Riigimetsa

Riigimetsa is a term in Estonian that translates to "state forest." It refers to forests owned and managed by the Estonian state. The primary body responsible for the management of these forests is the Estonian Environment Agency (Keskkonnaagentuur) through its state-owned company RMK, which stands for Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (State Forest Management Centre).

RMK's mandate includes sustainable forest management, conservation of biodiversity, recreational use of forests, and economic utilization of forest resources. This involves activities such as planting trees, harvesting timber, protecting forests from pests and fires, and maintaining forest infrastructure like hiking trails and camping sites.

Estonia has a significant portion of its land covered by forests, with state-owned forests forming a substantial part of this. The management of Riigimetsa aims to balance ecological, social, and economic objectives. This means ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the forests while also providing opportunities for people to enjoy nature, such as through hiking, berry picking, and mushroom hunting. RMK also plays a role in educating the public about forest conservation and responsible use. The revenues generated from timber sales and other forest-related activities are reinvested into forest management and conservation efforts.