State and development prospects of forestry and the timber processing complex in Russia

Aim. This work aimed to assess the current state of forestry and the forest industry in Russia.

Objectives. The work seeks to analyze the key indicators characterizing the state and level of development of forestry and the forest industry in Russia; based on the assessment results, to identify problematic issues and development prospects in this field.

Methods. The study is based on the principles of systemic, institutional, and structural-functional analysis, providing a holistic view of the forestry complex. The authors used comparative, retrospective, and factor analysis, as well as content analysis of regulatory and strategic documents.

Results. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the state and development trends of forestry and the forest industry in Russia under current conditions. An assessment was conducted of timber stockpiling volumes, timber export and processing trends, industry revenues, and the effectiveness of implementing strategic development trends for the period up to 2030. Particular attention was paid to environmental aspects of management in the sector under study, the impact of climate change, and the scope of forest ecosystem restoration. Key challenge were identified, including low levels of deep processing, insufficient investment, and persistently high levels of illegal activity. The need for increased digitalization of the forestry complex, infrastructure modernization, the implementation of innovative sustainable forest management technologies, and an increase in the industry’s social significance was substantiated.

Conclusions. An analysis of the current state of forestry and the forest industry in Russia shows that this sector remains an important segment of the national economy, possessing significant potential for sustainable growth and the development of exports, including those with high added value. Despite positive trends, the industry faces a number of systemic challenges. Within the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Russian Forestry Complex until 2030, measures aimed at digitalizing the industry, increasing the share of advanced wood processing, modernizing the transport infrastructure, and improving personnel skills are of particular importance. According to the authors’ standpoint, comprehensive development in these strategic areas will contribute to the achievement of multifaceted goals, namely increasing labor productivity and economic efficiency, enhancing the export potential of timber products, preserving and restoring biological resources, and minimizing the negative impacts of climate change. Achieving these goals requires comprehensive collaboration between the government, business, and the scientific community, focused on innovation, adherence to the principles of sustainable forest management, and effective natural resource management.

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