https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/16.07.2026-high-hopes-for-ten-turtles-released-into-the-wild-in-latvia.a655245/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:33:00 GMT 655245 Ten European turtles were released into the Ruģeļi wetland in Daugavpils on July 15th as part of an ambitious rewilding project, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/14.07.2026-textile-waste-a-growing-problem-in-latvia.a654959/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:58:00 GMT 654959 Textile waste is one of the biggest environmental burdens, accounting for approximately 3-5% of total waste. Moreover, its volume is increasing every year due to the increasing consumption of 'fast fashion', said Professor Inga Dāboliņa, head of the Personal Protective Equipment Laboratory at Riga Technical University, on the Latvian Radio program "Zināmais nezīnāmāja" ("The Known Unknown") https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/13.07.2026-wolf-and-jackal-hunting-season-starts-this-week-in-latvia.a654924/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:56:00 GMT 654924 Wolf hunting season in Latvia begins on July 15th, 2026. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/13.07.2026-baltic-sea-beauty-spots-are-turning-into-a-load-of-rubbish.a654828/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:26:00 GMT 654828 On the Vidzeme coast in northern Latvia, many vacationers who want to be by the sea, as well as foreign tourists, gladly choose to stop at the free parking lots on the A1 highway, which runs parallel with the Baltic Sea shore. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/13.07.2026-new-packaging-rules-apply-soon.a654822/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:01:19 GMT 654822 A new regulation on packaging and packaging waste will come into force on August 12th. It includes tea bags and mascara brushes as packaging and includes several changes regarding the volume of packaging and the harmful substances it contains. It also sets new requirements for the recycling and reuse of packaging. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/09.07.2026-lots-of-lilies-coming-to-latvian-nature-museum.a654474/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:24:10 GMT 654474 From July 16 to 18, the Latvian National Museum of Natural History will host “Lilies 2026,” a particularly colourful and fragrant exhibition for the gardening season, the museum announced. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/08.07.2026-invasive-species-are-encamped-in-the-latvian-capital.a654291/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:45:00 GMT 654291 Rīga can be called the capital of invasive plant species in Latvia. Various alien species are increasingly common in forests, meadows and roadsides, crowding out native plants. To stop the spread of invasive species, the involvement of the entire society and an understanding of why they need to be combated is necessary, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/07.07.2026-what-do-boars-do-in-the-woods-new-study-will-find-out.a654191/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:55:12 GMT 654191 In early July, an unprecedented project began in Latvia – attempts to catch adult wild boars in order to attach GPS transmitters to them. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/07.07.2026-mosquitoes-still-scarce-on-the-latvian-summer-menu-this-year.a654118/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:50:45 GMT 654118 People continue to be surprised that there seem to be fewer mosquitoes this year. Some even report that they haven’t been stung a single time. Experts explain that there really are fewer mosquitoes because this spring saw a prolonged dry spell, which hindered the development of larvae, Latvian Television reported on July 6. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/03.07.2026-roses-roses-roses-at-latvias-national-botanical-garden.a653716/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:12:33 GMT 653716 This weekend, the Latvian National Botanical Garden (LNBD) in Salaspils will host Rose Day, where visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of these flowers but also learn about the people and stories behind each variety. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/03.07.2026-annual-hogweed-fight-is-on-in-northern-latvia.a653688/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:06:00 GMT 653688 Giant hogweed is beginning to bloom, and as a result, the areas where landowners have not controlled this invasive plant are becoming even more visible.  The Cēsis and Smiltene municipalities have begun surveying these areas and are offering funding to residents, Latvian Radio reported on July 3. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/02.07.2026-locals-against-biomethane-project-in-ledurga-latvia.a653545/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:46:50 GMT 653545 The smell will be unbearable, the roads will be damaged, and the local community will gain nothing from the project – these are just a few of the criticisms that Lēdurga residents voiced on the evening of Tuesday, June 30, at an informational meeting regarding the plan to expand the biogas plant. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/01.07.2026-latvias-use-of-renewable-energy-was-off-and-on-in-early-2026.a653473/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:50:00 GMT 653473 Despite having for many years touted its green credentials as a leading user of renewable energy sources, in the first quarter of 2026 Latvia was decidedly mid-table when it came to renewables. