On 17–18 September in Riga, the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union (LMNA), in cooperation with the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW), is organising an international seminar entitled “Forests of the future: paving the way to EU carbon neutrality through sustainable management practices and circular wood-based products” (Forests of the future: paving the way to EU carbon neutrality through sustainable management practices and circular wood-based products).

The event will bring together representatives from Latvia and nine other European countries, including Belgium, France, Sweden and Finland, to discuss the forest sector in Latvia and Europe together.

Speakers will include representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Forest Certification Council of Latvia, AS “Latvijas Finieris” and others.

Over the two days, participants will learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Latvia's forestry and wood-processing sector, the national forest strategy and examples of good practice in the sustainable use of resources. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of certification, socially responsible management and innovation to boost competitiveness.

Special attention will be devoted to strengthening social dialogue. In the panel discussions, participants will jointly look for strategies to improve cooperation at both national and European level in order to strengthen the presence of trade unions in the forestry and wood-processing sector.

We are delighted with our close partnership with the EFBWW, which allows us to shape a sustainable future for the forest sector together.

The international seminar forms part of the activities marking LMNA's 35th anniversary year.
For three and a half decades, the organisation has stood alongside workers in the sector, strengthened social dialogue and defended employees' rights.

“These 35 years have been a time in which we have proved the strength of the trade union – we have achieved improvements in working conditions, developed a culture of collective agreements and strengthened social dialogue. Our work does not stop here – we continue to grow, to be active and to stand up for social dialogue in the sector. Because only together can we secure a sustainable future!” emphasises LMNA Chair Kristīne Rapa.