The movement focuses on both notable trees and oaks. Why is there a specific emphasis on oaks? Are they symbolic for Latvia, or is it because the Aģe notable oak grows on your property?
My closer connection with oaks began thanks to my family property, the Medņi homestead in Vidriži parish. My parents had already started working in rural tourism when the great crisis of 2008 hit, after which some of our previously loyal customers disappeared. We needed a story to make it interesting for people again. Nearby, on the banks of the Aģe, there grew a large oak (a notable tree), which back then was still unnamed. My father had gradually cleared the oak of overgrowth, and there are several other large oaks in the vicinity; I thought to combine them into a hiking trail that would be an additional point of interest. The hike needed a name, and that was how 'Spēkozols' (Power Oak) was born. I patented the name and registered the trademark. The question partly contains the answer: 'Yes, everything started with the Aģe notable oak, which is why we pay more attention to oaks!' From the local oak, I moved on to the Spēkozols, other oaks, and also notable trees in general.
The Aģe oak, as it seems, is well cared for and looked after. How is it elsewhere in Latvia with the care of old, notable trees?
I have been involved a few times in notable tree clearing working bees organised by the representatives of the 'Dabas retumu krātuve' (Nature Rarities Repository), Guntis Eniņš and Māris Zeltiņš. What have I observed? There are enthusiasts who look after large trees regularly, there are private owners who realise that an important and valuable tree grows on their property, and there are owners who do not value the tree, and it grows unnoticed and unmaintained, occasionally surrounded by all sorts of rusting agricultural machinery. I have also observed this situation: a tree has been found, and attempts are made to agree on the tree's care with the owner, but... getting hold of this owner is often difficult. Without the owner's permission, you cannot really go and clear a tree, no matter how mighty and magnificent it may be, even if the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations state that both the notable tree itself and a 10-metre area around its crown projection are protected. Regardless, the owner's permission is required. In the 10-11 years since I have been participating in various activities related to trees and notable trees, the situation has improved, but the aforementioned issues still happen – the tree has been grown over or blocked, or the owner cannot be found to coordinate the care. I have not, however, heard of owners objecting to the care of a tree or notable tree: if the owner is found, there are usually no objections.
So, people aren't afraid of notable tree caretakers...
Yes, one could say that! In recent years, I have organised a photo contest on social media called 'Dižkoku lielvalsts' (Notable Tree Superpower), where I invite people to take a photo with the Latvian flag next to notable trees to raise awareness and knowledge that we have such trees. If a person understands the value of an old, large tree, they will definitely pay more attention to it. I think we all have a subconscious love and respect for trees; it just needs to be reminded.
Has the aforementioned oak trail over the years become longer?
The trail has two loops: two and three kilometres long. Every year I renew the trail markers; this spring, the forest was very wet, a drainage ditch was created, because of which the trail was shifted slightly to the side, though the length has not increased much. The trail has popularity and recognition, the greatest being last year – at the start of the pandemic. If in 'normal times' hiking enthusiasts come once every two weeks, last year I saw people every other day, and in addition, geocachers visit us as well.
In this year's wonderful winter, by the way, for the first time I met people who went on a hike by trudging through the snow. I count visitors as much as possible; there is a camera at the corner of the barn where the trail starts.
Last year, visiting the Vidriži and Lēdurga area, one could hear true joy that the parishes are very active, and fields and forests are well managed.
I agree, everything is happening! On our property, we have both agricultural land and forest. I manage the forests myself, and I have hired help. I lease out the agricultural land; there is a conditional 'queue' for that, meaning the land is leased by two farmers, and two others have been waiting in line for a while: if the current tenant's situation were to change, for example, the 'waiters' are ready to get to work (lease it). There is no free land in the vicinity. People are working and are interested in tidying up their properties.
In terms of forestry, the bustle is similar. Roads are kept in order; for example, my property is located by the road that the school bus has been using for several years. I assume the proximity to cities makes the situation better – Riga is not far, Limbaži and Saulkrasti are close, and it is quite simple to get to Vidriži and Lēdurga. For example, you are here in an hour from Riga.
A thesis from the Latvian self-awareness described on the Spēkozols website: 'We despise laziness and enemies.' The politically correct laziness of the pandemic time and the political squabbles between ministers: 'It is better to do nothing than to do...'
The vast majority of people are diligent, and the best proof of this is our country – Latvia, which we have fought for ourselves, and where we manage and work ourselves. As for the pandemic year: the people around me are hardworking, they are 'doers' and want to work. Yes, some have taken the opportunity to rest for a couple of months, which, on other occasions, is not a bad thing at all! The majority, as I mentioned, of the people I know are active and looking for solutions on how to adapt to work even in a situation of restrictions.
Of course, I see other things too. I run a company with 97 employees and I know that finding workers specifically for production is difficult. This situation repeats every summer, but this year there are people who say: 'I don't want to work now because I am receiving an idle-time benefit and am happily spending these warm, beautiful, sunny summer days. If you are interested in employees, you are welcome to call in the autumn.' (When there will no longer be an idle-time benefit.) How do I rate that? If such a situation lasts more than three months, you cannot call that person diligent. Of course, if a person works in one company and receives an idle-time benefit, but... one could go to work elsewhere, because there is a shortage of labour.
