Monta Līduma: In Zābaki, you can see the prospects and the future of wood in Latvia
30.09.2024
Monta Līduma is the deputy manager of the Zābaki tree nursery of Latvijas Finieris AS and a future forest engineer as she combines her work at the nursery with her studies at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology (LBTU). Monta’s story and experience reveal not only her professional path but also her deep connection to the forest since early childhood, and how you should not be afraid to change your path in life in order to do what you love and find rewarding.
Monta has recently joined the Latvijas Finieris team. She started working in winter, when the tree nursery was quiet and the fast pace and liveliness of the work were not yet apparent.
“When I started, there was snow everywhere and very little to do. The hive of activity that I would eventually experience in the tree nursery was not yet evident. But the manager of Zābaki, Jānis Aļļis, was able to not only give me an expert briefing of my duties but also a good idea of what the tree nursery’s busy season would be like, as well as show me the dream of the future – at that moment, the construction of Zābaki’s new complex of wooden buildings had just entered the planning phase. You could say that I grew up in Zābaki together with this unique project,”
says Monta.
Monta started both her studies in the forest sector and her work at the Latvijas Finieris tree nursery after trying to become a healthcare professional after high school.
“The forest is yours – my parents reminded me. I gave in to the idea of studying medicine that others had planted in me. However, after six months, I was convinced that my parents were right – the forest was my calling. Thanks to my father, who introduced me to the forest from childhood. Although I was afraid to “follow in his footsteps” for a long time, now I am grateful that he helped me to love the forest and find my purpose and place in life, and that is the forest.”
Monta combines her work at Zābaki with part-time studies, which means that for about two months of the year, she has to devote herself entirely to lectures and examinations in person at LBTU in Jelgava.
“I am a third-year student, and I can say that it is a great feeling to apply what I hear and read in my practice. Or vice versa – to oppose or discuss what I have experienced in practice. Where better to experience the whole life cycle of a tree – from seed to seedling, than in a tree nursery. And working at Latvijas Finieris, I can see how a seed not only grows into a seedling, but a seedling grows into a strong and mighty tree, which in turn grows into a high-quality product. In Zābaki, you can see the prospects and the future of wood in Latvia like the palm of your hand. This is why my studies and work are now forming a great synergy,”
says Monta.
Monta explains her daily duties at the tree nursery:
“Everyday life at the tree nursery is dictated by the time of year. The work is dynamic, varied and ever-changing. My duties vary from sowing birch trees and tending to seedlings to preparing paperwork. I am involved in customer service and in the distribution of the seedlings.”
Monta is particularly proud to share one of her latest achievements – the collection and certification of birch seed for Zābaki tree nursery, which is another step towards growth and development of Zābaki.
Monta is active and keen to get involved in other activities of Latvijas Finieris, including various environmental awareness events to educate the public about the management and importance of forests.
“I really feel like a part of the big team of Latvijas Finieris. This is why I participate and get involved in everything. Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to explain that logging is not just a negative phenomenon, but part of sustainable forest management. This is why I am happy to share my knowledge in order to dispel myths and help the public understand the nature of forestry. I think that Latvijas Finieris provides a unique opportunity to learn about the whole forestry cycle, not only in the tree nursery, but also how forests are used on a wider scale. And I am happy to pass on this story.”
Since starting to work at Zābaki, Monta has also changed her place of residence from a busy urban environment to a peaceful village near Sigulda.
“The forest is not just a job for me. I also like to spend my free time walking in nature and in the forest. The forest is always close to me.”