2013

20,000 oxygen trees planted during Night of Museums

Within the framework of the nationwide forest seeding and planting campaign “Oxygen”, special JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) workshops were held in 12 museums in many Latvian cities and towns, where each visitor had a chance to plant his own tree and participate in the creation of oxygen forests. Around 20,000 fir and pine tree seeds were planted during the campaign. All that is left now is to cherish and care for this new life.

The visitors of the Natural History Museum of Latvia were particularly interested in the planting process, forming a long line at the museum's entrance. Everyone wanted to get hold of his own oxygen tree and plant it in a yard or forest. In addition to the planting process, visitors also had a chance to watch special videos and become familiar with forest growth and regeneration.

In support of Latvia becoming the world's greenest country, several public figures, including musicians Māra Upmane-Holšteina, Liena Šomase, “Sinfonietta Rīga”, Māris Mihelsons from “Brainstorm” and his family, as well as conductor Normunds Šnē, Kristīne Virsnīte from “Māmiņu klubs”, will also plant their own oxygen forests.

Virsnīte and her family will plant their oxygen tree in the countryside, where it will fit in perfectly among other trees. Virsnīte is convinced that this tradition is one of the best ways to teach children affection and responsibility towards nature. Therefore, to promote greater respect for Latvia's treasure – forests – LVM wishes to establish a new tradition – an annual forest seeding and planting event with family members.

On the Night of Museums, LVM oxygen workshops also welcomed visitors in the Mezaparks Exhibition Hall, the Valka Local History Museum, the Latgale Culture and History Museum, the Naukšēni People's Museum, the Liepaja Museum, the Jaunmoku Castle, the Roja Marine Fisheries Museum, the Talsi Regional Museum, the Aizpute Local History Museum, the Nīca Tourism Information Centre and the Jelgava History and Art Museum.

LVM has been carrying out a large-scale forest planting campaign since the end of April, planting 1,800 to 2,000 hectares of forest each week. This year, the company intends to plant 10,200 hectares of forest, including 8,700 hectares this spring. LVM intends to plant approximately 30 million trees this year, renewing almost 16,000 hectares of forest.

About forest seeding and planting campaign “Oxygen”

The nationwide forest seeding and planting campaign “Oxygen” was launched in spring 2010, aiming to make Latvia the world's greenest country. More than 90 million trees have been planted in Latvia since then. When trees grow, they absorb harmful carbon and produce oxygen, reducing air pollution and improving air quality. A cubic meter of wood absorbs a ton of carbon and produces 727 kilograms of oxygen.