On August 20 LSFRI "Silava" hosted a delegation of seven specialists from Finland, representing the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), the Kouvola Innovation Company (Kinno), and the SYKLI Environmental College, as well as representatives from the Vidzeme Planning Region and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development.
The aim of the visit was to learn about LSFRI "Silava's" research results and experience in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon cycling, particularly in relation to the management of former peat extraction sites.
Researchers Andis Lazdiņš and Aldis Butlers presented the latest research conducted at the institute, covering the following topics:
- Changes in GHG emissions in re-naturalized peatlands;
- GHG emissions from paludiculture, including cultivation of berry shrubs;
- Trials with wood fiber-based substrates as peat alternatives;
- Comparison of GHG emissions from waterlogged versus drained forest ecosystems.
The work of LSFRI "Silava" scientists makes a significant contribution to understanding the potential of peatland areas in mitigating climate change and promoting the sustainable management of resources. The visit fostered scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Latvian and Finnish institutions, with the shared goal of finding solutions for the sustainable use of land after peat extraction.
In Finland, the organizations that visited LSFRI "Silava" are implementing a Just Transition Fund project titled "Development of new Peatland Farming based business in the Kymenlaakso region (SuoLiike)". The aim of the Project is to develop innovative and commercially viable business models for former peat extraction sites in the Kymenlaakso region — for example, by identifying plant species suitable for land reclamation and improving cultivation technologies.