Forest

The forests are the natural wealth of Latvia, but its ecosystem is increasingly degrading, so the sustainability of forest management is crucial for the full preservation of our forests for future generations.

Almost half of Latvia is covered by forests, but we have fewer and fewer old forests with high biodiversity. More than half of Latvian forests are younger than 60 years. As the results of the Nature Census (2021) show, currently only 10% of all forests are biologically valuable, they are preserved in small areas and are fragmented.

A biologically valuable forest, rich in species and structures, is formed over a very long period of time, there has been no human intervention, there are trees of different ages and dimensions, including dry roots, fallen leaves, openings in the crown deck. Such forests are full-fledged ecosystems that provide various ecosystem services.

In Latvia and also elsewhere in the world, old forests are most affected by clear-cutting forestry, because with clear-cutting this complex tree stand is completely destroyed, and the lost functions are not balanced even by the preserved ecological trees. Also, the fragmentation of forest habitats is typical in Latvia – the continuous areas of valuable habitats are becoming smaller and the distances between their fragments are increasing. This reduces the chances of species to survive and reproduce, because not all species can move from one habitat island to another. Limiting species populations to a small area reduces their genetic diversity and, in the long term, their chances of survival. Every clearing leaves an impact on the community of forest living organisms, soil, microclimate and the forest’s ability to regulate natural processes.

Our goal and appeal to forest managers and politicians who decide on forest management is to take into account all aspects of the forest as an ecosystem – ecosystem services, biodiversity and balance them with economic and social needs. This approach is also the basis of our work, working with forest ecosystems and engaging in environmental policy processes related to forest management.