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/29.06.2026-woman-in-vidrizi-latvia-grows-over-700-peony-varieties.a653065/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:42:19 GMT 653065 Over the years, peony collector Silvija Jaundžeikare has built up an impressive collection in Vidriži, Limbaži Municipality, featuring rare and particularly valuable varieties. Silvija revealed to the Latvian Television program “Morning Panorama” on June 29 how this passion began and why she can’t stop, even though she’s already growing 700 varieties of peonies in her garden. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/26.06.2026-seagulls-happily-join-dinner-tables-in-liepaja.a652892/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:24:27 GMT 652892 In Liepāja and other coastal cities in Latvia, the presence of seagulls is becoming increasingly noticeable. The birds have become so bold that they often steal food and damage business property. While residents and merchants seek solutions, the Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) emphasises that fighting the consequences will not help and that the main focus should be on preventive measures, TV Kurzeme reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/25.06.2026-alpaca-farming-proves-popular-in-latvias-rural-tourism.a652577/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:42:16 GMT 652577 Alpaca farming has carved out a niche in Latvia’s rural tourism sector. Although these animals are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, alpacas are becoming increasingly common here as well. One of the largest alpaca farms in Latvia's southeast is located in Bebrene Parish, Augšdaugava Municipality, Vidusdaugava regional television reported on June 24. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/22.06.2026-eagle-owlets-leave-their-nests-in-latvia.a652409/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:44:49 GMT 652409 It’s graduation season – not just in schools, but also in meadows and forests. A new generation of birds and animals is leaving their nests and dens. The little eagle owls whose nest is livestreamed by the Latvian Fund for Nature have also ventured out into this vast, perilous world. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/18.06.2026-riga-is-increasingly-buggy.a652034/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:24:52 GMT 652034 As Midsummer approaches and summer reaches its peak, urban meadows are in full bloom. This season, 27 habitats for invertebrates will be installed in Rīga to promote biodiversity in the urban environment, according to the Latvian Fund for Nature. Additionally, two more areas will be added to the city’s network of meadows this season. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/17.06.2026-latvian-seedling-cultivator-in-line-for-prestigious-design-prize.a651823/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:47:00 GMT 651823 A tree seedling growing container created in Gulbene has become the first Latvian project to reach the final of the DesignEuropa Awards, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/15.06.2026-dragonflies-have-quite-an-appetite.a651519/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:27:58 GMT 651519 Dragonflies are a common sight in Latvia at this time of year, and even though they look lovely, they also turn out to be one of the most successful predators in the world, according to biologist, and habitat expert Mārtiņš Kalniņš on Latvian Radio's program "Zināmais nežināmāja" (The Known Unknown). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/15.06.2026-latvian-company-seeks-solution-for-phosphorus-pollution.a651441/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:35:21 GMT 651441 The environmental technology company "P Agro Minerals" is developing an innovative and eco-friendly technology that simultaneously addresses two issues: phosphorus pollution in water and the return of phosphorus to agriculture as fertiliser, Latvian Radio reports on 15th June. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/12.06.2026-spot-a-bear-tell-everyone-latvian-nature-agency-asks.a651272/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:06:00 GMT 651272 Brown bears are becoming increasingly common in Latvia, which is why public sightings are also becoming more important. The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) urges anyone who has spotted a bear or signs of its presence to report it on the nature observation portal "Dabas dati", providing as accurate information as possible and, if possible, a photograph (but don't go out of your way to take one). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/12.06.2026-church-loses-roof-in-storm-in-bebrene-latvia.a651189/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:33:00 GMT 651189 In Bebrene Parish, Augšdaugava Municipality, strong winds tore off approximately two-thirds of the roof of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Thursday, June 11 evening, confirmed Pēteris Dzalbe, executive director of the Augšdaugava Municipality. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/11.06.2026-unauthorised-gmo-tomatoes-found-in-latvia.a651022/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:31:22 GMT 651022 The Plant Protection Service has discovered the sale of unauthorised genetically modified tomato seedlings in Latvia. The variety in question is dark purple in colour and was developed by a U.S. biotechnology company, Latvian Radio reported on June 10. