Tomorrow, 5 April, at 13 o'clock, the report of Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEA) of the Estonian Forestry Development Plan will be presented in the Ministry of Environment. The aim of the assessment was to analyse whether the activities proposed in the development plan ensure sustainability of forestry in Estonia. It was assessed whether the share of strictly protected forests should remain at the level of at least 10%, and whether the forests of Estonia withstand the cutting of 13,1 million cubic metres per year, as foreseen in the current draft development plan. Also the efficiency of the proposed measures to combat illegal forestry and to provide consultation to private forest owners was assessed. The SEA of the development plan was carried out by Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn (SEI Tallinn) together with experts from scientific institutions. After the presentation of the report, all participants will have the possibility to express their opinion. On 8 April, the Ministry of Environment will publish the report on the Internet at www.metsad.ee and will circulate the draft development plan for approval. It is hoped that the development plan can be submitted to Riigikogu by summer at the latest. The aim of the Long-term Forestry Development Plan is to outline a strategy and action plan for ensuring sustainability in all branches of forestry. Additional information: Aigar Kallas, Director of Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environment, tel. 052 81 299. |
