"Research completed January 1995."

<strong>Abstract</strong> Since the 17th century 74 mammal species have been recorded in Latvia. Two species have become extinct, 10 species have been observed occasionally or introduced unsuccessfully but 62 are considered as permanently occurring in Latvia. Among the latter 8 species have been introduced or have invaded Latvia. 23 species are included in the Red list.

The article deals with the biggest threat to the pig breeding industry in Latvia - the classical plague. The areas of the classical hog plague in the European Union countries (1986-1994) are given. The epizootic situation and the prophylaxis of the classical hog plague in Latvia (1960-1996) are analysed. The indices of the manifestation of the disease are discussed. Recommendations are mentioned how to protect against this infection in the economic situation of Latvia.

The most significant monitoring programmes of the state of the forest in the world are discussed in the article. The most important forest monitoring programmes in Latvia are considered. The general state of health of 2orest growths in Latvia is analysed.

The most significant monitoring programmes of the state of the forest in the world are discussed in the article. The most important forest monitoring programmes in Latvia are considered. The general state of health of 2orest growths in Latvia is analysed.

The analytical data of soil samples taken during expedition in August 222-25, 1994 and analysed in the Soil Laboratory of the Latvia University of Agriculture are presented. The laboratory methods used in Latvia at present for soil analyses and soil classification are discussed.

The work of phytopathologists in ensuring normal phytosanitary conditions and successful disease control in grain crops is explained. The most wide-spread diseases observed in winter grain crops in Latvia during the year 1996 are described. The distribution of the diseases in different regions of Latvia, their harmful effect as well as their symptoms and diagnostics methods are discussed.

The work of phytopathologists in ensuring normal phytosanitary conditions and successful disease control in grain crops is explained. The most wide-spread diseases observed in winter grain crops in Latvia during the year 1996 are described. The distribution of the diseases in different regions of Latvia, their harmful effect as well as their symptoms and diagnostics methods are discussed.

The content of the term "free economic zone" is explained considering the experience of different countries as well as the motivation from the point of view of the present legislation and economy in Latvia. The basic principles of free economic zones are discussed. It is pointed out that the given research may, be used as informative material for establishing free economic zones and free ports in Latvia.