Implementation of Sustainable Lumber Management Principles in Irkutsk Region

Abstract

Forestry in Irkutsk region features very low efficiency of forest resource exploitation. This works aims to estimate the amount of forest resource in the region, its condition and accessibility. These three data are taken as basis for the method of allowable cut as one of the key forest management tools. The article analyzes the types of lumber in various areas of the region and the dynamics of their exploitation according to the territory zoning, and provides a feasibility assessment of allowable cut development. The statistic reports of the regional Ministry of Timber Complex are used as information resource for the estimated planned and actual lumber exploitation in the forestry areas in seven zones of Irkutsk region. The analysis has revealed an ambiguity in the input data for calculating indicators of standing timber development. According to the study, the input value for logging in some forestry areas is overestimated, which leads to faster forest resource depletion. The authors state that, in the context of increasing the efficiency of forestry, the target indicators of the Timber Complex Development Programme 2019–2024 in Irkutsk region need revision, and the lumber management system requires further improvement.