JSC "Latvijas valsts meži" (LVM) is working with scientists to explore the efficient use of wood resources, is inviting citizens to sell their forests to "Latvijas valsts meži", and is reminding the public that the entry fee for Pokaiņi Forest has been abolished – these and other topics are discussed by LVM Board Member Jānis Lapiņš in an interview with "Neatkarīgā".

Using the establishment of the joint venture "Latvijas vēja parki" as a starting point, we wanted to ask you in more detail about LVM's future strategy, upcoming and planned projects in both forest management and timber extraction, as well as the established tradition of creating nature parks and other tourism sites. This is your third year on the LVM Board, which has coincided with a truly challenging period – the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical shocks that have caused a "jump" in energy and timber resource prices; yet, during this time, the ambitious "Latvijas vēja parki" project has been created. How significant is this joint venture with "Latvenergo" for LVM?

For us, it means entering a new market; it is an expansion of our horizons and our business. This will be the first experience of this kind for "Latvijas valsts meži", and for me personally, it was a major challenge to take on and manage LVM's involvement in setting up the joint venture. This is a project of great national significance – a synergy between two of the state's most valuable companies in the name of common national interests. In addition, I would like to add that LVM is not only establishing the joint venture but is also working on solutions to provide land access for wind farm development. LVM does not plan to invest in the projects of other wind farm developers, but we will ensure a fair auction process and the administration of signed contracts. (...)