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

Latvia's economic activity will grow more rapidly in 2025
“Latvijas valsts meži” to hold a discussion on managing the red deer population
At Christmas, at the close of the year... and in 2025
In 2025, EU and state investments totalling EUR 250 million will be available to businesses as support for boosting competitiveness
European Tree of the Year in Latvia 2024
Winners of the “Golden Cone 2024” forest sector annual award honoured
The Ministry of Economics' budget priority for 2025 – support for attracting investment, developing innovation and increasing exports
Relations between people and animals call for common sense
Results of the 2024 survey of agricultural land
Recipients of the Cabinet of Ministers Award
Adapting to climate change with EU fund support: local authorities submit 23 projects
Saeima adopts the 2025 state budget. Where the public funds will go
“Laflora” Kaigu bog has greater carbon accumulation potential in global comparison
“Stiga RM” new timber processing plant project in Ogre applies for 10 million euros in state funding
Laureates nominated for the Forest Sector Annual Award “Zelta čiekurs 2024”
Is there life without wood?
9th International Conference “Scientific, Economic and Social Aspects of Natural Resource Use in the Current Environmental and Geopolitical Context”
“Latvijas valsts meži Art Scholarship 2024” awarded
European Tree of the Year. Voting continues!
Nine-month performance results of “Latvijas valsts meži” for 2024 approved
Few winners, many critics – the climate finance deadlock in Baku
A joint appeal to the European Council from Europe's forest owners and managers
Government delays in decision-making are putting investment at risk!
Multilateral development banks – investment in the circular economy delivers social, economic and environmental benefits
Forestry Conference for Forest Owners 2024
The Ministry of Agriculture's initiative to reduce the bureaucratic burden deserves support
On Latvia's birthday
Economic forecast for autumn 2024: a gradual recovery in an adverse environment
EU lawmakers seek to amend the Deforestation Regulation and approve a delay to its entry into force
“Latvijas valsts meži” collects large quantities of hazardous waste dumped in Pope parish
European Union lawmakers' talks point to a further weakening of the Deforestation Regulation
Europe's wood industry is short of softwood
On Lāčplēsis Day
“Stiga RM” wood-wool board factory to become the world's most modern and technologically advanced
Developments in the European Union – policy, climate, environment and energy
The State Forest Service will now be headed by Andis Purs
European Tree of the Year. Voting has begun!
On the conclusions of the international conference “Senie meži: politika un prakse” (Old-growth forests: policy and practice)
The wood industry is stepping into its next stage of development
AS “Latvijas valsts meži” has been managing the state forests for 25 years
On the field session of the Forest Advisory Council
A school construction project in Sillamäe, Estonia, receives the “Latvijas Finieris” award at the Latvian Architecture Award of the Year
A series of meetings on the new regulatory framework for the GNP has begun with a gathering in Krimulda
The forest sector can be a universal soldier
Ministry of Economics' priority for the 2025 budget – support for attracting investment, developing innovation and increasing exports
Proposals drawn up on increasing compensation, land exchange and new payments in specially protected nature territories
Despite the postponement of the Deforestation Regulation, Europe claims it is “on the right track”
#Budget2025: Several solutions proposed for additional funding for local authorities
Conference “Digital transformation in public administration and the involvement of universities in its implementation”
Discover Gauja National Park by travelling green!
