On 15 and 16 August this year, a meeting took place between the International Peatland Society (IPS) and the Latvian Peat Association (LPA). The International Peatland Society is a non-governmental organisation comprising 48 countries, which aims to promote the protection of peatlands and the sustainable use of their resources; it was represented by its President, Marko Pomerants, and Executive Director, Susann Warnecke. Following this meeting, which was essential for the Latvian peat sector, the LPA agreed on mutual cooperation with the IPS, fulfilling two key objectives: to strengthen the association's international position and to restore the national committee.
During the meeting, the board of the Latvian Peat Association presented its operational tasks and research conducted on peatlands in Latvia, emphasising the need to promote peatland research, the development of peatland restoration solutions, and the advancement of technologies and peat production models that ensure sustainable peatland management.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions was identified as the most significant task for promoting sustainable peatland management. The President of the Estonian Peat Association, Erki Niitlaan, introduced interesting solutions for ensuring climate neutrality in peatland use, demonstrating the sector's and research's current work tasks. The Vice-Chairman of the Latvian Peat Association, Uldis Ameriks, introduced the work directions and development plans of SIA “Laflora”, as well as the company’s operations at the production site and in the peatland.
The leadership of the International Peatland Society invited the Latvian Peat Association to participate in its work as a full-fledged member to promote the development of the sector and the sustainable management of peatland resources.
“The Latvian peat community understands the necessity of being part of the international community associated with peat and peatlands. Through the example of “Laflora” head Uldis Ameriks, one can understand what it truly means to invest in sustainability. Achieving climate neutrality for him is not just a buzzword. As a member of the local community, he understands that after peat extraction there must be responsible land-use alternatives – whether that be energy production or food production. Alongside the economic and environmental aspects, much is also said about social responsibility. How many such producers have their own concert hall? Uldis has one, and, naturally, in the middle of a peat bog. As President of the IPS, I see that the Latvian Peat Association, led by Māris Kļaviņš, is doing commendable work,” admitted Marko Pomerants.
Susann Warnecke added that it was a genuine pleasure to see and hear how scientists and the peat industry in Latvia cooperate and exchange information: “That is the essence of the work of the IPS, and we look forward to cooperating with our Latvian colleagues. Peatlands are important for the economy, the environment, and society, and all interested parties must be involved in decision-making processes at both national and international levels.”
The Latvian Peat Association defends the interests of national land and resource owners and peat extractors for long-term sustainable peat extraction. The association's goals are to promote the integration of peat as a slowly renewable natural resource into the Green Deal, which includes the modernisation of both energy peat and horticultural peat sectors and the reduction of emissions, the promotion of local peat consumption, and the development of innovative peat products with added value.