Aija Melluma, Dr. habil. geogr., corresponding member of the LAS. Jobs: Faculty of Geography, University of Latvia (1961), Latvian Institute of Forestry Problems/Research
and Production Association “Silava” (1968), Head of the Nature Protection Department (1975–1986), Director of the Research Centre of the Environmental Protection Committee
(1990), Advisor to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (1994), professor at the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia (1997). Freelance researcher since 2002. Scientific interests: landscape science, landscape history, theoretical and applied issues of landscape protection; theory and practice of nature
conservation; issues of conservation and management of the common natural and cultural heritage.