We explain - Zeme un valsts
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Latest articles

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

Poll

Concern about gaps in the skills and knowledge of our pupils is voiced quite widely from time to time. Unfortunately, only when someone from outside Latvia has concluded as much. Why is that?
There is a political tendency to be busy, to invest, to make promises, but not to think about the results
If you have little knowledge yourself, you do not even know how or what you do not know...
A smart society is not always desirable or welcome
Many interests swirl around education. A "good result" is rarely mentioned among them

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”

VIDEO

Collector coin “Chestnut”
Trees on agricultural land – perennial plantations, short-rotation coppice or agroforestry?!
The Baltics in the Kremlin's sights. How serious is the threat?

We explain

Latvijas valsts meži has the capacity to carry out an IPO, but no need for it
Forecasting the future of our forests
Experts have identified and analysed potential scenarios for Rīgas meži to exit the roundwood processing business
Back to the people. “Let us not even mention that upbringing and education would require at least minimal competence...”
Which Christmas to remember? 2021... What to say
On timber and sanctions*
Are hunting activities dangerous to the environment?
Various invertebrates overwinter in different ways
Volkswagen management warns that Europe is beginning to lose competitiveness
Researchers agree on the impact of Russia's attack on demand for wood products. The war will end eventually
Waiting for the European. “...European policy concerns us all, it affects us...”
Consequences for the economy could be devastating
European Parliament position on the future of European rural areas
“Rīgas Meži” plans to begin work in the forest near Kalngale, Ādaži municipality
Operating an electric car is still cheaper than running one on petrol or diesel
State duty rates for hunting activities are being increased, ignoring objections from hunting organisations
Trees felled and dunes churned up in the Ovīši Nature Reserve in the name of noble goals
German Environment Agency – truly climate-neutral products remain purely theoretical for now
Sadales tīkls’s policy is driving us to ruin
Humanity and the forest in the shadow of the climate crisis. Future devastation or learning from mistakes?
What does a debt-for-nature swap actually mean?
European hypocrisy in the energy sector attracts increasing attention
European spruce bark beetle has destroyed pine stand in Gauja National Park
How climate change is undermining the global food chain
A textile sorting system is at our door. Who will pay for it?
Daugavgrīva Fortress – a “hot potato” in the hands of state and municipal authorities
Using wood in a low-carbon life
Nine criminal cases initiated regarding the felling of noble trees over the last two years
Austerity measures since 2008 have left EU citizens ~€3,000 per year worse off
Law firm PwC Legal secures a favourable court ruling in a business dispute with the VID
Giant blobs in the Earth's mantle may form a 'diamond factory' near our planet's core
“It is not easy to stand up for oneself,” concludes Silava director Jurģis Jansons
I have never bowed and will never bow to the interests and pressure of narrow economic groups
Can peat save Latvia?
We can no longer take our brilliance for granted, we must focus
The murky world of illegal fishing
12 properties to be expropriated at the start of Sēlija training area development; residents express uncertainty
What does Van Gogh have to do with global warming? Vandalism as a weapon
Is it worth going to Sharm el-Sheikh in November?
What should you know about timber measurement and accounting?
The shadow economy in the logging and timber processing sector can be eradicated quickly
RTU scientists prove that the use of peat substrate in horticulture has a lower environmental impact compared to its substitutes
Which green energy solutions should we subsidise?
A forest is a living, changing organism
Former IT specialist Juris Šleiners has returned to his native Dundaga to farm, experiment and do things "his own way"
Latvian farmers to be able to sell generated carbon credits worldwide
Climate change: Global aviation agrees on an “ambitious” plan to reach “net zero” emissions
As Europe battles an energy crisis, some scientists are looking to space
High prices and range anxiety hinder the spread of electric vehicles
Forest Research Station. A sandbox for scientists to play in
WWF report concludes: global wildlife populations have declined by 69% since 1970
What is happening on the digital front?
44-nation European "club" underscores Russia's isolation
Environmental expert discovers rare wood-inhabiting fungus species in Latvia.
Wartime conveniences. “Terror in various forms and with various ideological justifications has been a reality of European political life for about a century and a half”
Representative of “Zemnieku saeima”: The move against Kaspars Gerhards is not the organisation's view
What is the European Green Party – the political family of 'Progresīvie'?
FAO: Consumption of primary wood products could increase by 37% by 2050
How European pension funds are joining the food price game
