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EU ambassadors explore the treasures of Latvian forests

As part of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), JSC "Latvian State Forests" welcomed 28 EU ambassadors, posted in Brussels and elsewhere, who were part of the outing to Ložmetējkalns Hill. Exploring our greatest treasure – the forest, and concluding annual Forest Day, ambassadors from each member state planted a tree at the foot of the Hill.

A warm and sunny June day, afternoon. Everything is quiet, bird songs can be heard and mosquito bites felt occasionally, herbal tea is made on a live fire at the restored recreation center. Juniper and mountain pine seedlings from LVM "Seeds and Seedlings" are swaying in the wind in line next to the flags of 28 EU member states. Another moment passes, and arriving are EU ambassadors from Brussels for an appropriate Forest Day finale in a state forest of Latvia. They are to plant trees in the vicinity of Ložmetējkalns Hill, and get insight into the Latvian forest industry. Almost everyone agrees – the event was successful, while a large number of participants promised to return to Latvia to have a look on their plant nurslings.

EU ambassadors, whose daily life takes place in crowded, bustling high-rises in Brussels, were introduced to an integral part of Latvia – peace and serenity, the beauty of the forest and the sea. "Excellent. Certainly a successful project on  how to present oneself as an ambassador of Brussels," EU Ambassador Juris Štālmeistars commented on the theoretical part during the first day and the practical part – on the second. "I am truly grateful that JSC "Latvia's State Forests" responded to this project, as it is important to present and promote Latvia's forests, show what we can do with timber. This is a privilege – to plant your own tree at the bottom of Ložmetējkalns Hill. I can see that everyone is very interested and pleased with the experience," the ambassador noted. Every presiding country tries to show something special, something to be proud of. "As a country that is holding the EU presidency for the first time, we have the opportunity of introducing Europe to our basic values and the things we are proud of. We have demonstrated how we are managing the state forests, how we are planting the trees, and we will continue presenting the ambassadors with the wood production process and wood products that we make."

This time, politics unified – state representatives got acquainted with the history of Ložmetējkalns Hill, listened to a brief instruction on how to achieve the task, and were ready to put on the white work gloves. It was clear that the guests were glad to start, while for some of them this was a new experience.

"Latvians can be proud of living in a country enclosed by a blue sea and green forests," says European Commission representative John Watson, pressing down soil around the newly-planted juniper tree. Regardless of the fact that this was the ambassador's first time in Latvia, he does not rule out that he could come back next time with his family. "Latvian Presidency is the real reason to get acquainted with Latvia and its values. The past six months were fantastic, huge effort has been made to organize the event, and I can say that Latvia has shown itself in a favorable light. Now we, people from Brussels, see that, regardless of the fact that Latvia is a small and young country, it is very dynamic and beautiful; furthermore, forests are a resource ancient and rich in tradition – governed in Latvia in a proficient manner. This is a very serious state announcement – dynamic and educated people, combined with an industry that is rich with traditions. Good work, keep going!" the Commission's representative says. The ambassador added that he prefers spending his free time near the sea, though reaching it via a long road.

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"I am glad to see Latvia and its nature. Over the past couple of days, we have felt positive vibes, all events were well-organized," says Italian ambassador Marco Peronaci. "However, I must say that this is not the first tree I am planting. I like to get busy in my household garden that has olive trees," says the Italian diplomat, appreciating the power that Latvia's forests  exude. "Latvia is an amazing place to relax and spend time with family, parents. I am grateful to take part in such an outdoor trip – in a forest, where peace and fresh air prevail, and everything is so beautiful," says the Italian ambassador's colleague, indicating that during the Italian Presidency, major attention was paid to employment issues, presenting local companies and products.

Clyde Kull, the ambassador of our neighboring country Estonia, says that this is not the first time he is planting a tree. "My garden has trees and decorative shrubs that I planted there. I feel like home here, as I grew up in south Estonia, where the climate and forests look the same as here in Latvia. I must admit that it is truly incredible how the event was organized. Everything was smooth and genuine. Estonia will take over the EU Presidency in 2018. I am trying to keep a track of every step and detail over the course of events for inspiration and example for our first presidency in the EU." In his free time, the ambassador prefers walking in forests in Brussels or near the sea. However, he prefers collecting nature's souvenirs only in Estonia's forests.

Hungarian representative Olivér Varhelyi is frankly interested in Latvia's climate and the proportions his mountain pine will reach after 40 years. This is the first time for him in Latvia as well. "I have planted two or three trees in my garden. However, there are not many trees in my country – only 30 percent. Furthermore, I am not going to the forest for a walk, as the ground is too sandy, which is why I would rather go swimming or have a delicious meal," says Varhelyi.

Irish Ambassador Tom Hanney recalls that trees were also being planted near Lake Balaton during the Hungarian Presidency. "I like it that we can leave something permanent behind, like a sign for the future," the Irish ambassador says with joy, adding that Latvia, in terms of territory, is not so small, furthermore, it is rich – it has forests, nature, sea – "It is beautiful here!"

After a job well done, "flight above the tree tops" from Ložmetējkalns Hill Observation Tower, tea drinking, and friendly conversation, numerous ambassadors are standing at the picnic benches in a leisurely manner, even though they were told to continue on. "It is so nice here that I will stay in the forest forever," says a voice from the unhurried group. A job well done.