Picket organizers – representatives of environmental organizations – have previously pointed to the government's decision in June to reduce the age of trees to be felled. Activists indicate that this is contrary to the national interests as it will increase felling, threaten birds and other creatures and reduce biodiversity. Moreover, long-term environmental impacts have not been adequately assessed.
In an interview with Latvian Radio, the Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature Jānis Rozītis criticized the fact that the expected environmental impact was not discussed more widely with environmental organizations.
One of the aims of the decision was to increase wood volumes to contribute to energy independence, but, according to the fact-checker Re:Check, ministers could not explain how these changes will help.
