Articles - Zeme un valsts
11th International Conference of the Forest Certification Council of Latvia in 3 days, 29 October. Learn more ›

Latest articles

Polish company Barlinek closes plant in Ukraine due to drone attack
By closing down production in Latvia or the EU, we will simultaneously support the development of the sector elsewhere, including in countries hostile to us. An interview with Normunds Stivriņš, Professor at the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology at the University of Latvia
Portugal's forests – the “Montado” phenomenon and the eucalyptus problem
Knowledge that helps you and your forest grow

Poll

In recent weeks, both in the Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers, the thesis has been heard once again: “We must act this way, otherwise there will be penalties, infringement procedures, etc.” Often, such a pseudo-argument completely excludes reasonable disputes, discussions, or alternatives, forcing those responsible to make decisions hastily and not always in the interests of Latvia. Why is that?
Old habits are hardening - someone somewhere knows better, let us rely on them
Lack of sufficient capacity or laziness to defend a different point of view
A generation of cabinet officials has been created who are accustomed to accepting rather than delving into matters
This is a serious problem for Latvia for which no solution is being sought. It will probably be all right somehow...

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”

VIDEO

Will Finland's sand battery revolutionise energy storage?
Collector coin “Chestnut”
Trees on agricultural land – perennial plantations, short-rotation coppice or agroforestry?!

Articles

Polish company Barlinek closes plant in Ukraine due to drone attack

By closing down production in Latvia or the EU, we will simultaneously support the development of the sector elsewhere, including in countries hostile to us. An interview with Normunds Stivriņš, Professor at the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology at the University of Latvia

Portugal's forests – the “Montado” phenomenon and the eucalyptus problem

Knowledge that helps you and your forest grow

Ireland's Forests, Fields and Peat – the Fight for a “Place in the Sun”. Part II. Peat in Ireland. Ecologists and Brussels' Requirements

Ireland's forests, fields and peat – the fight for a “place in the sun”. Part I. Forestry “Irish-style” and nature conservation – conflicts and scandals

The European Nature Restoration Law and its impact on forestry – a crisis in Finland and lessons useful for Latvia

“Thank you for coming and appreciating our work!” An interview with Arnis Muižnieks, Chairman of the Board of the Forest Owners Association of Latvia

Tuscany – not just history, wine and sun, but forestry too

Rēzekne to host discussion on the importance of bioeconomy for Latgale's economic development

Saeima enshrines in law that an animal is not an object, but a living and sentient being

Will managing your own land result in a threat of imprisonment?

Tree disease-causing bacterium identified in an infected human for the first time

I would call it groundless and damaging conduct. An interview with Jānis Švirksts, owner of “Step Up Certification”

Finland’s experience is relevant to the situation in Latvian forestry

Green energy is saving Germany's climate plans – public opinion is divided

“The new life of old wood” – interior design solutions at a Latvian company

European Tree of the Year in Latvia 2026. We invite you to choose and vote!

A high value-added economy begins at school

Revitalisation strategies being developed for nearly 1000 hectares of historic peat extraction sites in Latvia

Data centre construction in Finland halted – what is the situation elsewhere in Europe?

