On October 1–2, the international scientific conference Rural Development 2025: Resilience to Global Change, took place in Kaunas (Lithuania), bringing together researchers, experts, and policymakers from 21 countries. The event focused on the latest challenges and opportunities in rural development, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and adaptation to global change.
Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava" was represented by scientific assistants Alise Bleive and Viktorija Vendiņa, as well as Senior researcher Dagnija Lazdiņa.
In the Forestry section of Conference, Alise Bleive delivered presentation "Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) regeneration in Latvia: patterns, challenges, and future prospects – a review". The presentation analysed Scots pine regeneration dynamics in Latvia, identified key challenges, and proposed possible future solutions. The topic sparked active discussions on regeneration practices in the Baltic region and the multiple factors affecting forest ecosystem sustainability.
Viktorija Vendiņa participated remotely with a poster presentation "The importance of soil improvement in the reclamation of sand and gravel extraction sites, highlighting the significance of soil quality in post-extraction land rehabilitation".
Senior researcher Dagnija Lazdiņa also presented remotely, introducing "Project Forest4LV: advancing interdisciplinary capacity and bioeconomic innovation in Latvian forest research, focusing on bio-economy innovations and strengthening interdisciplinary capacity within Latvia's forest science sector".
Across both Conference days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on forest management, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability issues both in Lithuania and across Europe. The Forestry section stood out with high scientific quality, a diversity of perspectives, and a professional audience actively involved in Q&A sessions.
One of the key takeaways from the Conference was the message: "Find your own way to make the world sustainable!" – a call for each person, professionally and personally, to seek their own path toward contributing to sustainable development in a changing world.
