The Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) is restructuring its forestry support system to place greater emphasis on biodiversity conservation and assistance to small forest owners. The new approach shifts the focus from economic forest use toward maintaining and enhancing the ecological value of forests.

Large companies will no longer be eligible for support if they have over 10 employees or an annual turnover above €500,000. Instead, the program targets individual forest owners who often lack sufficient resources to manage their forests effectively. The emphasis is on encouraging species diversity, climate resilience, and the preservation of natural forests.

Several new support measures will be introduced:

Support for preparing continuous cover forestry management plans;

Afforestation grants;

Support for shaping young forests (aged 11–30 years) to increase carbon sequestration;

Voluntary conservation of natural and old-growth forests;

Regeneration support for previously converted forests.

According to KIK’s forest department head, the afforestation measure has a budget of €710,000 and will support the planting of species-rich and structurally diverse forests. Preferred species include aspen, linden, rowan, and black alder. The voluntary conservation measure compensates forest owners for income lost by choosing to preserve valuable natural forests.

The Ministry of Climate stresses that diverse forests are more resilient to climate change, better withstanding droughts, storms, and pests. With the new measures, forest owners are encouraged to align their management practices more closely with nature conservation goals.

KIK also plans to train forestry consultants to help spread information about the changes and assist landowners with applications. Detailed conditions for the new support system will be released during 2025. The aim is to keep the system flexible and responsive to the needs of different types of forest owners. Overall, the reform seeks to strike a balance between economic forestry and ecological sustainability.