Demonstrators recently took to the streets in Tallinn with a clear message: Estonia’s forests must be managed better.
On Saturday, April 25, a rally was held to oppose legal changes that could weaken protections and increase clear-cutting in Estonia.
It took place under the banner “Mets on pärandamiseks, mitte ärandamiseks” – “The forest is meant to be preserved, not exploited.”
Around half of Estonia is forestland. Its vast pine, spruce and birch forests provide vital habitat for species, including bears, lynx, elk, wolves, and beavers.
However, over the past decade, the rate of logging in Estonia outpaced forest regrowth and around 2017, its forests had shifted from a carbon sink to a carbon source.
The demonstration urged the government to drop proposed amendments to the Forest Act and the Nature Conservation Act.
Farištamo Eller of Save Estonia’s Forests says the amendments could put further pressure on the country’s forests.
“Timber companies want even more exploitation of forests enshrined in law, while forests are already cut down at a higher rate than they can regrow.”
The demonstration focused on three key priorities: ending unsustainable forest management, ensuring that small forest owners who commonly support sustainable practices can continue to do so, and resisting lobbying by the timber industry for increased logging volumes.
It featured a march to Freedom Square in central Tallinn, speeches from writers, academics, land-owners and conservationists, and musical performances.
“It was inspiring to see that the organizers weren’t just environmentalists or forest activists, but regular citizens deeply concerned about the state of Estonian democracy and the environment at large,” says Farištamo Eller.
Since the demonstration, even the tech sector is speaking out against the amendments.
Photos by Piret Räni.
