We participate in the Arukate õpilaste akadeemia (Academy of Smart Students), a student science competition that engages young people in scientific topics. As part of the program, we added two forestry-themed questions to the quiz, delivered a dedicated presentation on forestry to the students, and contributed to the prize pool. By taking part in this initiative, we help students learn about forestry at a critical stage of their early career development and demonstrate that everyone – regardless of gender – can build a successful and valuable career in the forestry sector.
Forestland in Estonia
Ingka Investments invests in forestland for the long term to ensure this vital resource is managed responsibly, so that they remain forests forever. In Estonia we own 49,000 hectares.
49,000 hectares of forestland
15% of our forest area included in Conservation Area Network (including High Conservation Values) - FY25
1.1 million seedlings planted - FY25
Supporting early career development in forestry
Learning about nature through play
We visited a kindergarten group to introduce children to forests, biodiversity, trees, and forest management in an age-appropriate way. Through a playful treasure hunt, the children collected leaves and cones from different tree species, learning to recognise natural elements while exploring the forest environment. This hands-on activity helped them experience nature directly and begin building an early understanding of forests and their importance.
We identify and set aside valuable habitats, protect high conservation value forests, and monitor biodiversity with expert partners to safeguard nature.
Engaging biotope experts to protect valuable habitats
As part of our High Conservation Value Forest identification process in Estonia, our foresters evaluate each potential harvesting area based on defined conservation values. When this evaluation reaches a specific threshold, a biotope specialist is engaged to conduct a more detailed assessment, and the area is then set aside for protection if needed. A biotope is a distinct ecological area or habitat that supports specific plant and animal communities. By involving biotope experts, we strengthen our ability to recognise and conserve sensitive habitats within our forest holdings.
Protecting High Conservation Value Forests
We operate a system to identify and preserve High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) at every potential harvesting site. We have designated almost 4,000 hectares as high conservation value forest. In addition, we have set aside 1,666 hectares as representative sample areas to present and preserve each forest site type – around 200 hectares more than is required by certification standards. This ensures that key forest habitats and ecosystem types are safeguarded across our managed areas.
Monitoring biodiversity with international experts
We have launched a biodiversity monitoring program led by specialists from Environmental Resources Management (ERM), in collaboration with experts from Tartu University, Daugavpils University, Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum, Nature Research Center Vilnius, and Lund University in Sweden. The program is designed to assess key components of biodiversity across our forest operations, evaluate the impact of our activities on nature, and track our progress toward becoming nature-positive. By working with leading research institutions, we ensure that our biodiversity monitoring is robust, science-based, and aligned with the latest ecological knowledge.
From abandoned land to growing forests
In FY25, we afforested approximately 83 hectares of abandoned land. These areas are typically not suitable for agriculture or other forms of land use, but they can be successfully used to grow forest when appropriate tree species are selected. By planting forests on such land, we contribute to increasing forest cover, improving long-term land use, and supporting biodiversity and carbon storage.