Will it get warmer or colder? Scientists forecast future climate scenarios for Latvia
Latvia's nature is being taken over by foreign "aggressors"
Security of supply is more important than climate goals. Timber imports must avoid greenwashing
Too many reasons for bad news
Champions of the labour tax burden
European Union debates national energy plans, calling for improved coordination
As long as ideology is more important than mathematics, Europeans will not escape the energy crisis
Managers of the occupation. "...the discussion about the Museum of the Occupation has been at least partly social, idealistic, and professional..."
An essential prerequisite for the conservation of river ecosystems: the transition of small-scale HPPs to an ecological flow regime
On Gauja National Park and what is protected there
Agriculture at the start of a major transformation path
30 largest taxpayers in the non-governmental sector
Implementing the Nature Restoration Law for stakeholders and biodiversity in rural areas
Grape harvest is good this year, but the berries have too little sugar
On the clarification of new EP requirements regarding the Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
Firewood, briquettes or pellets – which fuel should you choose?
European Parliament's stance on forest energy could further increase domestic heating bills
Tropical deforestation for agricultural purposes. Numerical indicators
“The Forest Management Plan” is like a painting!
“DOJUS agro” and “eAgronom” join forces to introduce more environmentally friendly agricultural practices
Carbon footprint globally. Country metrics
“Green organisations” take legal action over EU nuclear and gas sector rules
Europeans are worried about what is expected this winter
There are various ways to solve inflation problems
Inflation 2.39 times higher than the Eurozone average
Abandoning peat would not be a sensible move
Key trends in the housing market in August
New hybrid building material combines concrete and wood
Bio-based wood protective coating is better than synthetic solutions
What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Energy crisis: Ursula von der Leyen calls for an “emergency intervention” in the electricity market
We asked five experts: Should we bring back the thylacine*?
Dismantling of Soviet-era war memorial in Latvia angers ethnic Russians*
Party manifestos must include targets for increasing exports and productivity
Studying Latvian lakes where no human has set foot
There will be enough grain for both processing and export
European inflation hits a 25-year high. Driven by rapid energy consumption
Who really owns the EU's fishing fleets?
Current in 2022 as well: The clear skies of national ideology
From roots to the crown
How much money does your government allocate to research and development?
What are Europe's alternatives to Russian gas?
Is Europe ready to receive liquefied natural gas?
A compromise must be found: The Gauja National Park nature conservation plan will significantly impact the interests of landowners
Under contracts concluded this year, LVM is supplying wood chips solely to Latvian manufacturing companies
Future challenges for the forestry sector
Is the currently much-needed wood chip being exported? “Latvijas valsts meži” provides clarity
Restoration and the future
Is climate change the cause of the heatwave?
Lifeless arguments. "Some questions may seem quite ordinary and possible to us, while others – unusual and extravagant"
Is Riga a well-funded city?
Is Latvijas Banka becoming an unreliable source of information?
Record-breaking heat in Europe
Green nuclear energy and gas are in Latvia’s interests
Large state revenues from forests
Volume of cargo handled in Latvian ports fell slightly in June
A "second wave of refugees" from Putin's regime has begun
The legacy of forest scientist Kaspars Bušs – why do we celebrate and remember it?
Concerns in Europe over potential timber shortages
Pellet prices in Western Europe significantly higher compared to 2021
Russia is earning more from fossil fuels than it was a year ago
Europe's forest fire season is starting earlier each year
There will be enough food, but prices will certainly be high
An expert on the writings of the uninitiated. Woodchip production and a sudden interest in the national economy
A half-step towards trust, or what are the bird lovers protesting against?
European Parliament recognises investments in gas and nuclear energy sectors as "green"
Controlled forest burning surprises Central Europeans
Foxes hunt cats to feed their cubs
Giant tortoise thought to be extinct for a century found safe and sound on the Galapagos Islands
In future, a concrete, weighed and well-founded plan will be required
Without reducing pesticide use, Europe will experience a food crisis
Tips on choosing a log cabin
Europe must ensure that the Kremlin's war in Ukraine fails, otherwise even worse events are to be expected
Poisonous plants in Latvia's forests and meadows
Protection and management regulations set for the ''Garkalnes meži'' nature reserve
In 100 or 200 years, the life of Lake Pape will come to an end
Competition Council sees no "logging cartel"
Competition Council finds no 'logging cartel'
How are the great nature reserves – our bogs – faring?
Bunkers cleaned up, to be featured in a new special tourism route
