The purpose of this paper is to describe the information literacy of people as essential competencies required for the generation of social capital and use of social capital in sharing and obtaining information, which in its turn, is considered to be an important resource in the community’s development. The paper analyses the terms: social capital, information literacy and their mutual influence, as well as describes the research where informational literacy of the population of Latvia, its levels and the determined groups of knowledge and skills, which need to be improved in order to contribute to the generation and use of the social capital, through various methods (population surveys, focus group discussions, information literacy knowledge assessment questionnaires and performing practical tasks) were assessed. The research is based on the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Competency Matrix and UNESCO MIL Assessment Framework. The main conclusions of research are the following: information literacy is an important competence for developing social capital; but based on the completed research there are skills of information literacy – processing of information, critical assessment of information resources, legally correct use of information sources, as well as effective use of information technologies – which should be improved. The research was conducted within the framework of the European Social Fund project ‘Development of Innovative Diagnostic Instruments for Regional Growth’ (No.2013/0057/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/APIA/VIAA/065).

In the research evaluation of the ecosystem services provided by riparian forests in Latvia has been studied. The aim of this research is to investigate the methods and indicators for assessing the value of ecosystem services of riparian forests and to establish the most appropriate methods of ecosystem service valuation in the case of Latvia. The study is based on analysis of scientific publications, special literature and reports of international organizations, studying results of previously performed qualitative and quantitative research methods in the field of ecosystem service evaluation. The results of this study revealed several methods that could be applied for evaluation of ecosystem services provided by riparian forests, taking into account that the set of available data may be limited and considering the costs and span of time that may be necessary to collect the missing data. The results also show that the majority of ecosystem service evaluation indicators can be applied if appropriate earlier studies have been performed and feasible data for similar territories or conditions are available. The knowledge of the methods and indicators for evaluation of ecosystem services is a crucial factor in the decision making process, when decisions on economic development or sustainable management of ecosystem services are made.

Grey alder stands Alnus incana (L.) Moench have a number of distinctive features. In fertile soils it successfully forms productive forest stands without any human intervention. Therefore, relatively few publications can be found on the thinning effects on stand reaction after thinning. It is possible that due to the highly intensive circulation of substances in the ecosystems of grey alder (high photosynthesis and canopy thinning, withering and breaking off of the lower branches, litter decomposition within a few years, thereby ensuring a continuous and stable plant mineral nutrition substance complementarity in the soil) response reaction of the remaining trees and management of grey alder forest stands could be different comparing to other tree species. The study analyses stock volume additional increment dynamics during 10-year period after the thinning in 24-year-old grey alder pure stands in Aegopodiosa site type. Thinning of grey alder forest stands have caused a moderate positive reference reaction – during 10 years, in addition to the total increase, 3.17 m**3 haE-1 have been added. During the valuation interval response reaction differs among the years. In the first four years it is relatively small as accumulation of the growing potential is taking place. From the fifth to seventh year after felling an intensive growing takes place, which results in repeatedly additional annual increment. Starting from the eighth year, the trees show tendency to return to a steady state as it was before the thinning.

Wind is an important natural disturbance factor in a forest ecosystem. It creates gaps in a forest canopy, providing microenvironmental conditions, suitable for forest regeneration and affects the species composition of ground vegetation. Most of the studies analysing consequences of wind-storm have addressed short-term changes or influence the stand structure, but the aim of our study is to analyse ground-vegetation long time after windstorm in hemiboral forests. Data on ground vegetation cover have been collected in areas affected by the storm of 1967, where due to salvage-logging 200-400 m wide clearcuts were created. Sample plots (1×1 m) were placed in different distance from the edge of former clearcuts and projective cover of ground vegetation assessed using Braun-Blanquet method in Myrtillosa mel. forest type on 5 sites in north-western part of Latvia. Results reveal that in all sites species belonging to boreal, boreal-temperate and temperate biome were present, but their proportions varied between sites. In total 82 species of vascular plants were found, most frequent among them Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W.Schmidt (species characteristic to Norway spruce forests), Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (associated with Scots pine forests) as well as Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench and Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P.Beauv. (both characteristic to wet soils). Results suggest, that even 47 years after the storm microenvironmental conditions in the sites are not stable. Ellenberg’s indicator values reveal, that most of the sites are in semi-shade, cool and moist conditions, placed on acidic, nitrogen-poor (in few sites – also nitrogen rich) soils.

This paper describes the use of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) bark humus and fine fractions for animal litter pellet manufacture, and the efficacy of various additives in improving absorbency. In Latvia is no researches about litter pellet manufacture of pine bark, and possibilities of increasing water absorbency; in internationals research papers there is also no information about the possibilities of improving water absorbency of pine bark pellets with various additives. The additives tested were fresh and fallen leaves, tree needles, dried hogweed and sawdust. Pellets were manufactured with a ZLSP200B granulator at Adazi city, Latvia, in 2014. The results indicated that production of small diameter pine bark pellets could be problematic. Absorbency of the pellets was tested both by rinsing and soaking the pellets, and results were compared to woodchip particle litter pellets. It was found that the best absorbency was achieved with adding up to 30% sawdust, which increased pellet absorbency both by rinsing and soaking. The results indicate that it is possible to manufacture pellets using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) bark humus and fine fraction with good absorbency which can be disposed of in sewerage systems.