Three billion more trees by 2030
Latvia has the steepest population decline in the European Union
Saeima's Sustainable Development Committee highlights the contribution of NGOs to sustainable development
Government approves climate bill
Switzerland. The biodiversity initiative is not needed for forestry
The “politics of shrinking” threatens unpleasant side effects
Acorn crop harvested at the Jaunjelgava oak plantation
Preventing deforestation risk raises the spectre of a new bureaucratic jungle
A huge win! Vote to change the wolf's status from "strictly protected" to "protected"
Public administration to cut the number of long-vacant posts
“Latvijas valsts meži” – the greenest brand in Latvia in 2024
The Civic Alliance of Latvia launches monitoring of civil society and civic space: the “Spirit Level” takes shape
“Laflora” begins construction of a wind farm and will create a green industrial zone in Kaigu bog
Mežvidi forest nursery – an example of timber construction recognised by experts
Jāņa Čakstes scholarship winner Jānis Platacis honoured
International convention on artificial intelligence and fundamental rights signed
Equipment installation stage approaching at the future “Stiga RM” wood wool cement board factory
We invite you to vote for this year's most appealing energy-efficient building
The European Union will decide on the future of climate, energy and environmental policy
AS “Latvijas Finieris” new Kuldīga veneer mill – a laureate of the “Sustainability in Architecture, Construction, Design in the Baltic States 2024” competition
As summer turns to autumn, it is the perfect time to seek out the European Tree of the Year in Latvia and its story!
Peat Days, 5-8 September 2024
A wide range of hikes at the Slītere National Park Travellers' Days
Potential habitats – a shock for Latvia's foresters
The economic situation is gradually beginning to improve
In the first half of 2024, “Latvijas valsts meži” made a profit of 106.4 million euros
Latvia's forestry sector leaders last year – Ventspils, Kuldīga and Ropaži municipalities
Profit is a source of investment and the foundation of growth
Open-air exhibition devoted to swamp forests on show in Ķemeri
Nature Restoration Regulation enters into force with the aim of promoting ecosystem restoration
How many days a year can a country rely on bioenergy alone? Latvia comes first in the European Union this year
Despite problems with the application of the relevant European legislation, the United Kingdom is being urged to introduce a deforestation bill
“Stiga RM” invests more than 7 million euros in green production transformation
Wood panel manufacturer “Kronospan” acquires cargo terminal in the Port of Riga
Stolen, or did we have to give it up?
Manufacturing is expected to return to positive growth rates in the second half of 2024
Storm has broken and felled around 70,000 cubic metres of trees in state forests
On forest management, professionalism and hysterical demands
Storm damage being surveyed in areas managed by “Latvijas valsts meži”. Nature park and glamping site in Tērvete closed for the time being
“Stiga RM” group turnover reached almost 95 million euros last year
VARAM invites scientists to apply to a project competition for biodiversity research
Ornamental plants will no longer be grown in Gostiņi and Kalsnava
The new Ecodesign Regulation enters into force
Survey on the nature conservation system in Latvia
Centenary event at the Nāves sala memorial – 27 July
Rural employment as hostage to the Green Deal
Overview. Events expected in the European Union over the coming weeks
Sustainable Development Report 2024
ABAVAS winery's Rondo 2021 Reserve, a red wine made from grapes grown in Latvia, has won a bronze award from the prestigious world wine magazine "Decanter"
ERDF funding of EUR 8.14 million to be allocated for improving and developing national park nature centre infrastructure
An educational event dedicated to this year's tree, the dwarf birch, will be held in the Pelēču Lake bog
In May, exports fell slightly year on year, while imports dropped more sharply
European agriculture and forestry – the foundation of a competitive, sovereign and prosperous EU
9th World Forest Week
The Sēlija training area – an investment in our country's defence
New LBTU management team takes office on 1 July
Service Environment Improvement Plan for 2024-2027
Latvia does not support the excessive administrative burden that the Green Claims Directive would place on businesses, particularly on micro-enterprises
“Latvijas valsts meži” begins clearing land for the “Sēlija” military training area
At solstice time and Midsummer
Opening of “Latvijas Finieris” new veneer mill, “Kuldīgas fabrika”
Spring forest planting season concludes. 13,803 ha of state forest regenerated
CO₂ emissions will force changes in land management
Raising productivity is a precondition for growing prosperity. Active measures and targeted investment in human capital development are needed
The series of conferences devoted to sustainable construction will open with "How do we promote the production and use of sustainable building materials?"
