Ecology, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Markets and Companies

In the course of the audits conducted in August and October 2020, auditors from NEPCon OU and BM Certification Estonia OU closely examined the forest management system of RMK and noted that balanced fulfilment of the environmental, economic and social objectives continues to be ensured in the state forest.

RMK holds a forest management and supply chain certificate issued by FSC already since 2002 and a forest management certificate issued by PEFC since 2010. During the annual audits, the conformity of forest management with valid requirements is assessed and, if deficiencies are found, deadlines are set for their elimination.

Kristjan Tonisson, board member of RMK, said that criticism has been voiced in the media recently alleging that RMK is breaching the requirements of the certificates and is not paying attention to natural value when managing forests.

"The international audits found that the activities of RMK continue to meet the requirements of sustainable forest management. The auditors were of particularly high opinion of the IT solutions used by RMK in forest management, effective control systems and professionalism of the employees," Tonisson said.

The conclusions of the audit are based on a broad selection of sites visited: the auditors looked at cut areas, forest improvement, environmental protection, management of areas of high public interest, protection of key biotopes and similar. During the audit, auditors from NEPCon identified as one minor inconsistency a shortfall of dead tree trunks and butts at some clear-cut sites.

Both groups of auditors also found RMK's communication with local residents and communities to be consistent with requirements. NEPCon said that communication with major regional and country-wide interest groups should be clearer in order to not cause excessive tensions.

RMK shares the position of the auditor.  

The state forest of Estonia is very species-rich. To protect nature, over 313,000 hectares, meaning 30% of all forests of RMK, have been declared strictly protected areas where no economic activity takes place. In addition, various other restrictions apply to 8% of state forests. 

The certificate issued by PEFC confirms that forests are managed responsibly and sustainably and environmental, social and economic requirements are observed in forest management. A PEFC logo on a product or a package confirms that the wood or wood-based material contained in the product comes from sustainably managed forests and has been manufactured in a responsible manner.