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The second LVM forest seedling gift delivered to Ukraine

Over the course of the gift-donation agreement signed in the Chernihiv region in Ukraine this spring, already the second batch of pine and spruce seedlings grown in JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) tree nurseries has been delivered to Ukraine. This time, the seedlings from Mežvidu tree nursery in Madona County were chosen to restore the parks and green zone in the Chernihiv region. In order to support the restoration of Ukraine’s forest territories, around 40 thousand seedlings have been gifted during the spring and autumn forest restoration seasons.

“The cooperation and support to Ukraine is based on the Ministry of Agriculture’s letter of expectation that also demands active LVM’s participation in strengthening a united secure space, improving a sustainable business model for the whole of Europe, and supporting Ukraine in its integration in the Europe. When we reviewed the possibility of gifting tree seedlings in the spring and autumn of this year, we realized that it does not anyhow endanger LVM’s operations and goals - ensuring Latvia’s forestry with high-quality forest rejuvenation material for further increase of sustainable and fertile forest. Such a gift is a significant support for Ukraine’s efforts to renew the destroyed forest properties, improve the recreational opportunities for inhabitants, and restore the ecosystem,” Pēters Putniņš, LVM’s Chairman of the Board, explains.

Forest seedlings were gifted to Ukraine in response to a request from the Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of Latvia to support Ukrainian society in the restoration of forests and parks. The tree seedling transportation to Ukraine was performed in cooperation with JSC “Latvijas Finieris”, taking into account all necessary circumstances.

The ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia, Anatoly Kucelov: “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to JSC "Latvia’s State Forests" and the company "Latvijas Finieris" for their support in the restoration of forests and parks in the Chernihiv region, where great damage was caused during the Russian military aggression. The high-quality seedlings grown in Latvia will not only help heal the scars left by the Russian aggression but will also contribute to the creation of a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Ukraine."

Uldis Biķis, Chairman of the Council of AS “Latvijas Finieris”, emphasizes: “The reconstruction of Ukraine after the devastation caused by the war is as important as assistance to the heroic and persistent soldiers of Ukraine, their families, health, social care, and educational institutions. By tirelessly continuing to support, we strengthen the faith and hope of the Ukrainian people that their land will once again be free from the hatred and devastation of the invaders, that green forests will once again grow, fertile fields will flourish, and peace will prevail!”

The donation agreement was signed in May 2024 by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia Anatoly Kucelov and the Chairman of the Board of LVM Pēters Putniņš. During the meeting, they also discussed future cooperation plans.

LVM has been cooperating with Ukraine for several years. In December 2021, LVM signed a memorandum of cooperation with the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, within the framework of which several experience exchange visits were held before the start of the war. During these visits, LVM introduced Ukrainian colleagues to the activities of tree nurseries, showing how framework plants are grown in Latvia and sharing experience in the construction of tree nurseries, as well as the use of information technologies in forestry. LVM is also ready to continue to cooperate and share experience in the future so that a high-quality forest seedling cultivation system can be established in Ukraine. LVM will continue its active involvement in strengthening the European common security space and improving a sustainable business model on a European scale, including supporting Ukraine's integration into Europe.