Forests for People

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use forests for camping, sightseeing and relaxation. Seeking to

balance economic, ecological and social forest functions, foresters

have built more than 2,000 recreational objects in Lithuanian forests,

more than 200 of them adapted for the needs of physically disabled

visitors. This type of adaptation is a new phenomenon in Lithuanian

forests. Its main objectives are to contribute to the integration into

society of disabled people by allowing them to experience equal

access conditions with other members of society.

Benefits for private forest owners

Since 1991, the structure of forest ownership has changed consid-

erably. Land reform and restitution in the forest sector has seen a

shift from nearly 100 per cent of State owned forests to 38 per cent

private, 50 per cent State and 12 per cent forests reserved for resti-

tution. In Lithuania, private forest holdings are mostly small – the

forest estate average is 3.3 hectares – but the number of private

forest owners is considerable (almost 250,000).

Private forest owners and their families can get direct benefits from

forests, by disposing of property, using wood, picking wild mush-

rooms and berries or using forests for recreation. Forest owners can

harvest a limited amount of wood annually for their own purposes

(not exceeding an annual increment) without permission.

Benefits for people working in the forestry sector

Around 50,000 people work in the Lithuanian forest sector and wood

industry (about 6 per cent of total employment in the country). During

the last few decades in the State forest sector, the number of employees

has gradually reduced, mostly because of forest works undertaken by

private contractors, but there are still around 4,000 employees working

in the State forest sector. The welfare of these people depends directly

on forest production, as they receive payment and social

guarantees, and salaries in State forest enterprises are

higher than average for Lithuania.

Youth education (Young Forest Friends)

Young Forest Friends is an independent organization

that brings together children who are interested in

nature conservation, forestry, flora and fauna. The main

objectives of this organization are to:

• Develop the ability to recognize, protect and take

care of the forest’s flora and fauna

• Train children to monitor, investigate and analyse

phenomena in the forest

• Promote the forestry profession, fostering ethnic

traditions and customs

• Develop ecological habits within Lithuanian society

• Cooperate with similar organizations.

In the State forest enterprises, there are 356 clubs of

Young Forest Friends and currently the organization

unites more than five thousand youngsters. Together,

they are learning about forest growth principles and

sustainable forest management and forming strong rela-

tionships with local foresters.

Forests are a part of life from an early age for

Lithuanian people. Most of the population cannot

imagine life without the benefits provided by forests.

We believe that sustainable forest management will

save and even increase the benefits of the forests for

future generations.

Forests are a part of life from an early age for Lithuanian people

Children monitor, investigate and analyse forest phenomena

Image: Directorate General of State Forests