LPRC becomes a member of the Latvian National Peat Society

In November 2022, the Lakes and Peatland Research Centre (LPRC) became a member of the Latvian National Peat Society (LNKB). The objectives of the LNKB are to promote peat as a slowly renewable natural resource in the EU Green Deal, which includes close cooperation with Latvian scientists and research, modernisation of the peat sector and reduction of emissions, local consumption of peat and development of innovative peat products with added value. It is important to note that the LNKB has just become the official Latvian representative of the International Peatland Society (IPS). 

Epicentrs now available on youtube

You can follow us now on youtube (Ezeru un Purvu Izpētes Centrs (epicentrs.lv)) where the content will be available both in Latvian and English. 

Black Death Mortality not as Widespread as Long Thought

Pollen data from 19 modern European countries reveals that although the Black Death had a devastating impact in some regions, parts of Europe experienced negligible or no impact at all.

A new study in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution uses pollen data to evaluate the second plague pandemic’s mortality at a regional scale across Europe. Results show that the impacts of the Black Death varied substantially from region to region and demonstrate the importance of cross-disciplinary approaches for understanding past – and present – pandemics.

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Legislation scheme on the extraction of mineral resources

A short time ago I was involved in a project on EU legislation on the extraction of mineral resources. My section was on the laws and regulations in Latvia. Unfortunately, the European Commission has not yet given its approval to publish the report of the study and, consequently, for the time being, I can’t publish also my report for this study. However, I will share a small part of the results – the legislation scheme on the extraction of mineral resources. 

It is not easy to navigate in the legislation jungles in Latvia. Let this scheme serve as a landmark for those brave who are ready to take a risk and DIG! 

Please download scheme here.

TeaComposition H2O initiative

Lake and Peatland Research Centre is the only organization from Latvia taking part in the TeaComposition H2O initiative that aims to tease apart the factors that make some ecosystems greenhouse gas emitters while others carbon-sequestering ecosystems. TeaComposition H2O is a global-scale analysis of litter decomposition within wetland ecosystems using household tea bags or Tea Decomposition by monitoring how fast tea bags buried in the soil decompose. There are over 350 sites around the world located in 35 countries and the project will last for three years. For more information read later or see http://www.bluecarbonlab.org/teacomposition-h2o/

map from:
http://www.bluecarbonlab.org/teacomposition-h2o/

Post author: N. Stivrins

Whats new in peat industry? Baltic Peat Producers Forum 2017

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Meanwhile planted Sphagnum is waiting for spring..

Photo © Emīls Steprāns 09.02.2017.

First Sphagnum planted

Over the last few days we have planted 0.13 ha of Sphagnum. More to come.

Sphagnum farming in Latvia

Lake and peatland research centre together with LLC "Laflora" start Sphagnum farming in Bog Kaigu, Latvia. For more information follow upcoming updates.

Establishing Lake and Peatland Research Centre

At the moment the main novelty is establishment of the Lake and Peatland Research Centre  on 2016 February 2 - World Wetlands Day.