Representatives of the Latvian peat producers (I. Krigere, U, Ameriks, R. Skudra) in the first part of the session “Peat and sapropel - synergy of production, science and environment in the context of effective resource use” during the 75th Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia introduced with peat industry achievements, sustainability and its challenges. Scientists discussed about important studies like Greenhouse gas emissions and absorption of CO2 in managing wetland soils (A. Lazdins), peat humic substances and their application possibilities (O. Purmalis). Special attention has been given to the data analysis of peat deposits quality, making recommendations for their improvement and use of the national strategy framework document preparation. Leader of LIFE Restore Project in Latvia K. Paberzs reported on progress in restoring degraded peatlands sustainable management activities. The results of sapropel investigations were presented: from research to application, like sapropel as lime binders potential to use hemp composite concrete.

   Number of oral and poster presentations reflected results of the researchers, students and practitioners joint research on peat and sapropel.

   Peat, which is regarded as one of Latvia’s most important natural environmental resources, has so far been used rather extensively and ineffectively, largely because of a lack of understanding of peat qualities and the possibilities of its use in modern, innovative products. Lately, more attention has been given to research on peat properties and the possibilities of their application. This largely relates to the aspects of protecting raised bogs, as well as recultivation of exhausted peat fields and changes in peat properties in drained peatlands. Special attention is given to the qualities of peat as a substrate and the possibilities of using it for modern, innovative products.

   Another important direction of peat research is research into the peat formation process and analysis of the conditions that affect the properties of peat. Great attention is given to how the humification process affects the properties of humic substances. However, in modern science the peat mass is considered to be an important material for the study of past processes, such as how the manmade load and metal emissions have changed, since they accumulate and are retained in the peat mass. Similarly, peat botanical composition can allow us to trace vegetation development and the character of peat accumulation under the impact of climate changes and human activities.

   However, it must be noted that research into the properties of peat is still quite far behind what could be achieved through detailed studies. The most important directions of peat research:

1) interconnections between peat composition and formation conditions,

2) characterisation of the process of biomolecule transformation during humification,

3) studies of new opportunities for the use of peat.

   In order that the information and discussion provided in the sessions might reach the widest possible audience, summaries of reports are published, as well as collections of articles. Extended summaries of the papers presented at the session “Peat and sapropel - synergy of production, science and environment in the context of effective resource use” during the 75th Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia are published in a special collection of articles, which makes the questions addressed in the reports, in addition to the publicly available video and presentation materials, accessible to the general public, which will contribute to the understanding of these natural resources, their formation and use.

   The questions discussed in the conference and the available material will foster cooperation between researchers, government institutions, the nature protection sector and producers, as well as permitting a wider range of specialists and interested parties to engage, so that they can together find the best solutions for sustainable management and preservation of this unique and important natural resource in Latvia – peat and sapropel.