INVL fund sells 2,600 hectares of forest land in Latvia

“Latvijas valsts meži” participates in the Forest Industry Day
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
Stricter penalties to be applied for environmental crimes
How we are doing with meeting UN sustainability goals – five facts about the environment in Latvia
An increasing number of people do not understand that a board does not “just appear” in a factory. An interview with Āris Jansons, Dr. silv., Director of the Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture
The future of the forest sector begins in dialogue – Forestry Industry Day to take place at the University of Latvia
On Latvia's development and statehood. An interview with Uldis Biķis
Unique Skriveri Dendrological Park collection enriched with 38 new trees and shrubs
“Laflora” publishes its first sustainability report and joins the Peat Industry Sustainability Memorandum
Irish experience helps Latvian municipalities plan the future of historic peat extraction sites
Riga Nordic University launches international scientific journal “Interdisciplinarity in Applied Sciences”
“Latvijas valsts meži” – The Greenest Brand in Latvia in 2026
Latvia is the best place in the world to live. An interview with Romāns Naudiņš, entrepreneur
European Union regulation on carbon removals – how does it affect Latvia and how can it be implemented?
The annual driven hunt season begins in Latvia on 1 October
Product complexity and the circular economy – how to further unlock competitive potential
“The Wonderful New Latvia” or political pre-election promises
European Union Nature Directives stress test – situation and conclusions. Impact in Latvia
The forest comes to Jelgava 2026
There will be no 1940 here – we now have our own art of war
Purchasing power has increased, yet almost half still fail to build savings
Loans are most often taken out for cars, housing, and consumer durables, rather than for daily expenses
Five camps in Latvia and a Baltic Jamboree: Scouts and Guides round off the summer and invite you to join
71% of residents predict a rise in house prices; market trends confirm this
Nature credits – how they work in practice and future forecasts
Latvian Peat Industry Sustainability Memorandum Signed
Latvian design triumphs in Europe – an innovative tree-growing solution wins the European Design Award
A common problem for companies of all sizes – a shortage of specialists
Are Germany's climate neutrality goals disappearing in the heating smoke?
Will Finland begin nickel and copper extraction in a Natura 2000 area, and what is the story of the “Kurzeme ores”?
Nature restoration will not be implemented by Brussels – it must be carried out together with landowners. Conclusions in the context of Latvia
The list is finalised – wood, pulp, and paper manufacturers will have to adapt to new European requirements
Timber sales volumes from private forests in Ireland are rising. What are the sector's goals for the near future?
Changes to tree-felling procedures outside forests come into effect
30 years of the Birch Programme
Sandis Jansons to lead AS “Latvijas valsts meži”
A heavy blow to the Latvian forest industry – the European Emissions Trading System reform
What is the US Forest Service 'Roadless Rule' and why does President Trump want to repeal it?
Which are Latvia’s most attractive employers and what is the portrait of an attractive employer?
Scots pine supports European electricity grids – the green transition boosts demand for wooden utility poles
Autumn Plant Parade in Sigulda on 19 September
Poland’s choices and options – wind farms and nuclear energy
Skrīveri Dendrological Park Festival
Paper outperforms screens in the learning process
Household spending reaches record high
Investments in natural capital are growing rapidly worldwide
Letter from AS “Latvijas Finieris” to the Board of Latvijas Banka
11th International Conference of the Forest Certification Council of Latvia "Environment and Sustainable Forest and Land Management – Current Solutions"
Autumn Plant Parade in Sigulda. The finest autumn plants and meetings with Latvian growers
Forests of the Kingdom of Siam – between nature conservation and flare-ups of conflict
The first step – an adequate compensation system!
The story of Myanmar’s forests and “blood teak”
Forest management in the land of Dracula
Saeima committee proposes expanding power line corridors to reduce damage from falling trees and power outages
Open letter regarding concerning trends in the activities of Latvijas Banka
Reflections on the Latvian and his forest
“Zemnieku saeima” to demand explanation from Latvijas Banka as to why biodiversity guidelines were developed without industry involvement
When forecasts collapse. Russian timber exports to China
Forestry work halted in Finland due to African swine fever
“The Forest Comes to Jelgava 2026” invites you to experience the forest in the heart of the city – Jelgava Palace Park
Hunting Award of the Year 2025
“Green Colonialism” in the Nordic countries and the Sámi people
The wheel of samsara in Indian forestry
Survey: 34% of Latvian companies are not concerned about cyberattacks
Storm damages state forests across Latvia
The storm is over. But will we be ready for the next one?
LAPAS in cooperation with VUGD to train more than 270 civil protection volunteer coordinators
Timber processing volumes are stable for companies operating in Latvia
Not knowing does not lift the restrictions: what may not be brought in from countries outside the European Union
Forestry in Hungary: eras and conflicts. A comparison with Latvia
Risk of collisions with young storks rises at the end of summer
Labour market remains stable – unemployment without significant change
“Stiga RM” plans to buy nearly 2,000 ha of forest, investing in Latvia's forests as an asset
State forest land as compensation in the implementation of projects of public importance
Tree-felling procedure outside forests to be simplified, administrative burden eased
Forest owners will need fewer repeat measurements. Forest management procedures to be simplified
Letter to members of the 14th Saeima. On not supporting the draft law “Amendments to the Criminal Law” (No. 1325/Lp14) at second reading and returning it to committee for revision
Latvijas valsts meži to appeal Competition Council’s fine over long-term logging contracts
Ministry of Economics: the National Nature Restoration Plan needs an in-depth assessment
Survey: for young people in Latvia, a “long-term job” means 3–5 years; for those over 40, more than 10 years
Artificial intelligence identifies trees from the air as accurately as the human eye: potential applications in the near future
Share of organically farmed land reaches 40% in two Latvian municipalities for the first time in history
European Union Hits Historic Record for Renewable Energy Share in Final Consumption. Latvia Ranks 4th
Finland can and knows how – Latvia cannot and will not?!
“Stiga RM” Group Turnover Tops 100 Million Euros for the First Time
“Why are the trees here so big?”
Market fluctuations and price changes are reducing timber volumes in Latvia
The Baltics and Climate Neutrality: Where Do We Stand?
European countries are making timber use a priority. Why isn’t Latvia?
Heat is “scorching” Germany's economy
Benelux countries – the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg: their forests, nature and society
Russian Drones Attack Ukrainian Timber Trucks. The War’s Damage to Ukraine’s Ecosystems
Depozīta punkts explains: where does the 10 cents go if deposit packaging is not returned to the system?
Is Latvia's economy heading west?
Russian Timber Supplies to China Shrink as Belarusian Export Volumes Surge
The European Union Emissions Trading System. Impact and potential problems in Latvia
IKEA tightens wood-origin checks across Europe and beyond