What is the basic role of the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre in Latvia? What are the main research areas? State Ltd. “Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center” (LEGMC) is the largest institution in Latvia engaged in the collection and processing of geological information. However, the main areas of research at LEGMC also include meteorological and hydrological observations and forecasting, air quality monitoring, chemicals and hazardous waste management. For this work LEGMC employs 260 lead qualification specialists. LEGMC Information Analysis Department has several branches: Division of Geology, Division of Inland Waters (hydrology and hydrogeology), Chemicals and Hazardous Waste, and Air and Climate Division. The main activities in the field of geology can be divided into three basic groups: 1) accomplishment of State delegated assignments, 2) commercial side which includes preparation of geological information upon request of other institutions and private sector and 3) participating into national and international projects of different scale. The main tasks of LEGMC in the area of geology are following: Approval of mineral reserves according to the legislation; Preparation of the annual balance of mineral reserves, collection and storage of geological information; Preparation and provision of geological and geospatial information for the needs of the state, society and land users; Investigations of quality of subsoil, geological and geoecological investigations of different hazards to the environment and population; Preparation and evaluation of information regarding mineral deposits occurring in subsoil; Seismic monitoring. Collection and storage of geological information is the main task of LEGMC according to Law on Subsoil. Almost 30,000 thousand reports as well as maps and field books are stored in the State Geological Fund: results of geological mapping, results of geological prospecting, information on mineral deposits and mineral resources, results of geology investigations and engineering, geoecological investigations. This...