“Latvijas Finieris” 2023 performance review
“Latvijas Finieris” begins construction of a unique timber building complex
EU Competitiveness Council reaches conceptual agreement on the future direction of European industry and the single market
“Latvijas valsts meži” to pay 176.7 million euros into the state budget
“Latvijas valsts meži” trials the Swedish “PlantMax” forest planting machine
A significant step taken in improving occupational safety and health practices in forestry
Latvian Forest Days in Tērvete
On the successful regeneration of forests
“Latvia's forests for national security.” On the contribution to society and the rumours going around
On 1 July the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development will be renamed
This weekend – 24 and 25 May, “Latvijas Meža dienas” at the Latvijas valsts meži nature park in Tērvete
“Latvijas Finieris” welcomes EU action against illegal imports of Russian wood products
Territorial planning website – “Ģeoportāls” – now available with a new look
Development problems in Latvia's regions. The Sabile story
"Latvian Forest Days" in Tērvete on 24 and 25 May
Fall in export and import values partly attributable to lower prices
Restrictions on tree felling during the bird nesting season
Times of change breed uncertainty
From a regional family business to an exporter in demand around the world – “Stiga RM” turns 30
Timber availability in Latvia – the current situation and forecasts
A strategy has been drawn up for Latvia to become the region's leader
On the Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia
On the results of the survey of protected habitat distribution and quality and on further action... Objections and proposals
Let us mark the national holiday at the Latvijas Stādu parāde
Interactive exhibition opens its doors to visitors at the LBTU Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences
Gambling with the forestry industry
The forest came to Jelgava again this year
EU Directorate-General for Environment: sustainable forest management is essential in mitigating climate change
Households will continue to use pellets, briquettes and firewood to heat their homes
The Forest Development Fund will support projects to improve public knowledge
New OECD Economic Survey of Latvia to be presented in Riga on 25 April
Zemnieku saeima calls on ministries to restrict the placement of solar panels on agricultural land
Major EU decisions adopted to boost economic activity in agriculture
E-learning course on climate change gathers pace – interest continues to grow
The State Forest Service will carry out inspections in 5874 forest stands
2023 at “Rīgas meži” – continued stable and sustainable growth
We've hit reset. What next?
Ministry of Agriculture's explanation for forest owners and timber buyers following the Constitutional Court ruling
Activities of the “LatViaNature” project reach the final of the European Commission's "Natura 2000 Award"
On the transition to clean energy. The EC assesses dialogues with EU industry and the social partners
Seminar “Management of Wet and Peaty Agricultural Land”
Latvijas Finieris plant in Kuldīga begins operations
Jelgava and the Latvian forest sector invite families, children and young people to an exciting adventure, “The Forest Comes to Jelgava”
Opening of the seedling sorting and processing complex at the Mežvidi nursery of “Latvijas valsts meži”
“Rīgas meži” signs contract on the sale of the “Norupe” sawmill
The 20th Latvian Plant Parade will take place on 4 and 5 May this year
Procedure approved for supplying the population with essential manufactured goods in the event of a threat to the state
Official discussions on the 2040 climate targets were launched at the meeting of the Environment Council
At Easter...
The board of AS “Latvijas valsts meži” has been elected. It will continue to be led by Pēters Putniņš
The forest sector on the edge of a chasm
Forecasts for the development of diseases and pests of apple, pear, stone fruit, raspberry, strawberry and berry bushes
Aigars Rostovskis re-elected President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, new council elected
“Stiga RM” invests 10.5 million euros in expanding its plywood factory
Topping-out ceremony held for the Latvijas valsts meži West Vidzeme region client centre building
Plans to develop a “Fibenol” biorefinery, with investments of up to 700 million euros
Fuel resource prices are stable, with forecasts suggesting a slight decline in natural gas prices in the coming months
183 grass fires extinguished in Zemgale last year
New hunting periods set for several game species
Mežvidi nursery buildings take 1st place in the 'Timber Building' category
The Latvian language and its constitutional protection are both a European value and a matter of national security
Manufacturing is expected to return to positive growth rates overall in 2024
An outstanding achievement – “Betulin Lab” has obtained “COSMOS Ecocert” approval certification
Spring holiday activities: "Ant Mornings" at the "ANT" exhibition
Over 2 km of poachers' nets removed from the water off the coast of the Gulf of Riga in Limbaži Municipality
How not to get lost in the thicket, or some ideas for the sensible protection of forests and people
Heard, or the forest industry protest on 5 March
Current developments in European Union Green Deal policy
New proposal regarding wolf protection in Europe
Congratulations to Professor Irina Pilvere and Professor Baiba Rivža!
