I've already written about the fact that the Latvian State Forests decided to not use FSC. However, it was not the Latvian state forest choice, but the FSC audit decision. This caused great impact, because no one can guarantee that after the FSC certificate suspension, the Latvian forests will be sustainably managed. Latvian forests are part of the world ecosystem, and if any part of it does not function, it can lead to disaster.
As one of the major factors that contributed to the FSC certificate was suspended, most likely was the 2008th In the amendment to Latvian Cabinet of 5 October 2005, the Order Nr.655. The amendment provides for increasing the total maximum amount of tree felling main cutting JSC "Latvian State Forests" in possession of existing forests of the 4 million cubic meters of the 2009th and 2010. In this way, cutting the total volume of final felling has almost doubled - to 2008. year it was about 15 000 ha. Increased logging levels without adequate resources and LSF system customization have led to several inconsistencies in the FSC certificate requirements. Also according to the 2009th Annual audit report to the FSC, these decisions were taken: ", without discussion with environmental organizations, non-independent, scientifically valid and of interest to all parties to discuss the calculation of the optimal cutting volumes;-free macroeconomic analysis and forecasts for the forest industry prospects and development - without special safeguards and precautionary principles of nature conservation, including the felling choices Alluvial forests that are ecologically sensitive forest ecosystem. On this principle, the need for an environmental non-governmental organizations, organized a discussion forum (January 2009), the Forest Advisory Board meeting (May 2009) as well as the Prime Minister of the Republic sent a letter (February 2009), but the questions and opinions were hearing on the merits. "Efforts can not leave the fact that for three years, environmental organizations not participating in such decision-making, because it is not allowed.”
Although the increased amount of cutting can be justified within a short period of Latvian financial crisis, it is reasonable to believe that cutting rates will exceed the corresponding sustainable rate.
LSF introduced a system where felling felling are grouped, so a large proportion of adults growing area of the forest massif and this will be cut felling can be designed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the forest massif / area, usually from 10 to 30 km2. In this way, all the stands that would otherwise be scheduled for cutting over several years, is planned to cut a single step. LSF emphasizes that the felling of concentration are significant positive economic impact because of the reduced average transport distance and CO2 emissions. Although the felling area concentration has a positive economic and environmental aspects, but the team during the audit found no evidence "that the LSF has done an adequate assessment of newly introduced approaches to ecological and social impacts - not a general approach for the landscape, not a single district level, including consideration of protected values. "As the environmental non-governmental organizations, concentrated logging has a lasting impact on habitats and species viability, and result in inappropriate habitat specialized forest bird species. Also not perceive the forest as a natural framework for the LSF procedure felled forest does not provide complete environmental protection requirements felling. LSF random or the gradual cutting the percentage of clear cut is 5%.
Currently, FSC certified wood can also be obtained from other forest managers, whose forests are certified to the FSC requirements, but being certified in the area up to 1000 ha. Although it appears that the FSC certified forest area will soon increase by several thousand hectares, is likely to be unable to satisfy all business demand. May develop a situation where companies will be required, certified wood and will be willing to pay a higher amount than for non-certified wood. This practice is very normal and happens in many countries around the world, when the certified material to the forest owner receives the bonus, which may be 2 or more Ls per cubic meter. This will be beneficial for the FSC certification of private forests.
However, no one has calculated how much damage the national forest industry will experience a loss of FSC certificates. It is now known that several large companies are seriously considering buying FSC certified wood to launch in Russia, Romania or Sweden. Several foresters argues that the suspension of the FSC is a "green" efforts in the result, because they want to get more seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections, to be mistaken - the audit work can not be affected. It is also wrong to believe that FSC is the suspension of the LSF Scandinavian country's interest. LSF may lose customers rather than a Scandinavian company rig the result, but his ill-advised behavior. If any of the foreign firms will decide to noy buy Latvian produce FSC certified wood, an indirect loss of the Latvian economy would million lats only at this year and at least two thousand jobs.
And remember, Friday 24th September is FSC Friday. You can read about it on FSC Friday 2010 Facebook page