The article presents the findings of research aiming to discover the links between absorption of European funds and the development of rural areas in Latvia and Poland. Based on statistical data and Latvian territorial development index at local level, the value of index for Polish local communities was calculated showing a slightly bigger difference in local development in Poland. Absorption of EU funds was rather concentrated in both countries and its highest level was connected with major infrastructural projects as construction of roads, motorways, etc. The use of EU funds under Cohesion Policy is not correlated with the level of development, neither in Latvia nor in Poland. The only significant negative correlation can be observed between the development and the use of funds under Common Agricultural Policy and Fisheries Policy in Latvia.

The objective of the paper research is to assess the role of the implementation of the local development strategies (LDS) elaborated by the local action groups (LAGs) in the regional development and addressing social problems in Latvia. The paper examines the role and place of LDS in territorial development planning in Latvia, carries out thematic analysis of the projects implemented under the LDS as well as tries to assess the LEADER approach impact on regional development and addressing of social issues on the local level. The authors use unpublished data on LEADER projects and apply quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. Most of LEADER projects have been implemented to facilitate the development of infrastructure related to recreation and quality leisure time as well as culture and sports. Rural inhabitants have noticed positive changes in their local territory introduced by the LEADER approach. Though, in order to enhance the role of LAGs and LDS in addressing regional development and social problems at local level, it is advisable that the potential interaction of the activities provided by all regional planning documents is observed when determining priorities at regional level (presently the place and role of the LDS has not been formally defined), while implementation of the LDS should pay more attention to long-term effects and even accomplishment of target priorities.

Since 1990 significant structural changes have taken place in Latvia. First of all, it was the reestablishment of an independent state in 1991 and secondly - the accession to the European Union (EU) in 2004. Joining the EU provided free flow of goods, finances and individuals, a single system of legal acts as well as a trustful image of the state for foreign investors. In Latvia, 60% of the EU funds are allocated for agriculture and rural development, thus achieving the objective of producing food adequate for consumers’ purchasing power and ensuring agricultural commodities are available for their processing. Financial aid for primary industries also results in support for the whole society and other industries from which necessary resources and commodities are purchased. After joining the EU, the growth of the agricultural industry was observed owing to support payments. As a result of the EU policy, the size distribution of farms changed in Latvia, the output and exports of food increased as well as agricultural productivity rose. The research aim is to analyse the changes in and gains for Latvia’s agriculture after the accession to the EU. The following research methods were employed: the monographic and descriptive methods, analysis and synthesis and the logical and constructive methods.

The study deals with issues related to the impact of Natura 2000 sites on local development of rural communes in Poland. The purpose of the study is an attempt at comparing the level of social-economic development of rural communes in which Natura 2000 sites are located within their borders against other communes where there are no such sites, based on an analysis of selected indices. The selected indices of social-economic development were analysed in 424 rural communes in six Polish provinces. The study uses statistical data from the Central Statistical Office from the years 2000-2013. The analysis indicates that rural areas with Natura 2000 network sites do not differ from other units of local government as far as the level of social-economic development is concerned and in some cases show even better results. In the ‘Natura’ communes – compared to units where there are no such sites – the level of total income is higher, along with the commune’s own income, and there is a higher level of investment expenditure. The conducted analysis allows for the statement that the presence of Natura 2000 sites does not hinder economic development of communes and only modifies the manner of preparation and implementation of an investment. It does not constitute a barrier to human activity on the condition that any such activity complies with the principles of sustainable development. This testifies to the higher economic activity of inhabitants in comparison to other units.

This article presents analysis of the role of rural community in enhancement and implementation of changes in rural social infrastructure. Rural social infrastructure is a key part of rural social and economic system, the development level of which predetermines satisfaction of needs of rural residents, fulfilment of their range of choices and alternatives. The main objective of this article is to deploy the fact that application of “bottom-up” approach could stimulate rural community to make decision intended for promotion of positive changes when straining after the attractiveness of their locations through the rational development of social infrastructure facilities, supply of target, high-quality and multiple services. The following research question has been addressed – what is the potential contribution of rural community towards promotion of changes in social infrastructure of rural areas. The research aim is to disclose the role of rural community in enhancement of rural social infrastructure changes. An anonymous survey using questionnaire was implemented in five pilot rural areas and the summary of results is presented. It has been determined that activity and citizenship of rural community in assumption of liabilities for the wellbeing of all rural residents predefines the relevancy of their decisions and opinions before the local authorities and other concerned local or regional institutions. Consequently, the challenge for mentioned rural development actors is to identify or recognise the constraints on rural community participation in forming social infrastructure at local level, and to develop and enable specific initiatives in their favour.