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/10.06.2026-organic-farming-has-deep-roots-in-valmiera-district.a650897/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:44:59 GMT 650897 There is a growing interest in organic farming in rural Latvia, and one of the reasons is to be less dependent on external resources, as the price of mineral fertilizers is increasing, and plant protection products will also become more expensive, reports Latvian Radio from northern Vidzeme region. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/09.06.2026-latvian-nature-researcher-guntis-enins-passes-away-aged-92.a650693/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:24:45 GMT 650693 Latvia has lost a legendary naturalist and guardian of trees – Guntis Eniņš, who would have celebrated his 93rd birthday on June 18. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/08.06.2026-mosquitoes-will-arrive-around-midsummer-says-bug-expert.a650586/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:42:16 GMT 650586 The feeling that there have been fewer mosquitoes so far this year is indeed justified, entomologist Voldemārs Spuņģis confirmed in an interview with LSM.lv on June 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/04.06.2026-five-more-baby-capybaras-at-riga-zoo.a650188/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:21:49 GMT 650188 The capybara family, a favourite among visitors to the Rīga Zoo, has grown even larger – on Wednesday, June 3, five capybara babies were born. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/04.06.2026-riga-zoo-aims-to-build-the-himalayas-in-latvia.a650162/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:06:00 GMT 650162 While Latvia may notably lack any actual mountains of its own, that's not preventing Rīga Zoo from ambitious plans to construct the Himalayas on the outskirts of the capital city. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/04.06.2026-reminder-dont-try-to-rescue-baby-animals.a650037/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:40:57 GMT 650037 With the current season in full swing, people are increasingly likely to encounter baby wild animals; therefore, the Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) has urged the public not to interfere with the animals’ daily lives and not to touch the young, even if they appear to have been abandoned. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/03.06.2026-stinky-business-shut-down-in-baldone-latvia.a649850/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:34:00 GMT 649850 For years, residents of Baldone have had to put up with a very unpleasant odour caused by a quail farm set up on a neighbour’s property. After receiving numerous complaints, the local government has decided to prohibit the business owner from operating at this location in the future, Zemgale Regional Television reported on June 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/02.06.2026-should-latvia-bear-arms-against-growing-ursine-population.a649685/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:46:00 GMT 649685 As the bear population in Latvia grows, people are increasingly encountering these animals or their tracks. An initiative was submitted to the public participation portal "manabalss.lv" in May, calling for the introduction of limited bear hunting in Latvia. The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) noted that there is currently neither a legal nor a scientific basis for permitting bear hunting, Latvian Radio reports on June 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/01.06.2026-meztaka-and-jurtaka-hiking-trails-made-more-disability-accessible.a649609/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:14:12 GMT 649609 Special routes have been created in the Mežtaka and Jūrtaka hiking trails with access to the sea, local trails, and roads suitable for people in wheelchairs, as noted by Juris Smaļinskis, a tourism and environmental expert at "Lauku ceļotājs," on the Latvian Radio programme "How to Live Better" on June 1. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/01.06.2026-bear-escorted-out-of-jekabpils-city-in-latvia.a649562/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:04:00 GMT 649562 A bear that enjoyed a brief to the city of Jēkabpils on Sunday has been successfully escorted out of the city, Jēkabpils Regional Council Chairman Raivis Ragainis (Latvian Green Party) confirmed to the LETA newswire. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/30.05.2026-large-rock-in-eastern-latvia-earns-title-of-giant-boulder.a649399/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 30 May 2026 07:28:32 GMT 649399 A giant boulder has been discovered on the banks of the Malta River in Ornicāni, Viļāni Parish, Rēzekne Municipality. The owners, who had known for years that an unusually large rock was on their property but had only recently decided to report it, notified experts about the impressive boulder. Following an inspection and measurements of the site, it was concluded that the stone qualifies as a giant boulder. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/29.05.2026-bonnie-and-clyde-are-on-the-run-again-in-latvia.a649336/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 29 May 2026 13:09:00 GMT 649336 Recent gale-force winds in Latvia have caused many trees to fall and in one case it has resulted in two notorious names being released from captivity. