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This analysis examines the regulatory framework for the seaweed sector and its impact in the Baltic Sea region through a systematic literature review and quantitative approach. The study assessed legislation and policy documents at four levels of governance: international, European Union, regional and national. The aim of the study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal framework for the seaweed sector, to identify the main trends and challenges, and to assess its potential impact on the development ...

The research investigates the commercialization potential of algal biostimulants in the Baltic Sea region, considering the existing regulatory framework. Using quantitative analytical methods and a comprehensive literature review, the study assesses the economic, environmental and regulatory impacts of biostimulants. The results show that, on average, algal biostimulants can increase crop yields by 17.9%, generating additional income of пїЅ179,000 per 1,000 ha, reduce fertilizer costs by 15%, saving пїЅ45,000, and...

In 2015, the United Nations set 17 sustainable development goals to be achieved by 2030. Among them, the 11th goal is - sustainable cities and communities. Taking into account such factors as increasing urbanization, challenges of well-being in the urban environment, the imbalance of resources, the issue of sustainability of urban areas is becoming more and more relevant. It requires solutions that balances sustainable development in economic, environmental and social dimensions. Urban agriculture is a practice wi...

Economic growth in Europe is causing environmental problems thus highlighting the need to minimize waste. Sustainable Development Goal 12 -Sustainable Production and Consumption- focuses on three aspects: waste management, energy saving and resource usage minimization. The aim of this study is to analyse the current needs for professional food waste management knowledge in European food production companies and develop waste minimization skills for food sector-s vocational education students. The study is based on...

Climate change and global environmental challenges pose an existential threat to the world, including Europe. Dealing with the current climate and environmental challenges requires an urgent and ambitious response. The global challenges are also an opportunity for companies, especially those engaged in environmental protection, to innovate, as they both increase their competitiveness and export potential. The relevance of the research problem is additionally supported by the fact that the European Union is committ...

Because of the electric propulsion, electric scooters could be a potential way how to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban transportation sector; however, recent research has cast doubt on that. This article focuses on the effect the electric scooter use has on CO2 emissions by examining the electric scooter trip data obtained during 2021 scooter season in Riga city. As shared scooters routinely replace already existing modes of transportation, the article analyses the effect which this replacement has...

The most significant challenges of organic farming are the fragmentation of the sector, unstable product supply and sales opportunities, as well as the lack of knowledge of how to manage agricultural production agronomically and economically effective. The predominant form of agricultural enterprises in Latvia is small and medium-sized farms. Thus, cooperation is an effective solution so that farmers can maintain the form of a family business and achieve an appropriate economic market, which would contribute to th...

Urban agriculture has become increasingly topical in recent years due to both social trends and challenges of sustainable development. Although functions of the urban agriculture, especially economic and social, have been widely explored since the 1990s, the focus is mostly on regions where urban agriculture practices are strategies for survival and basic food security or on highly metropolitan cities, with little focus on countries and cities with a relatively medium or even low population density, thus excluding...

In the national policy and development documents of Latvia, forest, along with other natural resources, is defined as an important strategic resource for the sustainable overall development of the country and the development of a diverse and export-intensive economy. At the same time, the need to exploit forests sustainably, reducing the risks to the quality of the natural environment posed by human activities, is emphasized by the documents. The research question is as follows: Are forests in Latvia overexploited...

Digitalization in business environment and management processes at the same time entails the need for additional skills to prepare clients and members of society by explaining to them the nature and use of products. Therefore, senior and middle managers have to be not only knowledgeable in their profession and develop the relevant hard skills but also, due to the labour market demand, have to be aware of importance of soft skills? training and understanding. In the process of developing study courses in life scien...

Labour protection involves the safety and health of employed individuals. It has to be one of the priorities for any employer, as employees are a resource to be cared about and made satisfied. In Latvia, regardless of the requirements of law, the State Labour Inspectorate revealed 10 815 violations of the labour protection legislation in 2014. Besides, in the period 2010-2014, the number of accidents at work annually increased, reaching 1763 in 2014, of which 213 accidents led to serious health disorders, while 41...