Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Sales, Management and Carbon Credits

Initially, we process publicly available forest inventory data and conduct remote research.  We evaluate the tree species, age, stock volume, growing conditions, distances to roads, and current market prices. As a result, we provide a preliminary valuation.

Yes. The initial forest valuation and consultation are completely free of charge.

Usually within 1-3 business days. In urgent cases, faster processing is possible.

Yes. The company purchases all types of forest properties, young stands, and unused agricultural lands with afforestation potential.

We perform an initial calculation based on publicly available data and make a preliminary price offer.  After discussing this offer, we conduct a physical site inspection to verify the data accuracy. We agree on the final contract price. We prepare the contract. We ensure a secure transaction and settlement on the exact day of the deal.

Settlement takes place on the day the transaction is concluded.

Yes. We offer professional timber harvesting services using appropriate specialized machinery, ensuring quality assortment preparation, extraction, and sales, as well as the cleanup of log landings and territories..

Yes. We perform young stand maintenance and thinning operations.

Yes. We deliver only 3m roundwood to both legal entities and private individuals, with a minimum volume of one logging truck with a trailer load.

Usually, we ensure firewood delivery within a week, but this depends entirely on weather conditions, location, the ordered volume, and the current season.

Yes. We prepare contracts, verify documents, and help ensure a completely transparent overall process.

For private individuals selling real estate, you must account for a capital gains tax of 25,5%, while selling growing trees incurs a tax of 7,5%.

Often yes. We evaluate situations individually and offer the most optimal solutions.

Yes. With a power of attorney, we can execute all processes remotely without the physical presence of the owner.

Yes. We operate across all regions of Latvia.

Ecobase is an international carbon credit project implemented by the Estonian company Project Spruce OÜ in cooperation with its authorized representative in Latvia, SIA Palus. The goal of the project is to reward landowners for carbon sequestration in growing forests, meaning one carbon credit is issued for every ton of sequestered CO2, which can then be sold on the open market.

To join the project, the landowner signs an authorization agreement with SIA Palus, which ensures participation in the Ecobase carbon credit program.

Participation in the Ecobase Afforestation project in Latvia requires the following minimum areas:

• 1 hectare if SIA Palus services are utilized for planting or afforestation;
• 5 hectares if the landowner afforests and manages the forest themselves.

 

The project only includes afforested territories where a forest did not exist previously. Renewed or naturally regenerated forest areas do not qualify for participation in this project because carbon credits are issued exclusively for new plantings that provide additional carbon sequestration.

One carbon credit corresponds to one ton of CO2 sequestered or prevented through forest management activities. Credits are verified according to the Verra Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

From the issued credits, 70% belongs to the landowner, while 30% goes to Ecobase as the project manager.

Yes. The owner can sell the credits independently, entrust the sale to Ecobase, accumulate the credits for future periods, or use them for their own needs, such as offsetting the carbon emissions of their own company.

Credits are issued once a year, and payments to the owner are processed within 30 days after the credits are sold.

Yes. The owner can withdraw from the project at any time, relinquishing the future issuance of carbon credits.

All data and documents are managed through SIA Palus acting as the official Ecobase representative in Latvia. The owner receives information via email or through the client office.

The Ecobase project does not restrict economic activity, including tree felling, young stand maintenance, or other forestry decisions.  The landowner fully retains control over the management of their forest. The only obligation is informative, meaning the owner must notify SIA Palus about planned tree felling at least one month in advance because this action can affect carbon sequestration calculations. 

You must note that a well maintained and properly managed forest grows faster, sequesters more CO2, and correspondingly generates a larger volume of carbon credits.

Yes. The Ecobase project can be combined with European Union funding for forest planting, maintenance of afforested stands, and young stand thinning. 

This complies with the Rural Support Service (LAD) interventions LA7 and LA8 alongside the current regulatory framework. In this case, unauthorized double funding does not occur because the European Union support covers specific forestry activities, whereas the Ecobase project applies strictly to the accounting of the carbon sequestration results.

Animal damage, fires, and other devastation caused by natural conditions in the Ecobase project qualify as force majeure.

In such a case:

• he owner must inform SIA Palus about the incident; 
• no further carbon credits are issued for the specific destroyed forest stand; 
• already generated carbon credits remain the property of the owner.

 

The owner has a choice:

• to withdraw from the project regarding this specific area without obligations;

or

• to plant a new forest stand, grow it to at least the same volume as before the destruction, and subsequently receive credits again for future growth.