EU firearms policy. A conversation with Members of the European Parliament
Due to air pollution, the world's population will lose 17 billion years of life, according to a study
On grey and common seals in Ireland
The EC proposes making continuous cover forestry the dominant method. This would be a return to a primitive economy
Could the presence of the lynx be restored in the Scottish Highlands?
Return. Spix's macaws are heading back into the wild
Illegal logging threatens Romania's primary forests
Deforestation of the Gran Chaco in South America impacts both society and biodiversity
Is the Sea of Azov dying and could it cause an ecological catastrophe?
An energy boost for a difficult year
One way or another. “A history that contradicts facts can still be written honestly and adequately...”
Everything about liquefied gas: comparison and advantages
Bioregions Facility selected for regional innovation partnership pilot
Latvijas Finieris: This is a renaissance period for timber
Bullying in agriculture – regarding the honouring, support, and denigration of farmers
Bauska to correct a terrible mistake
Scientists explain that it is possible to capture solar energy radiating from the Earth at night
Can the EU approach to ammunition restrictions be fair?
Export income growth data should be treated with caution
War and sanctions cause chaos in the availability and supply of goods
Inside Putin’s propaganda machinery
Putin sends Mariupol survivors to remote corners of Russia. Investigation reveals 66 camps
Only 8% of rivers in Zemgale are of good ecological quality
Number of Latvian residents who feel completely free is shrinking
Latvia's past in the countryside. “...the Latvian in the countryside is, as it were, returning home...”
Dairy processing company “Elpa” has halted production
The volume of timber accumulated in forests is growing three times faster than forest areas
Finnish Minister of Forestry concludes: Brussels decision-makers are ignorant and clueless regarding forest issues
When assessing the climate impact of air travel, CO2 emissions are just the "tip of the iceberg"
To implement the Green Deal, clarity on sectoral targets is required
Values and contributions to the horticultural sector created by Ukrainian breeders
Is the bureaucracy sabotaging the future of Latvian exports?
Forest area (% of land area) – country classification
Why is Germany always afraid? What is the reason for this, and how true is it?
100 major European Union cities commit to becoming climate-neutral by 2030
What is European agriculture, and what should it be?
Oil crisis in Indonesia, the world's largest producer of palm oil
EU warns: the coming winter may be very difficult for the European economy
From wading through the forest to leading an institute. Jurģis Jansons, director of "Silava"
The Vidzeme river Aģe: between Livonian lands, the Enlightenment, music and biology
Value of forest properties increased significantly last year
War in Ukraine forces companies to look for sunflower oil substitutes
Scientists have created a map of underwater forests
Supporters of Russia in Latvia perceive the hanging of the Ukrainian flag as a provocation
The phase-out is approaching. How serious will it be?
Fossil fuels? No, thank you!
Nuclear energy and natural gas labelled as "greenwashing" in EU taxonomy
Train travel in Europe is not as popular as it should be. Why?
To globalise the European Green Deal, diplomacy must be subtle
Scientists conclude: "Solar energy can now be stored for up to 18 years"
“Green asphalt” does not crack, but its implementation is being delayed
Where does the story of the unicorn come from?
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on the atrocities in Ukraine
LLKC: the problems faced by farmers could allow organic farms to strengthen their market position
How "green" is Riga really?
Despite the war, the EU does not need new natural gas infrastructure
Kikan and Irbe estuaries closed during bird nesting season
Manufacturers will have to wade through a bog
Which countries in Europe are leaders in the field of renewable energy?
A controller for every mushroom and berry picker?
Poland plans to ban coal imports from Russia
I want to ask them for forgiveness again and again
Historians have concluded what works and what does not during energy crises
The way we have been talking about climate change is wrong
Economic activity in Latvia has not yet declined due to the war
The lost British Empire
Does clear-cutting in US forests benefit nature?
Why are there no polar bears in Antarctica?
How is it that a plan to protect 30% of the planet's territory by 2030 is bad news for indigenous people?
Living in a fantasy world
Sanctions will halt carbon emission reduction opportunities, according to Russia. Was such a plan ever real?
Potential shortage of certain food products due to the war
Russian timber oligarchs
Forest Industry Trade Union of Latvia: "Who are we, what do we do?"
Experts comment on bear attack near Žīguri
Forest product exports rose by almost 38% in January
Statement on large carnivores in Europe
Measuring (determining) biodiversity
How will the war in Ukraine end?
EU must find solutions for changes in agricultural policy
Full tank, empty wallet
Eastern Europe and Asia are spending more for military purposes
