Study supported by the Forest Development Fund (agreement No. 25-00-S0MF01-000004)
The aim of the Study is to contribute to the forecasting of the impact of the measures and their associated tasks outlined in the Forest and Related Industries Development Guidelines 2025–2032 (with a vision towards 2050) (hereinafter – the Guidelines) on ensuring the economic, social, and environmental functions of forests, as well as the evaluation of possible alternative solutions.
Acheived results:
- Recommendations of the Nature Conservation Agency and the State Environmental Inspection Bureau for the preparation of the environmental review of the Guidelines were analyzed.
- A literature analysis and information compilation were conducted on studies carried out in Latvia and other hemiboreal and temperate zones regarding the assessment of environmental impacts of planned measures and the development of solutions to mitigate these impacts, if necessary. A literature review was prepared, summarizing the results of studies conducted in Latvia and other hemiboreal zones on the potential impact of planned measures on forest resources, biodiversity, soil, air quality, water quality, and landscape.
- A proposal has been prepared, which envisages that Monitoring will continue to use as a basis: Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No. 248 "Procedure for Assessing Sustainable Forest Management," simplifying the indicator 'landscape pattern', by evaluating the methodology for obtaining data for individual indicators, Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No. 175 "Regulations on National Environmental Indicators". And to supplement with indicators related to forest ecosystems specified in the "Nature Restoration Regulation" (Articles 12 and 20). A report section on environmental impact monitoring has been prepared, as well as a justification for the selection of these indicators.
- Evaluation of the results of the Guidelines and national environmental indicators (related to forests) carried out for 2015–2020. Indicator deadwood – trend uncertain; Indicator forest area – trend uncertain; Indicator proportion of biologically old forests by dominant native tree species – total area of old forests increasing; Indicator Indicator species population demographics: black stork, lesser spotted eagle Black stork – trend uncertain or decreasing, Lesser spotted eagle – trend uncertain; Indicator greenhouse gases sequestered – trend uncertain; Indicator Increase in timber stocks – trend decreasing; Indicator volume of timber harvested – trend increasing; Indicator volume of timber used in final energy consumption – trend increasing.
- A literature review has been conducted on the principles for determining the optimal placement of protected areas, as well as the possibilities for their concentration. The most important indicators have been identified as: habitat quality, size, and spatial distribution.
- Using the growth simulation tool developed by LSFRI 'Silava', forest resource availability was modeled under various management scenarios, including shortening of the rotation period in part of the forest area. Three different scenarios were analyzed:
Business as usual, with 10% strictly protected (no final felling allowed) and 20% protected (clear-cutting prohibited).
More intensive management, with 10% strictly protected and 20% protected (clear-cutting prohibited).
More intensive management, with 15% strictly protected and 35% protected (clear-cutting prohibited). - A review chapter has been prepared on the possibilities of intensifying forest management, which would allow compensating for the reduction in forest resource availability resulting from biodiversity protection measures. Targeted forest management makes it possible to maintain or increase the volume of timber obtained compared to the routine scenario.
- A literature analysis revealed that open views and visual accessibility to water (panoramas, river bends, lakes) are appreciated. Monotonous, impenetrable forest masses create a sense of 'overgrowth'. Characteristic cultural-historical elements of Latvia (farmsteads, avenues, rural – as well as forest – roads, large trees) are an essential part of identity. Mosaic-like rural landscape is favored. Monotonous stands of spruce, especially in large areas and in highly visible locations (e.g., along roadsides), are considered undesirable. Forestry is not necessarily viewed negatively, as it provides a 'tidy' environment; however, industrial forestry with large clear-cuts, evident soil damage, and logging residues is viewed very negatively.