The topic of ecosystem services was raised during the first “green” forum “Green Expo Riga 2018”, held on November 21 in Riga, Kipsala International Exhibition Centre.

As a result of cooperation of two LIFE programme Projects – LIFE Restore and LIFE Ecosystem services – the possibility was provided for participants of this event to learn more about the experience of LIFE Ecosystem services project in the mapping and economic valuation of ecosystem services. All three short films of the Project could be observed on the interactive screens.

According to the organizers of the event, “Green Expo Riga 2018” is the first forum focusing on the chances of becoming more “green”, both, for individuals and enterprises.

Being more “green” is added value appreciated by customers making their choice in favour one or another product. Biological farming and production of eco products are widespread branches of “green business” in Latvia. Being “greener” is not just packaging using recycled material or reduction of waste. Also awareness on the value of natural benefits and sustainable use of them is “green”. Such ecosystem services as, e.g., natural pollination, formation and fertility of soil, natural water cycle, as well as availability of wild plants, mushrooms and berries form basic resource for many Latvian producers of food and non-food products. Moreover, majority of these services provided by Latvian nature and often taken for granted cannot be provided or substituted by artificial means.

Awareness of nature and its benefits as a value, moreover, possessing a value which can be measured in monetary units, is still under development in Latvia. Many information materials on ecosystem services have been issued during the Project, they can be found here:

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