So your company is also short of labour?
Yes, our HR department regularly faces this and is trying to solve it!
'We can do it ourselves, in the way that is best for us.' As relevant as ever: we pretend to listen, we do what is best... Quite often decisions are not 'how it is best for us'', but, using Europe, institutions, organisations, etc., as an excuse, 'how they there or others want''...
Nine roots of Latvian self-awareness were created by me in 2012. I agree with the thought contained in the question: that is unfortunately the case! We can do it ourselves, as is best for us: we must realise this and remind ourselves of it from time to time, and no one forbids us from acting that way. Yes, we are in the European Union, that is where we belong, but there is a lack of awareness or conviction that 'we can do it ourselves'. We do not need to exaggerate requirements. Latvia is rich in forests: a country with such a high proportion of forest must have the ability to adapt various requirements if they exist; there is no need to strengthen European regulations, but rather adapt (use) them for our situation in Latvia. That would be smart action! Of course, many things are regulated by officials... In 30 years of independence, it seems that not many creative people have ended up in the civil service; instead, there are people who want... who find it easier to set strict frameworks and requirements rather than approaching the matter flexibly and with an understanding of the local situation.
It is better that there are fewer officials, but that they are better paid, comparable to the private sector. Nowadays, salary is a serious motivator, and lower salaries in the public sector could be the reason why people without a spark of creative thought end up in the civil service. Understandably, we have both excellent politicians and officials, but... the majority in these 30 years have lacked flexibility, understanding, and creativity.
I would invite everyone to realise: we ourselves can do it in the way that is best for us! Of course, there will be people who think that 'it is being dictated by someone from the European Union' institutions; there might even be a lingering view that the EU and the USSR are something similar, which is not the case at all.
The Awakening. 30 years of independence. The most vivid thing that has happened in 30 years.
The time of the Awakening reminds me, first of all, of the scout movement, which I joined in 1989; my parents wanted this, and my grandfather had once been active in the scouts. It is a worldwide organisation with deep roots in pre-war Latvia, and at that time there were still people active in the organisation who had been scouts in pre-war Latvia (they were around 65 in 1989), providing a great opportunity to pass on knowledge.
30 years of independence... My childhood was very happy; we lived in a private house in Pārdaugava, I did not personally experience any of the negativity of the Soviet times, and my childhood very smoothly 'turned' into the Free State. (If the impression has arisen that I am from Vidriži, no, I am a Rigan, but we have owned the family property in Vidriži for four generations, which we regained in the early 90s.) The first thing I gained as an opportunity in Independent Latvia: studies at the Riga School of Economics – a world-class education right here at home. I have had the opportunity, working in international companies, to implement and use the knowledge gained right here in Latvia. Looking at these 30 years and my contemporaries, I also conclude: it has been a time to realise oneself. Some older people have mixed feelings: for some, opportunities have finally arisen, for others, it has been a difficult time of adapting from one system to another.
Is there any future plan that you are slowly pushing forward...
I have developed the Spēkozols movement: for people who have an interest in caring for, planting, and growing oaks, thinking about the future, I have had two ideas. One: tourism routes for 4x4 minibuses or buses (similar to Iceland), travelling around and viewing Latvia's notable trees. They are found in various places, so to get closer to one or the other, you need a 4x4 vehicle. The journey could last 1-3 days so that it does not become tedious. You can learn and master a lot. I myself have been in Latgale and seen the Istra elm – the largest in Latvia. Knowing how various diseases threaten elms, this tree is a Great Asset. Tours with specific themes could be popular. The second idea is about the development of the family property mentioned in our conversation. For example, a training centre for Latvian lifestyle with elements of entertainment, for example, the tours I just mentioned, lessons as activities in a Latvian manner. The idea has not yet concretised, but some things are already swirling in my head. The Latvian lifestyle is a message about enjoying and celebrating life in a smart way.
One could acquire various useful and practical skills, for example, circular economy, which I call sustainable management. In my opinion, this is the modern manifestation of the Latvian lifestyle. It can and should be linked, because it is modern: ancestral wisdom for modern needs.
The word 'sustainability' sounds very natural and understandable in what you have said...
By education, I am a business manager, an economist, and at the same time a scout and a friend of nature, with the values of the Latvian lifestyle added. To manage sustainably seems to me the only direction to stop climate change. This is the most important reason why, not long ago, I started running a company that deals with textile leasing and which has been operating according to sustainability principles for the last 50 (out of the company's 170) years. I assume that, guided by such principles and views, a manager was also sought. Sustainable management is a natural way to live and work. For me, it is understandable and everyday. For example, in the company, we use water several times; we use dirty hot water for heating, etc. There are people who talk about sustainability and, by talking and talking, have worn this word thin, but actually and practically do nothing!
Photographs by Aivars Liepiņš (Dienas Mediji) and zemeunvalsts.lv have been used