The Latvian Peat Association (LNKB), which brings together leading scientists from various Latvian research institutions specialising in peatland management, peat extraction and utilisation, as well as the largest peatland owners, was admitted on 10 October this year to the international peatland and peat research organisation IPS (International Peatland Society).
The LNKB has been particularly active in advocating for the sustainable use of peat resources, evaluating both socio-economic and climate aspects through a scientific approach and dispelling various stereotypes. To date, the association's experts have been widely represented at both climate conferences held in Latvia and at the UN summit held this year.
As LNKB leader Valērijs Kozlovs emphasises: “I am very pleased that the correction of errors has been successful and that the work of the Latvian national committee of the IPS has been restored. This is logical, given that Latvia is one of the world's peat powers – it is our traditional resource, which we have used and studied for centuries – these are competencies that have no equal in the world. We have successfully dispelled many myths about emissions and peatland sustainability in Latvia and are ready to share this knowledge by collaborating with scientists and research institutions from other countries, building a science-based understanding of peat as a resource and a habitat in the context of biodiversity, and just as importantly – its role in human life and prosperity.”
The IPS is one of the oldest and largest international organisations, which has set as its goal to unite scientists, peat resource extractors and processors with the aim of ensuring the sustainable use of peatlands, including the preparation of proposals for legislative initiatives. The IPS currently has sixteen national committees operating from countries such as Canada, Estonia, Finland, China, Germany, Ukraine, and others. The organisation has played a significant role in creating modern understanding of the sustainable use of peatlands, as well as helping many young scientists in the research process.
As IPS board member Bernd Hofer emphasised during the board meeting when deciding on the LNKB's admission, before announcing the positive decision: “Latvia is one of the most important countries in Europe, both from the perspective of resource supply and its potential for peatland restoration and protection; therefore, Latvian representation in the IPS is important.”
Dr. geol. Ilze Ozola, a representative of the Latvian Peat Association and a long-time researcher of peatlands, notes: “Intersectoral cooperation and joint efforts to find security, balance and sustainability are of particular importance in Latvia. I believe that our 'brown gold of the earth' has a place and a role in solving climate issues, mitigating energy crises, food production, and preserving and increasing biodiversity. It must not be a battle of bans and different lobbies; these must be science-based decisions. I see that it is precisely the open and development-oriented work of the national committee that can lay these foundations, providing our legislators and peatland managers with recommendations and a scientifically correct framework for decision-making.”
The LNKB has set the development of the 'Peat Strategy 2050' as one of its most important strategic tasks, both nationally and in its work within the IPS. It is based on research initiated by the association and internationally recognised, promoting the balanced long-term use of Latvia's peat resources – creating innovative products and ensuring national development and security. The association believes that such a roadmap will be an important tool for Latvian decision-makers, peatland managers and the international community alike.
Previously reported: Latvian Peat Association objects to VARAM plan to phase out the use of peat in energy by 2030. The association believes it is in Latvia's national interest to decline the EUR 184 million in Just Transition Fund (JTF) financing, which is less than the amount paid in direct taxes by the peat industry over ten years, without even assessing the industry's significant impact on other sectors of the economy. In the association's view, such a ban, which would destroy a sector of the economy important for energy independence and security, is unacceptable.