The Ministry of Agriculture has drawn up the new draft Guidelines for the Development of Forestry and Related Sectors 2026-2050 and invites the public, industry experts and interested parties to take part in the public consultation on the document.

The purpose of the document is to set out the strategic directions for the development of the forestry sector, ensuring the sustainable (non-depleting) management of forests and forest land, in order to build a well-tended, independent and prosperous Latvia and to enhance people's well-being, particularly in rural regions. The guidelines take into account the long-term nature of the forest stand life cycle and the forestry sector's contribution to the bioeconomy and to meeting Latvia's sustainable development goals. To achieve this, the relevant interest groups have agreed on the core principles for the development of the forestry sector, covering economic and social matters as well as the protection of the forest environment. The document is based on an in-depth analysis of sector data, scientific research and an assessment of the results of the previous planning period.

The guidelines are a medium-term policy planning document drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with professionals from the forestry and related sectors and with the associated institutions. The guidelines have been developed in line with the national forest policy and the core principles for the development of the forestry sector set out in it.

The public consultation will run until 15 November 2025. The draft guidelines can be viewed at: https://www.zm.gov.lv/lv/sabiedriskas-apspriedes.
Proposals and comments can be submitted electronically by sending an email to: ilze.silamikele@zm.gov.lv or pasts@zm.gov.lv, with a note that they concern the forestry guidelines.