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/27.05.2026-rhododendrons-bloom-magnificently-at-latvian-botanical-gardens.a648980/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 27 May 2026 11:20:57 GMT 648980 The vibrant rhododendron blooming season has begun at the University of Latvia (LU) Botanical Garden at both of its locations in Rīga and Babīte, according to garden representatives. Together, the two sites form the largest rhododendron collection in the Baltics. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/22.05.2026-europes-birds-and-butterflies-are-in-decline.a648360/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 22 May 2026 13:01:24 GMT 648360 Eurostat figures published to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated annually on 22 May, show a worrying picture of decline in the natural world. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/20.05.2026-to-bee-or-not-to-bee-that-is-the-question.a647988/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 20 May 2026 11:11:00 GMT 647988 May 20th is World Bee Day and to mark the occasion, Eurostat published some interesting bee data. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/19.05.2026-where-can-you-safely-swim-in-latvia-this-summer.a647773/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 19 May 2026 09:45:00 GMT 647773 As the official swimming season in Latvia begins, several swimming areas and one marina have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, as well as the national swimming area quality certificate. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/16.05.2026-where-can-you-put-up-your-tent-in-latvia.a647112/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 16 May 2026 09:48:00 GMT 647112 Latvia looks like a wild camping paradise and in many ways it is. But where are you actually allowed to camp and where not, and what other rules determine your choice of campsite? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/15.05.2026-methanol-leak-in-ventspils-no-danger-to-public.a647336/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 15 May 2026 13:47:05 GMT 647336 A methanol leak from a railway tank car occurred in Ventspils on Friday but it has been contained, and there is no danger to residents, according to the local government. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/06.05.2026-vidzeme-readies-itself-for-spanish-slug-summer.a645804/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 06 May 2026 06:17:06 GMT 645804 As the weather warms up, Spanish slugs will begin to appear; experts believe they have successfully survived the cold winter. In March, Cabinet regulations came into effect designating the Spanish slug as an invasive species. This means that local governments now have the opportunity to combat this pest more effectively, Latvian Radio reports on 6th May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/06.05.2026-bear-in-mind-ursines-are-in-latvia-to-stay.a645797/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 06 May 2026 05:30:00 GMT 645797 A mother bear with two cubs has been spotted in Sigulda municipality. In recent years, residents have been reporting bear sightings with increasing frequency, Latvian Television reported on 5th May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/05.05.2026-whos-the-best-seagull-in-latvia.a645764/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 May 2026 16:08:43 GMT 645764 On May 9th, at 57 Kaudzīšu Street in Rumbula, Latvia’s first seagull call imitation contest will be held, with event organisers inviting anyone willing to step up to the microphone. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/05.05.2026-whats-the-best-latvian-recycled-souvenir.a645691/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 May 2026 13:16:03 GMT 645691 From May 5th to 11th, readers of the Latvian-language LSM.lv portal have the opportunity to vote for the souvenirs that they feel best represent Latvia.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/28.04.2026-gulf-of-riga-trout-farm-project-on-hold-for-now.a644860/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:13:13 GMT 644860 The developers of a trout farm will not deploy an experimental fish cage in the Gulf of Riga this spring, as previously planned, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/23.04.2026-liela-talka-award-winners-named.a644261/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:02:00 GMT 644261 Ahead of the 'Lielā Talka' or 'Big clean-up' due to take place in Latvia this weekend, the winners of a Lielā Talka community competition have been announced. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/23.04.2026-latvia-ranks-fifth-in-eu-for-forests.a644176/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:23:00 GMT 644176 According to Eurostat figures published on April 22nd to mark the International Mother Earth Day, in 2023, 39.0% of the EU’s land area was covered by forests. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/21.04.2026-you-can-pick-your-own-daffodils-in-dobele-latvia.a643815/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:38:25 GMT 643815 During daffodil season, days are busy at the "Zemzari" farm in Dobele municipality – dozens of people come every day to pick daffodils, leaving with armfuls of lush, fragrant flowers, Zemgale Television reported on 20th April.