You have substantial experience and knowledge regarding Latvian forests and their management, and you also have a certain insight into and knowledge of Swedish forestry. What does the word “green” mean to you?
To an outsider, the question might seem simple: “Well, why not answer it?”
As for any Latvian, it is my homestead, my roots, my Latgale, the land of my ancestors in the Burzava hills, where the house built by my forefathers still stands; alongside it, I have built a new one so that my children and grandchildren can live there. I manage my own land; I don't let bushes grow in the meadows, and I have dug ponds. Yes, I am more of a “sofa” farmer, but I like it when my meadow is mown! I have participated in a programme for biologically valuable grassland areas, and orchids grow in my meadows. There is a gully, a habitat within the gully, which was discovered by nature census takers, and to which I have no objection. I own 2 hectares of birch forest that has been flooded by a beaver, which I am not trying to drive away. I think every Latvian would say similar words when talking about what is green. I could talk about this forever because I enjoy doing it; as I speak, I see the landscape on my property: the sun rises, swans swim in the pond, a moose watches from the top of the hill, skylarks and starlings awaken... In honour of my son, I have planted an oak tree that is growing thicker and bushier. That is my green!
Burzava hills. Once upon a time, when the Daugavpils-Pitalova train stopped at Burzava station. What is happening on the railway right now?
The former St Petersburg–Warsaw railway line. The railway is still there; although passenger trains have not run for some time, freight trains pass by now and then, though their frequency has decreased. The number of people working on the railway is also shrinking, as many operations have been automated.
We are often described in the forestry sector as using the Swedes and Finns as a good example or best practice. Speaking with colleagues in Latvia, it is clear that we are no worse.
Working for a Swedish company, there are things about the Swedish approach to forest management that I really like, but I certainly do not consider the Scandinavians and their experience in forestry to be a dogma or a mandatory model for Latvia that we should cling to at all costs. We have certain differences; we have a different mentality that must definitely be taken into account when managing Latvian forests. Yes, we must learn from the Swedes and other good practices in the world, but we must follow our own path!
What is this “very agreeable” experience in Swedish forestry?
The Swedes think strategically longer and further into the future. Much further! They have 50-100-year strategies, and these numbers mean something! In Latvia, this is not the case; this is not a criticism, as we have had a very chequered history, historical events have torn us apart, and people in Latvia have become used to living for shorter periods of time. That is not the fault of the locals, if you can put it that way! It is historically ingrained. I can already see that, slowly but surely, the desire to think further ahead and in the long term is becoming more pronounced. If something is not profitable or advantageous today, the Swedes know that in 20-30 years' time, that same “something” will be beneficial for both the forest and the people.
How would you explain the clichés of recent years when talking about forests: “Oh! The whole of Latvia has been sold to the Swedes!”
I do encounter this! Even while walking along a forest path, I meet people and hear: “everything is being sold to the Swedes”, “all the forests are being cut down”, “nothing is being planted”! These are clichés that one should not take offence to. What to do? Every forester must explain in a calm tone that those who express such thoughts are mistaken. Regarding the areas sold to the Swedes: they are small compared to Latvia's total area; there is nothing to worry about. I would suggest considering that Swedish companies (at least mine) do not buy the grandest and best forests. They buy those that have been harvested and often “messed up” by our own countrymen. What do the Swedes organise? Preparing the soil, planting, tending, performing new valuations, setting new boundaries. Who carries out this work? Not the Swedes, but local people, our own. The investments in Latvia are quite large. By the time a tree grows up, quite a lot has been paid...
People in Vidzeme are surprised that in Latgale, ungulates happily feast on young spruces, and not just pines...
By the way, when I was finishing my studies, I wrote in my diploma thesis that ungulates cause a lot of damage to our spruces: they nibble them! Both deer and moose enjoy our tasty spruces! Protective measures are necessary, and investments in them are understandable and important. As for animal density – it has increased, and that cannot be denied. Whether it is good or bad... As I mentioned, I enjoy seeing a moose or roe deer running on a hilltop, but their large numbers are a serious problem for young stands.
Bears in Latgale...
I don't notice them around Burzava because there are no large forest masses around my property; they haven't come to us, no tracks have been spotted, and the neighbours haven't mentioned anything either. When I started my career as a surveyor, I saw bear tracks by a stream in Katleši village, not far from Žīguri. When I realised it was a bear, I didn't feel comfortable. But... there is a place for him among us too...
Bears in songs or fairy tales: little paws, soft paws, “Aijā, žūžū...” In real life and the forest: the largest predator in Latvia
Even small lapdogs can bite nastily, let alone wild animals... One should not exaggerate friendship with a bear!
