The international forum Forest and People Siberia has begun in Irkutsk, bringing together federal and regional authorities, business, and scientists. Participants are discussing forest sector development, measures against illegal logging, support for deep wood processing, and expanding markets.
The international forum "Forest and Man - Siberia" has begun its work in Irkutsk. The forum is being held with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. Representatives of federal ministries and agencies, members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Government and the Legislative Assembly of the Irkutsk Region, the Russian Union of Timber Producers and Timber Exporters, as well as representatives of companies and scientific organizations are taking part in its work.stable operation of the forest complex, defining its development priorities. It is no coincidence that the Irkutsk Region was chosen as the forum venue - one of the industry leaders, - noted Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Irkutsk Region Maksim Bezryadin.
Minister of the Forest Complex of the Irkutsk Region Denis Safronov noted that the Irkutsk Region is one of the leaders in the country in terms of forest resources and their harvesting. The area of the region's forest fund lands is 69 million hectares. Among the positive trends are a decrease in roundwood exports and an increase in processing. Over the past 10 years, lumber production has grown 3.5 times.
- The priority areas of the regional Government's work, we see in attracting investment to the forest industry, implementing innovative projects, pursuing a policy of increasing competitiveness and expanding the presence of regional producers in Russian and foreign markets in the segments of wood products, while reducing illegal logging and timber turnover, - Denis Safronov emphasized in his report.
Following the plenary session "Development of the Forest Complex: Key Success Factors," decisions were adopted to continue improving the legislation of the Russian Federation regulating forest relations, including in terms of countering illegal logging and timber turnover, improving measures of state support and incentives for business in deep wood processing, developing certification, and introducing modern methods of control and tracking the turnover of forest resources. The decisions will be sent to the Government of the Russian Federation, legislative bodies, and regional authorities.
Within the framework of the forum, round tables and meetings will also be held, where issues of state regulation of the turnover of roundwood, state support for the timber industry, timber exports in the context of WTO accession, and providing the forest complex with scientific and personnel resources will be considered. The forum will continue its work until September 7.
Also today, as part of the forum, the exhibition "Siberian Forest Use. Woodworking. Wooden House Building" opened at Sibexpocentre.
According to the press service of the Governor of the Irkutsk Region and the Government of the Irkutsk Region