “Vēvers” has invested 4 million euros in company development this year
Latvia is the world's largest supplier of peat products
Overview: COP28 and European Union activities in the context of the Green Deal
European Tree of the Year in Latvia. We invite you to take part and vote!
Exhibition 'Bears in Collages by Jelgava Art School Students and Works by Estonian Photographers'
Investing 850,000 euros, Stiga RM is developing a metalworking plant in Milzkalne
8th International Conference “Changes and Solutions in Environmental Policy for Sustainable, Climate-Neutral Economic Development”
How much and when will we have to invest in a “green home”?
On Latvia's birthday
Study: 82% of residents admit that practical tips and information about benefits would motivate them to reduce waste
On wolves in Europe. An open letter to EC President U. von der Leyen
What are the key issues in utilising Latvia’s forest resources in the new conditions?
Latvia's green gold – why forests are becoming an even more attractive investment
“Surprises” in tax collection instead of tax reform
Seminar "Sustainability in Practice: EUDR and CO₂ Emissions Management"
Felled in Mārupe, still standing in Cīrava, or a story about the Aptiekas Oak in a land of ancient trees
Timber resource availability – a stabiliser for industrial development
Export growth in the coming months will continue to be affected by weak external demand and geopolitical uncertainty
On Lāčplēsis Day
More than 26 million euros to be made available for promoting innovation and technology transfer
European Tree of the Year in Latvia. Voting
Log price levels in Latvia are eating into international competitiveness
Call for participation in a survey on issues vital to the development of the Kurzeme coast
A/s “Latvijas valsts meži” – the third most valuable company in Latvia
VARAM priorities in the 2024 budget
Happy 102nd birthday to Daugavpils University!
Ministry of Agriculture awards for industry employees
Following an assessment of a submission by Latvijas valsts meži, the Competition Council has fined three companies
Nuclear energy, gas, renewables: What will power the French-German “engine” in the future?
Joint stock company “Latvijas valsts meži” has been managing state forests for 24 years
Latvijas Finieris Sustainability Report 2022
Latvia's economic development does not end at the border of Riga
Time capsule with a message for future generations to be laid in the foundations of the new Latvijas valsts meži West Vidzeme region customer centre
Recommended preventative measures to reduce wolf attacks compiled
We invite you to familiarise yourself with the Code of Ethics for Nature Tourists in Latvia!
Stiga RM begins export of birch plywood to Australia
On the 2023 Latvian Architecture Award
An uncharacteristic price decrease observed in September
Conference “Latvia’s sustainability: environment, people, economy. Where are we heading?”
Motorcyclists must only use authorised routes in the forest! “Rīgas meži” offers Enduro moto trails!
Manufacturing output volumes fell by 3.8% year-on-year in August
“Latvijas valsts meži” restores rare esker forest in the “Posolnīca” nature reserve
In cooperation with Ziedot.lv, “Rīgas meži” is for the first time offsetting the “CO₂ footprint” of responsible travellers by creating new birch and black alder forest stands
Planned changes to taxes from 2024
8th International Conference “Changes and solutions in environmental policy for sustainable, climate-neutral economic development”
Retail trade continued to decline in August 2023
6.4 million euros allocated for investment, export, and start-up support in the 2024 budget
Fire-risk period passed relatively calmly for Rīgas meži – 83 small fires extinguished over 18 ha
A difficult sustainability reporting exam awaits businesses
JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” and the Ministry of Agriculture sign a memorandum of cooperation with “Forests of Ukraine”
Foundation laying complete for “Stiga RM” wood acoustic board factory. Investment volume to reach €4.8 million this year
Autumn Bird Day events will also take place in Ķemeri, Salacgrīva, Kolka and Līgatne
29 September: Researchers' Night at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies in Jelgava
JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” receives the greenest brand award
Winners of the “Most Energy Efficient Building in Latvia 2023” competition – from Riga, Ogre, and Mārupe
How the revision of the Firearms Regulation will affect stakeholders
SIA “Stiga RM” objections to the revised version of the draft Cabinet of Ministers regulations “Regulations on nature reserves”
Wooden pallets from China – dangerous packaging
Researchers' Night event “Forest Science Afternoon” on 29 September
Latvijas valsts meži nature park in Tērvete to reopen to visitors this weekend
We invite you to share your views on the “Gudenieki” and “Nīcas īvju audze” nature reserves by 12 October
“Plekste – the Queen of Autumn”. A celebration of the sea and fish in Jūrmalciems
Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science announces an open call for project applications
European Commission approves amendments to Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027
Principles of Carbon Pricing: How They Work
New collaboration models for promoting biodiversity in private grasslands and forests to be tested in Latvia
VARAM: Regional convention meeting discusses issues regarding school and public order network reforms
JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” ends the half-year with a pre-tax profit of €161.1 million
Timber processing company Byko-Lat changes its name. Changes also in the management board
Mushroom Day at Līgatne Nature Trails
Reflections on the distribution tariff reform in the shadow of the aggressor state Russia's war
“Stiga RM” invests in residential housing for employees and the expansion of its metalworking plant
“Rīgas meži” offers a solution for overwintering horses in Mangaļsala. Equestrian club and associations invited to continue discussions
Recommendations for hunters during the high-risk period for highly pathogenic avian influenza
Culling mangy foxes significantly reduces the spread of the disease
Latvijas valsts meži announces areas available in the 2023 auction for wind farm development on state forest land
