Our Mission and Vision

At LFDF, our mission is to enhance the value and productivity of Latvia’s forests through sustainable management and strategic investments.

We strive to benefit our investors, support local communities, and preserve the environment for future generations.

A Message from Our Leadership

Our Experienced Management Team

CEO & Chair of the Board

Janis Upenieks

Janis Upenieks has a robust background in public administration, economic strategy, and the private sector, particularly within the forestry and wood processing industries.

Most recently, he served as a Board Member at BONO, a Latvian wood processing group, where he managed daily operations, financial oversight, and the implementation of sustainability initiatives. He also played a key role in developing BONO’s construction division for wooden homes and represented the company publicly, including media relations.

In the public sector, Janis has held several high-profile roles. From 2019 to 2022, he was the Economic Advisor to the Latvian Prime Minister, where he provided strategic guidance on economic and business development matters. Previously, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Economics, where he supported legislative efforts and represented the ministry’s economic policies. Additionally, Janis was a Member of the Latvian Parliament, the Saeima, which deepened his expertise in regulatory frameworks and legislative processes.

In earlier roles, Janis also gathered valuable experience in sports administration and marketing. He was a Board Member of the Latvian Sports Federation and served on the Executive Committee of the Latvian Olympic Committee, overseeing strategic direction and financing for national sports initiatives. His experience also includes positions as a financial analyst and project manager in marketing, further enhancing his diverse skill set. This varied background equips Janis with a unique blend of skills in governance, financial strategy, and sustainable resource management.

Board Member

Gatis Melderis

Gatis Melderis brings over a decade of experience in forestry, business development, and project management. He has extensive expertise in forest property evaluation, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance, managing teams of specialists and fostering partnerships with industry service providers.

Earlier in his career, Gatis was a board member of Valmiera Basketball Club, responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and sponsorship acquisition. He also has experience in the construction industry, having owned and managed SIA Vidzemes Būve and Vidzemes Ceļu Būve, where he led project management, procurement, and quality control for various projects. Gatis’s broad background across forestry, business strategy, and operational leadership makes him a valuable asset to LFDF, aligning financial performance with sustainable forest management.

Power of Execution

We leverage innovative tools and technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

Advanced Sourcing and Valuation

Utilizing sophisticated methods to identify high-potential assets.

Efficient Asset Management

Implementing best practices to optimize forest growth and timber quality.

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with industry leaders to expand our capabilities.

Proven Financial Backing

We have established strong financial foundations.

Funds Attracted and Repaid

Successfully attracted and repaid €7 million from Mundus Bridge Finance, managed by INVL, the leading investment management group in the Baltics.

Ongoing Collaborations

Partnered with Debitum Investments to attract additional funds and expand investment opportunities.

Commitment to Transparency and Governance

We uphold the highest standards of corporate governance.

Robust Policies

Ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in all our operations.

Investor Communication

Providing open communication and detailed reporting to keep our investors informed.

Access to Reports

Offering downloadable annual reports for insights into our financial performance and strategic initiatives.

Downloadable annual Reports

Access our comprehensive annual reports for detailed insights into our financial performance, strategic initiatives, and market outlook.

Download Annual Report

Making a Positive Impact

We are poised for substantial growth.

Environmental Stewardship

Preserving and enhancing Latvia’s forests through sustainable practices.

Economic Growth

Supporting a key sector that significantly contributes to Latvia’s GDP.

Community Development

Engaging with local communities and fostering opportunities in rural areas.

We look forward to partnering with you in this exciting venture. Together, we can achieve remarkable financial success while making a positive impact on the environment.

Invest in LFDF