At the conversation festival LAMPA in Cēsis the Latvian State Forest Research Institute 'Silava' engaged visitors in discussions and educational activities focusing on forests, natural processes and the work of scientists.
On July 10, Laura Ķēniņa, Researcher of LSFRI 'Silava', participated in the discussion "Scientists Live. Scientist. Alive", organised by the Latvian Association of Young Scientists, with the talk "Scientist's life between forests, data and family – the reality not published in scientific papers". Laura studies carbon storage in forests, with a particular focus on old-growth forest stands, and is currently conducting postdoctoral research on the structural dynamics and biodiversity of old coniferous forest stands: Assessment of structural dynamics and biodiversity composition of hemiboreal old-growth forests to advance closer-to-nature management. She often takes her sons along on forest field trips, demonstrating that it is possible to successfully combine a career in science with family life.
Raitis Jelevičs
Over the course of two days, scientists of LSFRI 'Silava' scientists also took part in the "Forest marathon", organised by JSC 'Latvian State Forests" in cooperation with partners from the forestry sector, as part of the miniLAMPA's zone. Through games and hands-on activities led by Toms Štāls, Līga Pentjuša, Austra Zuševica, Dagnija Lazdiņa and Dārta Kļaviņa, visitors had the opportunity to learn about forest ecosystems, the carbon cycle, natural values and the importance of scientific research for sustainable forest management.
Particular attention was also given to forest organisms – those that live in deadwood, decompose it or form symbiotic relationships with tree roots – highlighting their essential role in the functioning of forest ecosystems.
Toms Štāls
In conversations with visitors, our scientists also presented research projects carried out by Institute, including BIOservicES, LIFE GoodWater IP, Alien ectomycorrhizal fungus Aureoboletus projectellus in Latvia: distribution and ecological impact on local fungal communities, and Assessment of structural dynamics and biodiversity composition of hemiboreal old-growth forests to advance closer-to-nature management.
The participation in the conversation festival LAMPA provided the opportunity to the scientists of LSFRI 'Silava' to share their knowledge, introduce the public to current research and promote a better understanding of the importance of forest science for the sustainable use of Latvia's natural resources.