Investing EU funds to improve the environmental monitoring system
Dormouse Evening to be held at Līgatne Nature Trails on 19 August
From September, LBTU will implement several structural changes
Educational walk to explore the grey dune restoration carried out by Latvijas valsts meži in the Ovīši Nature Reserve
Informative guide created on necessary approvals for nature tourism and event organisers
Zemgale forests suffer most in storm
European Commission has adopted final sustainability reporting rules
Minister for Agriculture orders assessment of agricultural damage caused by today's severe storms
Storm causes serious damage to LVM Nature Park in Tērvete. Park temporarily closed
The situation in forests and new political trends in Europe point to a decrease in wood production volumes in the near future
State Forest Service celebrates 30 years
Call for submissions for public awareness projects in the media
“Latvijas valsts meži” seeks opportunities for the productive use of historical and degraded peatlands
Problems that NATO partners will not solve
Latvia's "green gold" in construction. Reasons to use wood
“Stiga RM” companies increase turnover by 23% in the first half of the year, reaching a record growth rate
New challenges for the timber market this year
Reflection on the Conditions of the EU Deforestation Regulation
Bread Day at Āraiši Windmill on 30 July
Representatives of 'Ukrainas Meži' learn from the experience of 'Latvijas valsts meži'
Sanitary logging to be carried out in Tīnūži parish to protect forest from mass outbreak of European spruce bark beetle. Pines to be planted there in spring
Arvīds Ozols to head the State Forest Service
Alder leaves damaged by leaf beetles
On the role of forest owners in the timber industry, motivation, and fair treatment from the state
From 31 July, trains from Riga to Liepāja and back will run every day
Invitation to Bat Night in Ķemeri, Lielstraupe and Dundaga
Nature restoration: MEPs adopt position for negotiations with the Council
European Commission approves 6.8 million euro funding for Latvian farmers
On the Nature Restoration Law in the European Parliament
“Rīgas meži” to renovate the Cenas tīrelis bog boardwalk; it will be temporarily closed
Surface to be renewed and 425 trees maintained on the initial section of the Valmiera highway
LVMI Silava invites you to a seminar on growing sweet cherries for timber
If owners are forbidden from managing their own forests, the state must compensate for the lost income
Technology company “eAgronom” raises 5.5 million US dollars to promote sustainable farming practices
VARAM: ERDF funding will boost the development of smart municipalities
“Deposit disaster” felt across the country, says LTA; VVD and DIO emphasise the importance of small retailers
Around the solstice and Jāņi
What to expect next for the Latvian timber market? Forecasts remain unclear
Government supports transition to five waste management regions
Northern Forest Administration of Ukraine confirms death of six forestry workers
Laying of the time capsule in the foundations of the new “Stiga RM” production building
Scientists reject “misleading claims” used in “attacks” on EU nature conservation reforms
“The greatest ecocide in Ukraine” – The blowing up of the Kakhovka HES dam threatens thousands of species
Who will profit from Latvia's wind farms?
State Environmental Service presents the "Green Excellence 2023" annual environmental protection award in eight categories
“Laflora” receives the State Environmental Service’s Green Excellence Award
The Nature Conservation Agency informs the public on the correct course of action when encountering a wild animal
Cleanup event to control dangerous invasive species: "Let's Catch the Aliens in Vecdaugava!"
Amendments to the Forest Law will ensure faster implementation of forest protection measures
Deforestation Regulation: the essentials in brief
Latvia's top nature tourism code of ethics
Residents of Latvian cities can apply for EU funding support for the replacement of old and inefficient heating equipment
Warning issued over outbreak of leaf-eating pests in birch stands
“Latvijas valsts meži” brings the state 203 million euros in dividends
Top 25 largest real estate transactions in April
Economic performance of “LVM Zemes dzīles” in 2022
Deforestation Regulation (EUDR*) approved by the EU Council
Latvijas valsts meži has announced a tender for timber transport services
Last year, companies paid 9.8 billion euros in taxes to the state budget
“EkVidO2” or “Ecology. Environment. Air” – the new name and brand for “Rīgas meži” environmental education
First farm in Latvia receives certificate providing better financing conditions for sustainable farmers
“Rīgas meži” launches auction of red deer hunting rights
On the Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia
Investing €500,000 in equipment modernisation, Stiga RM to quadruple exports to Canada
“Latvijas valsts meži” temporary board expresses no confidence in three board members. Temporary board members elected
INVL fund acquires 1270 ha of forest and land in Latvia
How to detect the presence of a bear in the forest – guidelines for hunters and forestry workers
Fight against hogweed continues successfully near Ulbroka
Forest fire danger season begins on 1 May
EU adopts the “most significant climate legislation ever”
The forest comes to Jelgava. A photo overview
Applications open for compensation payments for Natura 2000 forest areas
Latvian forestry industry representatives learn from Austrian experience
Following cooperation between “Rīgas meži” and the Jūrmala police, a particularly destructive forest offender – a cable excavator and thief – has been caught in the night
European Parliament bans products linked to deforestation
European Parliament adopts the 'Holy Trinity' of climate legislation
Two new Cabinet regulations – “Regulations regarding protected avenues” and “Regulations regarding protected dendrological plantings”
Baloži peat railway work party on 22 April
New procedure for beekeepers to receive state and European Union support
Bauska to host 'Vimbu svētki' (Vimba Festival) for the fifth time
“Stiga RM” acquires 505 ha of Latvian forest from Scandinavian owners
The vote on the EU Deforestation Regulation will be in April. What can we expect?
