07.05.2007 - Greenwave forest planting bee culminates in forest planting in Rapla County 29.09

On Friday, 4 May at 11 a.m., the central event of this year’s forest planting campaign will take place in Purila, Rapla County, where members of the Riigikogu and government, the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of European Union institutions and the local government have been invited. The welcome speech will be made by Ene Ergma, Chairman of the Riigikogu.
 
As many as 6200 four-year-old spruces will be planted on the 2.8 hectare cutting area located in the Vahastu forest district in the State Forest Management Centre’s north-western region.
 
The green wave that started at Umbsoo in Southern-Estonia will reach Purila in Northern-Estonia by 4 May. Depending on weather conditions, planting work throughout Estonia will last till the end of May.
 
This year’s forest planting campaign is devoted to the 50th anniversary of the European Union. The idea to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which constitute the basis for the European Union, through an extensive forest planting campaign was created in the Government Communication Office. Other Member States of the European Union were also called on to plant forests on the occasion of the anniversary. Hence, the internationally understood name of the project - "Greenwave". Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Malta, Romania and Bulgaria have given notice of the planting of forests within the framework of the campaign.
 
The planting is organised by the State Forest Management Centre (RMK). This year, 250 cutting areas all over Estonia have been selected for the forest planting campaign. The 6200 people who have registered will plant a total of 900 000 pines and spruces.
 
The state forest manager RMK is a profit making state agency established under the Forest Act, the main function of which is the sustainable and effective management of state forests. RMK grows reforestation material, organizes forest work, sells forests and wood and organizes the upkeep of wild animals. In addition, RMK creates possibilities for exercise in nature and recreation in forests and develops people’s awareness of nature. RMK manages about 38% of Estonia’s forests.
 
More detailed information about the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the European Union can be obtained from the website of the European Anniversary http://europa.eu/50/index_et.htm
 
For further information, please contact:
 
Elina Kink
Head of RMK Communications Department
GSM +372 511 0033
E-mail elina.kinkrmk.ee
 
Villu Känd
Head of the EU Information Unit
GSM +372 527 5424
E-mail villu.kand@rk.ee