Latvian efforts to reduce effects in water
Forest sector is one of the supporting pillars of Latvian national economy.
In Latvia, forest and water interactions have always been very important, as 33 percent of all our forests are located on drained soils and 18 percent - on wet soils.
The attention of forest managers and researchers were mostly focused on ways to increase forest production during the 20th century. But, these recent years increased effort has been devoted to development and testing of methods suitable to minimize potential adverse effects on water quality.
As Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava" traditionally has taken the leading role in research initiatives related to forests and water in Latvia, joining the WAMBAF team was a logical choice.
A way to exchange knowledge and rise awareness
For us, the WAMBAF project offers an excellent opportunity to highlight potential challenges, to exchange knowledge and to identify and demonstrate the best forest management practices in relation to water quality issues. Another important aim of the project is information sharing and awareness rising among the stakeholders.
In the short run we hope to develop and strengthen collaboration with other Nordic and Baltic research institutions in the development of practically applicable tools for water protection. The long-term outcome of the project should be minimized adverse effects of forestry on freshwater ecosystems and the Baltic Sea. We might together reach this through considerate planning and implementation of forest management operations.
Zane Libiete