A large number of people in the West have been receiving salaries for doing nothing for a long time
Why does Putin's "restaurant of lies" have so few takers in America?
Support programme for replacing fossil fuels in households
Never again! Really?
The way we talk about the changing climate is flawed
Argus. Weekly biomass market review and analysis
What are the alternatives for energy production in Europe as Russian gas disappears?
Hunting is like another language
Does biodiversity in good condition mitigate climate change?
Is it a myth that Latvians live in trees?
Could the Baltic states become like West Berlin?
Are we set to become a superpower in wood fuel exports?
Three levels of war. When will it "dawn" on Putin that things are not going well, and when will the war end?
How will the war in Ukraine affect forest property prices? Industry experts' opinions differ
We warned you! How Western countries failed to listen to those who understand Russia
On nuclear power plants in Ukraine
Russian oil and its main importers
Ukrainians wish to highlight a lesser-known tragedy of the Second World War
"Collective Putin" and two Russias
To whom and how does Ukraine supply agricultural produce?
The Ukraine issue
President V. Zelensky’s role of a lifetime
Disconnecting Russia from SWIFT: what do citizens and businesses need to know?
On the VMD reform: listening to staff, we are implementing changes more gradually
Facts. Who decides on the use of nuclear weapons in Russia and how
Graphene. What is it?
Ukraine and NATO
Putin and the threat of a nuclear strike
On the FSC management's reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
The looming energy crisis: not a cause for panic, but a powerful weapon in the fight against the aggressor
How did the brand ZAZA TIMBER come about?
Russia-Ukraine conflict 2021-2022. Statistics and facts
Statement by researchers of the Second World War, Nazism and genocide on the war in Ukraine
Where African oil flows freely....
A question (and appeal) to Latvia's environmental activists or “green” organisations
Western nations have long ignored warnings from Eastern European countries
Fossil energy sources: polluting, but necessary
What exactly lies behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine?
UN warns: wildfires are becoming more dangerous, authorities are ill-prepared
Number of climate-related lawsuits on the rise
Russia's friends and enemies
Ticks in Pennsylvania (USA) are carrying a potentially dangerous neurological virus
The desire to extract mineral resources from the ocean floor could destroy rare organisms
Communal woes in the capital of the eurocrats. "The European Union is, in this respect, not so very different from the Soviet Union."
Sled dog race in the Czech Republic
Finnish forestry sector representatives reject EC plans
Latvia's economic development threatened by several significant risks
If the current approach continues, land reform will not conclude for another 20 years
Will wine soon be equated to tobacco in Europe? How reasonable is that?
Managing Russia from the "outside"
How to assess the gas crisis in Europe – as a benefit or a detriment to planned climate policy
Was the bridge intended for the elegant Ogre resort once accidentally built in Mazozoli? A historical detective story
The most convenient and cheapest way to prove climate change – phenological data
The return of the tribes. "European borders have turned out to be poorly drawn..."
My favourite expressions
European Union enters semiconductor production race with €43 billion
Most business-friendly cities in 2022
Public invited to share their views on the potential new section of the Tallinn highway from Vangaži to Skulte
The forestry sector is the only one that essentially ensures the sequestration of greenhouse gases
On vertical farming and the consequences. "They are proposing blatantly foolish actions with predictably harmful consequences"
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality says mountain lions do not make good pets. The internet disagrees
By the end of 2023, more than 40 protected habitats will be managed in Latvia
Large rose-shaped coral reef discovered off the coast of Tahiti
Atrocities against fellow human beings under the auspices of Chekists and Nazis. What drove Latvians to do it?
Language experts conclude that "nēģeris" is a neutral word
International Monetary Fund lowers growth forecasts for 2022
Purchase of nine battery trains could cost 75-76 million euros
7,700 km of forest roads have been built over 20 years
Reflections of a new hunter on the corrupted ideology of hunting, or that which is not fully understood
Insights into climate change negotiations (1972–2022)
Animation clearly shows how the Earth breathes
How does a changing climate create or influence extreme weather events?
8 out of 10 Baltic residents are convinced that weather patterns are truly changing
We each leave a carbon footprint. Do you know yours?
Why, in your opinion, is it wrong to label harsh and unpredictable climatic conditions as natural disasters?
“DG Termināls” plans to recycle old car tyres and plastic
Fashion and the desert
“That war did not start because of us!” A conversation with national partisan movement researcher Zigmārs Turčinskis
Riga bans the use of coal for heating and mandates the registration of all heating equipment
A frank admission