Background
Russian forests produce considerable amount of wood, an important raw
material for developing of wood-processing industry and economic
development in regions where other industries may be missing. Their
role is important also regionally and globally for water reseources,
biodiversity and climate. Fulfilment of productive and environmental
role of forests needs their management along the principles of
sustainable development.
Russian forest sector is in transition as part of the overall transition of the society, therefore numerous stakeholders need new research based information for taking into account environmental, economic and social roles of the forestry - wood chain. Adequate national forest policy, legislation, institutional infrastructure, economic environment, education and training of workforce, sound system for planning and practical performance of new forest management rules and quidelines, access to environmentally sound forest technology and access to the global market are necessary preconditions for sustainable development of the forest sector in Russia, in particular in NW Russia where the focus in this research consortium is.
Planned and implemented development in forest policy, forest management and wood harvesting, international trade of wood products and forest industry, investments and economic effects provides basis for transition towards progressive forest sector in NW Russia that can take into account environmental, economic and social requirements in the forestry-wood chain.
