In the first 11 months of this year, the provisional profit of Rīgas Meži has exceeded 1.5 million euros – the company's revenue indicators are on the rise. Meanwhile, the unaudited nine-month financial report shows that during this period, the company's net turnover was 13.44 million euros, which is 6.8% less than in the corresponding period last year, but a profit of 1.477 million euros was earned. This is an increase of nearly 10%, or almost 130,000 euros, compared to the first nine months of 2020, informs Anita Skudra, Chairperson of the Board of Rīgas Meži, who joined the company’s management team at the beginning of this year.
This has been achieved by improving and optimising work processes, analysing cash flow, and implementing good corporate governance principles, among other things. A key role in improving the company's management is played by the Rīgas Meži council, approved by the municipality at the beginning of September, which oversees operations and represents the interests of Riga residents. Also, during the reporting period, work was initiated to implement the recommendations of the Riga City Council audit regarding the company’s financial and economic activities in 2020. For example, potential risks of waste or loss of financial resources have been addressed, and attention has been paid to budget control, among other measures.
In September, Rīgas Meži was registered in the Commercial Register as a commercial company significant to national security.
The largest revenues were generated from the sale of roundwood and sawn timber, amounting to 6.53 million euros and 3.71 million euros respectively. Additionally, 1.5 million pine, spruce, birch, black alder and oak seedlings were planted. During the nine months, 800 hectares of restored forest areas and 360 hectares of young stands were tended.
A great deal of work has been done in implementing landscape planning and zoning in the forests under the company's management. Based on this zoning, changes were made to the "Forest Management Plan for 2017–2026", placing ever greater emphasis on nature conservation and the development of recreation. The first forest landscape design plan was developed for the Jugla forest, with defined zoning: street noise buffer zones, biologically valuable stands, and urban green zone forests or recreational areas. The maintenance of this forest is being carried out in accordance with the new zoning. Work has also begun on forest landscape design plans for other territories.
Rīgas Meži is also responsible for the capital's gardens and parks. More than 10,000 spring flowering plants, over 60,000 summer flowers and more than 3,000 perennials have been planted in them. Almost 1,000 trees, as well as more than 550 shrubs and conifers, have been planted in the parks. The implementation of the "Riga Summer 2021" project was ensured. Plantings were reconstructed over an area of more than 300 m2. Repair work was carried out in parks and Mežaparks children's playgrounds. Caring for public safety, more than 100 dead and dangerous trees were felled in the parks and Mežaparks. Crown maintenance was performed on 273 park trees.
A major challenge was the increasing amount of waste (which has increased by about 15% on average compared to last year), as well as damage to plantings and landscape elements. This created an additional workload and incurred extra expenses.
Great attention has been paid to cooperation with the capital's neighbourhoods and partners in implementing various projects.
One of the most interesting projects has been implemented – the first Enduro trail has been created in the Gauja forestry. The Riga City Council Housing and Environment Committee supported the development concept for the "Green Class" environmental education programme to provide both recreational and environmental and nature education excursions for pupils, teachers and the general public throughout the Rīgas Meži territory.