Forest Certification in Developing and Transitioning ... - UTas ePrints

forest certification in latvia
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Figure 1
Structure of Latvian forest governance
Normative function
LR Agriculture Ministry
Forest Sector
Forest Policy
Department
Forest Resource
Department
Oversight and support functions
State Forest Service (SFS)
26 state ranger districts
Forest research station
State forest management function
State Joint-Stock Company
“Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM)
(8 forest management districts)
Source: Ministry of Agriculture 2003
Structure of LVM
The mission of LVM is “to ensure to the forest owner and the public the maximum
benefit that can be achieved by sustainably managing the forest property entrusted to
it. LVM contributes to creating a harmonized natural, social and business
environment” (LVM 1999).
As Latvia’s main forest management agency, LVM is divided into three
departments: 1) Forest; 2) Seeds and Plants; and 3) Roundwood Deliveries. The Forest
department is responsible for mineral rights management, hunting and recreation
services, as well as forest management. The Seeds and Plants department, as the name
implies, conducts tree and plant nursery functions. The Roundwood Deliveries
department is responsible for the production and sale of round timber products. All
three departments also provide consultation services. LVM manages 260 km of
logging roads. Forest management work on LVM lands is done by outside
contractors. Contracts are awarded through a competitive bidding process.
yale school of forestry & environmental studies