Metsakasutus

Metsakasutus is the Estonian term for forest utilization or forest management. It refers to the planning, organization and execution of activities that use forest resources in a way that aims to balance economic yield with ecological sustainability and long-term productivity of forest ecosystems.

Core activities in metsakasutus include silvicultural planning and treatments such as regeneration, tending and thinning; harvesting of timber and biomass; processing and transport of wood; and the collection of non-wood forest products where appropriate. The approach emphasizes sustainable management, biodiversity protection, soil and water conservation, and resilience to pests and climate change.

Legal and institutional framework: metsakasutus is governed by national forestry legislation and policy within Estonia, including forest management plans and governance of state and private forests. It is aligned with sustainable forest management principles and, where applicable, with European Union directives and international guidelines on forest policy and forest certification.

Terminology and scope: while related to silviculture and logging, metsakasutus covers the broader management of forest resources over time, including ecological, economic and social objectives. It is a foundational concept in Estonian forestry, education, and rural development.

The concept evolved from traditional timber extraction toward formal, sustainable forest management in the 20th century, reflecting growing emphasis on maintaining forest health, ecosystem services, and long-term productivity.