FSC ceases forest certification in Russia
Research begins on 70 previously identified fish migration barriers in rivers
Current issues in the timber industry: price rises and falls, the battle against the spruce bark beetle
An emergency situation in forestry poses a literal challenge
Aquaculture farms to receive support for meeting enhanced aquatic environmental requirements
At Easter...
State Chancellery announces competition for the position of Director General of the VMD
Eurozone inflation is falling rapidly, but core inflation reaches a new record high of 5.7%.
The forest comes to Jelgava
EP agrees to increase CO2 absorption and raises 2030 EU climate targets
“Rīgas meži” closely monitors the spread of the European spruce bark beetle and implements control measures
New procedures for wild boar hunting
Professor Māris Laiviņš honoured for a lifetime dedicated to forest research
State of emergency declared in 32 Latvian municipalities from 1 April to 30 June to control the European spruce bark beetle, a major threat to spruce stands
How the EU is attempting to curb the use of false green claims (greenwashing)
One meter for the home, another for the electric car: how could the EU's new energy system save consumers money?
Lists of Latvian residents deported in 1941 and 1949 now available on digital map
“Rīgas meži” invites applications for a consultant to manage the investor search and sale process for the “Norupe” sawmill
UN Sustainable Development Goals in Latvia – missed opportunities for progress
Polish oak “Fabrikant” named “European Tree of the Year 2023”. Sēja Oak takes 12th place
Ministerial debate: "100 Days in Government: Climate, Nature and Environmental Policy Plans"
Latvijas valsts meži begins the sale of wood chips for energy
EP agrees to increase CO₂ absorption and raises 2030 EU climate targets
Is a third wave of emigration brewing?
Foreign embassies to participate in the Big Clean-up
European Parliament wants to find new EU revenue sources
The council of 'Latvijas valsts meži' calls on the management board to complete the audit as soon as possible and address shortcomings in long-term logging contracts
Procedures for completing the register of hunted animals have been changed
“Rīgas meži” begins spring birdhouse cleaning and crafting work bees
Bauska hosts the Vimba Festival for the fifth time
The story of carbon storage in forests begins at the roots
Cheaper fossil fuels will not hinder the transition to renewable resources
“Latvijas valsts meži” Forestry Excellence Awards presented
European Tree of the Year 2023. Let's support the Sēja Oak!
It is strictly forbidden to be near the felling of hazardous poplars in “Mežaparks”
Latvijas valsts meži management meets with OECD representatives
The peat sector must more actively promote the reduction of GHG emissions and CO2 sequestration
“Latvijas Finieris” to provide aid to Turkey worth €50,000
A minister cannot work in isolation from the sector
Electricity to be produced and greenhouses to be built in Kaigu Bog
Animal rights activists seek reduction in hunting quotas
Emergency measures being prepared to combat bark beetles in spruce stands
Latvia's forestry sector – high potential, must adapt to the modern era
Reed Sculpture Festival to take place in Ķemeri National Park this year
What to do with end-of-life tyres?
Biofuel prices in Latvia have fallen by almost 40%
“Rīgas meži” invites proposals for a tender to attract an investor for the sale of the “Norupe” sawmill
Wolves are coming from Latvia's east – attacks are becoming more frequent and brutal
World Wetlands Day kicks off a month of wetland conservation and restoration in Latvia
Wood prices can still only be forecast in the short term
Laflora to begin construction of wind farm in the first half of this year
Annual report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the work done and planned activities in the state's foreign policy and European Union matters in 2022
“Rīgas Meži” to introduce neighbourhood associations and residents to planned forest management work in “Mežaparks” and its surrounding areas
Forest owners oppose ban on the use of firewood and woodchips for heating
Data on foreign investments in municipalities in 2022 summarised
Seminar to introduce small grant competition for the control of invasive species
Tree felling volumes in December
2023 examination schedule for hunters and hunt managers published
Financial discipline and austerity policies are incompatible with climate goals
Marsh fern chosen as Plant of the Year 2023
European projects alarm land managers