Peaty soil layer published on the Rural Support Service public map
New legislation will help restore 20% of EU land and sea areas
We invite you to plant a forest during the “Latvijas valsts meži” Open Forest Days
Final vote on the Nature Restoration Regulation
List of potential board candidates submitted to the council of “Latvijas valsts meži”
A Call to Action. For those who understand!
Support available for the development of new Latvian products and technologies at an international level
IKEA highlights key achievements and climate action in Sustainability and Climate reports
European Tree of the Year. We invite you to participate and vote!
It is 2024. The romantic “Nature Census” and what should forest and landowners do?
VARAM submits informative report on habitat mapping for public consultation
Forestry workers receive awards for excellent work
National PEFC forest management standard approved
Challenges of the Green Deal for the forestry sector – how to keep it “sustainable”
To protect the forest stand, diseased pines in part of Bolderāja forest will be felled
February – Month of Wetlands
Forests cannot be a plaster for achieving climate neutrality
22% drop seen in legal entities' land transactions
How the European Union is using legislation to set a course towards climate neutrality
On 1 March, Liepāja University will become a constituent part of Riga Technical University
Range of services provided by LIAA in the regions to expand
European Tree of the Year. We invite you to take part and vote!
More than 440 residents of Dienvidkurzeme Municipality support the initiative of Cīrava locals to move a municipal road outside the protected area of the Aptiekas Dižozols (Aptiekas Great Oak)
Update on the European Union's progress towards climate neutrality
Timber Industry Future Forum “Innovators or Modest Exporters?” Insight
“Rīgas meži” to begin forest maintenance in the Tīreļi forestry unit, between Jaunmārupe in Mārupe Municipality and Pīļu kalniņš in Olaine Municipality
“Rīgas meži” is planning forest maintenance and forest regeneration work in Stopiņi Parish, between Dzidriņas, Līči and “Ulubele”
Candidates selected for the third round of the competition for AS “Latvijas valsts meži” board member positions
Stepping up the fight against greenwashing in trade
Meža Birža. 2023 felling site prices and auction summary
Investing almost 13 million euros, Stiga RM acquired nearly 1,400 hectares of forest last year
More new companies than liquidated ones. The number of businesses in Latvia has grown by 928
Applications invited for the post of Director General of the Nature Conservation Agency
In 2023, the consumer price level was most significantly influenced by rising prices for services and global price trends
Tetra Pak and Valio launch tethered caps made from certified recycled polymers
Regulatory acts developed for the management, control and eradication of invasive alien species
The roe deer. Animal of the year 2024
Information on the assessment and selection of applicants for the positions of board members of AS “Latvijas valsts meži”
About common snipes
Consolidating the management of the Stiga RM group of companies, AS Stiga RM Pārvaldība has been established
2024 budget for Latvijas valsts meži approved
On the results of the supervision of real estate transaction intermediaries in 2023
The formula for success – sensible solutions
Ziepniekkalns forest maintenance
EU funding available for the development of public infrastructure required for business
Bio-additives and CO₂ tax to push up fuel prices
To improve the resilience of European forests, the European Commission proposes comprehensive monitoring
2024 Bird of the Year – the Little Tern