RMK halts management of coniferous and boreal forest areas selected by the Strict Forest Protection Working Group 17.01

The additional protected areas recommended by the experts of the Strict Forest Protection Working Group are located exclusively in state forest managed by RMK, due to which the Management Board of RMK made a decision to terminate forestry works in these forests. In cooperation with scientists from the University of Tartu, the exact locations and borders of pre-selected areas shall be reviewed and a proposal shall be submitted to the Minister of the Environment to establish the required protection measure. 

As at the end of 2016, 19% of the state forest was under strict protection; this number will exceed 20% with the formation of newly protected areas. 

RMK is the keeper, protector and manager of the forest and other natural biotic communities belonging to the Estonian state. RMK earns a profit for the state through forest management, growing reforestation material, and organising forest and nature conservation works. In addition, RMK provides opportunities for nature walking in recreational and protected areas and shapes nature awareness. RMK consists of the Sagadi Forest Centre, the Elistvere Animal Park, AS Eesti Metsataim and the Põlula Fish Farm.