Caring for a clean environment and preserving natural values for future generations, this autumn, employees of SIA “Rīgas meži” planted 1,400 birch (Betula) seedlings at the company’s Tīreļi forestry district, in an area where trees had not previously grown, which were raised at the company’s “Norupe” nursery.
With this, “Rīgas meži” has become the first entity from Latvia to join the European initiative to plant three billion trees for the future of the planet, receiving official recognition for this achievement.
“Rīgas meži” Chairperson of the Board Anita Skudra stated: “In caring for the sustainability and preservation of the value of Latvia’s beautiful nature, we have joined the European Commission’s Biodiversity Strategy initiative. It aims to plant at least three billion trees in Europe by 2030. This goal is fully in line with our company’s long-term operational objectives.”
“Rīgas meži” pledges to cultivate and care for this forest stand. Over 50 years, the projected CO₂ (carbon) sequestration in this stand will be more than 63,000 kilograms. This would “offset” ten return flights from Riga to Melbourne (in economy class).
To compensate for a CO₂ “footprint”, these trees must be planted in areas where trees have not grown for at least 20 years or on degraded land. By implementing this project and managing the forest stand by imitating natural processes, both in Latvia and in Europe, we will help achieve the goals set out in the European Biodiversity Strategy:
# compensate for the CO₂ “footprint” and cool the air by 2 °C to 8 °C;
# preserve biodiversity and habitats, as well as protect animals;
# provide residents with food or drinking water, etc.
“Rīgas meži” has created an opportunity to compensate for one’s CO₂ “footprint” by planting a new forest stand. This year, such stands have already been planted in the company’s Tīreļi forestry district in cooperation with the charity organization Ziedot.lv and responsible travellers, as well as with the insurance company ERGO. Similarly, to “erase” the CO₂ “footprint” created by the marathon, the Rimi Riga Marathon also planted a new forest stand.
More about the European Biodiversity Strategy, its results and opportunities to join: https://ej.uz/tin5