Latvia is exceptionally biocapacity-rich, with six times more biocapacity per person than the global average. Since biocapacity is the foundation of all resources, this represents a major strategic advantage in a world facing persistent ecological overshoot, climate change, and tightening resource constraints. Yet financially, markets do not yet recognize this reality.
In this context, Rīgas Meži invited Mathis Wackernagel to keynote its Sustainable Forests Conference held this September in Riga, Latvia’s charming capital. The company, which manages the city’s 61,000 hectares of forest, is leading discussions on how to upgrade forest management so that all ecosystem services can thrive, enhancing both commercial and social value, rather than focusing solely on timber production.
During his visit, Mathis also had a chance to meet other experts, journalists and Latvia’s Parliamentary Commission for Sustainable Development, where he highlighted Latvia’s strategic advantage and the increasing importance of resource security as a key parameter for long-term economic success. This is not only true for low-income populations around the world, but for any economy, as we enter a world of increasing climate disruption and resource constraints.
Mathis emphasized that it is in everyone’s interest to address the market failure of ecological overshoot, and that countries with resource reserves, like Latvia, are in a unique position to turn this ecological strength into economic opportunity. He encouraged the Commission to explore how Latvia could best leverage its biocapacity for the benefit of Latvia, in a future increasingly shaped by ecological limits.
Mathis Wackernagel in Riga with the kind, energetic, and effective “Rigas Mezi” team, including, from left to right, Evita Vītola, Ieva Geistere, Gatis Eriņš, Anita Skudra, and, Jānis Ģērmanis.
Media uptake in Latvia:
Latvian Radio: Program “Zināmais – Nezināmajā”:
What is the “ecological footprint”?
Explained by Swiss sustainability expert and participant of our forest conference, Mathis Wackernagel: Interview with Mariona Baltkalne: Shorter news version, and longer version.
Online news portal for Latvian public media:
If the security of natural resources is not a central issue for a country, it is on a suicidal path. (September 20, 2025). News segment.
V show “Vides Fakti”:
What are the most environmentally friendly forest management methods, and is our understanding changing? Short TV Segment (minute 19:26)
Mariona Baltkalne from Latvian National Radio interviews Mathis Wackernagel