Certification. The largest forest owners get certified, smaller ones look at the possible benefits... Certification, which at one time was intended more for the equatorial region and its forests, has now concentrated in Europe
A slippery issue... If we talk about my company, Sodra, I don't think we would work any differently or worse if we were not certified. My experience with FSC certification in Russia, in the Komi Republic, where I worked for five years with interruptions consulting companies and preparing them for certification, is different. In Russia, I did see a difference: how certified companies work and, right next to them, on the other side of the boundary line, the non-certified ones. Very sharp differences. For example, in the springs, you could see oil flowing in streams from non-certified areas... Quite bleak!
In Latvia, certification keeps the forest owner in a certain state of tone: “Be ready, be up to standard, don't lower the bar!” FSC certification is a useful thing, but it should focus more on the activities where it is truly needed. Yes, forestry in Europe is in fairly good order, and it is unlikely that it is or will be perfect anywhere! It is simpler to keep a certificate in Europe than in Brazil or the Equatorial zone of Africa.
How did you end up in Russia?
Thanks to my former employer Gundars Skudriņš; collaborating with him was an excellent experience, and many thanks to my friend Ilgvars Zihmanis for his support in preparing the documentation.
While certifying a forest in Russia, I met my future wife, who was working as an accountant for a timber export company.
New, green trends in Europe... What do the Swedes think about that?
The Swedes can be admired because their Nordic calmness is a great asset. Their approach to events is calmer, but by no means indifferent. Every development in both the EU and the EC is followed very carefully. Sodra actively discusses with the green movement, responding and explaining. Reading the information, I see an explanation in a calm tone, even if the questions are often quite provocative.
How do you assess the situation in Latvia? Scientists from Silava are active in many significant European Union studies and projects. As soon as their opinion is needed in Latvia, however... At 36 Brīvības Street, Latvian forest scientists are forgotten
I really like the research from Silava; it is useful and applicable in my work, especially in certification. Firstly, the studies are accessible to everyone. Secondly, one must appreciate the work and time invested, such as forest monitoring, which requires careful planning, time, and knowledge. I will say that Silava and their research help me a lot in my work.
Our scientists are recognised in Europe, I know that! Why the results of our people's work are often ignored in the Cabinet of Ministers, that is a question for those working there.
In the context of various European courses and plans, there are concerns about a potential shortage of resources. How do you look at that?
If they don't hinder us from working, there will be enough resources! There has never been a shortage of wood resources in Latvia, and no shortage is imminent; we are working on it: there are good, high-quality saplings, areas are being regenerated and tended, and the forest is growing. My company also establishes plantation forests on degraded agricultural land, thereby relieving pressure on natural forests. It is another matter regarding the increasing volume of protected areas. I believe that those in power have wise heads and do not want to deliberately sink Latvian forestry. I think everything will be fine with the sector!
Local government elections are approaching and...
I have been living in Baldone for 16 years, and I can call this town my own. I stood for election four years ago, and now again... I am not a politician by nature, but I see that the district needs representatives with knowledge of environmental issues. That is why I have decided to do this!
Power struggles in Ķekava, as a wealthy district near Riga, were clearly noticeable during the time of the current Council... Does the frequent change of district leadership testify to concern and work for the benefit of the district's residents...
I will not comment! That is not about concern for the district or the district's people.
What would be important to achieve in the district? What is missing? A project that can be heard more loudly is the Ķekava bypass
The bypass, in my view, is a good project. Of course, it is easy for me to talk, as I will not be in the immediate vicinity of this road. What do the people think whose properties the bypass will affect or be close to? I have heard different opinions; for some, it is a tragedy, while others see opportunities. Rail Baltica will run past my property; I will see and hear the train carriages.
In terms of practical tasks – a Forest Management Plan for Ķekava district needs to be written so that information about the district's forests is accessible and transparent. Next, Latvians go into nature; I like that! The roads that lead past more remote houses are mostly gravel and very dusty in the summer. This issue is not talked about much, but in Sweden and elsewhere, dust suppression methods are used: that would be one more thing I would like to achieve – to make it more comfortable for people. Not all roads, of course, need dust suppression, but the sections along the houses certainly do.
How does the proximity of Riga affect the Ķekava district?
The proximity of Riga definitely affects the district, because the things that the district cannot provide are compensated for by the capital city. The proximity of Riga... Ķekava is a large district, the political passions there are greater if we compare it to Baldone, where everything runs more calmly. Concerns? What I would like to urge the residents to do: not to waste time on confrontational conversations! Much more can be achieved by working constructively and purposefully.
Photographs by Katerina Brale and zemeunvalsts.lv have been used