Parliament hearings on topic "10 Years of the Forest Code of the Russian Federation: Results, Problems, Prospects" were held on November 16 in the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation - Head of the Federal Forestry Agency Ivan Valentik, speaking with a report, said: "Over the past twenty years in our country, the forestry legislation has been radically changed several times; the structure and functions of state forest management have been repeatedly reformed. The Forest Code at the time of its adoption was a very debatable document. And those debates that were related to the adoption and subsequent implementation of the document continue even at present day.

Forest resources have always held and are holding at present a unique and key position in the socio-political and economic activities of Russians. Efficient forest management is an indispensable tool through which the government can and should pursue a rational and open for public participation policies that lead to sustainable development and are sensitive to the needs of the population and can be viewed as a national strategic priority for the Russian Federation".

Participants of the meeting discussed the topics of forest use, illegal logging and reforestation, the topic of forest protection from fires and protection against pests, increasing of legislative support for wood processing enterprises, and other issues related to forestry.

- The issue of the distribution of powers in terms of the balance of control and supervision functions, the efficiency of forest use, the purchase and sale of timber ... Today we even discussed the topic of wild plants. And these are really important topics that need to be worked out. Nikolay Nikolaev, Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Property and Land Relations of the State Duma, who gathered us on the sitewhere absolutely all aspects, directions of forestry and other related industries were presented. Of course, there are many issues that require decision-making at the highest level. And it is very good, that the representatives of the industry from all regions gathered to resolve these issues. This dialogue is very useful. At the moment we are preparing a new Concept of forest management, which will be discussed on December 5 in Novosibirsk. I am sure that the conclusions of today's hearings that will be adopted following the event, will benefit the forestry of our vast Russia and help preserve our natural wealth for our descendants," - the Head of the Federal Forestry Agency, Ivan Valentik, emphasized the importance of the event.