Increasing logging in sacred sites.
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
Date: 2025-06-11 16:23
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 10m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The seventh question addressed the increasing impact of clearcutting on natural sacred sites and cultural values, and the government’s attitude towards their preservation. The debate highlighted both economic and cultural tensions: 70% of forests would be in economically managed use, and 30% under protection, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of preserving sacred sites and cultural identity. The natural sacred sites layer on the Hiite Maja map was highlighted, where confusion has arisen regarding the national registers and official mapping processes. The reliability of communicated data and maps, collaboration between the state and NGOs, and which mechanisms have been created to oversee cultural objects in the landscape, were extensively discussed. Annual report figures showed what proportion of sacred sites have been plundered or subjected to clearcutting, and this raises the question of whether the state considers these objects important enough, and how to ensure their lasting preservation in the future. The entire discussion emphasized the state’s responsibility to protect cultural heritage that is essential to identity against the pressures of economic exploitation.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was pid dyFnpkM2El4 (Prime Minister of the Riigikogu). Their remarks and responses focused on the government's role and the openness of the balance between rules, defense, and economic sectors. Position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The seventh question, posed by Riigikogu member Tiit Maran to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, addresses the increasing volume of logging in sacred sites.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran is criticizing the government’s plan to boost the timber industry’s raw material reserves and designate 70% of forest land as resource fields. He stresses that natural sacred sites are extremely important to the public, pointing out that clear-cutting has increased noticeably in recent years. He questions whether the government has a preservation plan for these sites, suggesting that without one, the next logical step might be the destruction of churchyards and cemeteries to meet raw material demands.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that the 70/30 principle in forest management provides certainty to the industry, and that 30% of land and sea are under protection. At the same time, however, she drew attention to the confusion resulting from the unrecognized status of the Hiite Maja (House of Sacred Groves) map layer for natural sacred sites and the failure to notify landowners, which generates bureaucracy and disputes. She further stressed that the monitoring and mapping of important cultural objects is carried out by the National Heritage Board, and that the matter needs to be discussed further.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked everyone and invited Tiit Maran to ask a clarifying question.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran notes that about a third of the sacred sites have been desecrated, and he is requesting a clear plan from the government to put an end to this vandalism, as well as clarification regarding the accuracy of the data in the Hiite Koda report.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that the National Heritage Board is inspecting the historical sacred sites, and some objects might be removed from state protection. The surveys are not 100% reliable, and the voluntary map layer still lacks legal implications, but the state considers these sites important, and the relevant authorities are addressing the matter.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks [the previous speaker] and announces that the supplementary question will be asked by colleague Züleyxa Izmailova.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He stresses that sacred sites are not just forests or economic resources, but rather the conscience of culture and a vital part of identity. He then asks whether the government is guided by the protection of these values or if economic interests take precedence, and how the importance of sacred sites for social cohesion and national identity has been evaluated during the decision-making process.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister stated that the monitoring, which is conducted based on the map layer created by volunteers, NGOs, and foundations, will be carried out according to the methodology and rules of the National Heritage Board. A decision will then be made regarding which objects merit state protection (some of which may not be protected), even though the data is not always fully reliable. Furthermore, the state's protection decisions are based, when necessary, on preserving the national identity reflected by that object.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks everyone and announces that the consideration of today’s seventh item is concluded.