Komi Model Forest will Help to Restore Biodiversity in Finnish Forests

During July, 26 – August, 4 ten ecologists from Finland visited Komi Model Forest to study natural forest dynamics and biodiversity.

This event was organized by Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Silver Taiga Foundation and Priluzje forestry unit. The aim of this visit was to study biodiversity of taiga forest and ways of its restoration in intensively managed Finnish forests.

Finnish specialists got acquainted with the history of forest use in Komi, natural forest dynamics and biodiversity of taiga and with Komi Model forest approach to loggings which imitate natural forest dynamics and conserve biodiversity. They visited demonstrational routes and polygons of Komi Model forest, studied unusual for Finland types of ecosystems, gathered flora and fauna collection and had a good rest.

At the end of the visit Finnish guests went to Koigorodok region of Komi where they lived in traditional Komi houses, met local people, studied Komi culture and way of life, tasted Komi food. Besides they visited a unique part of pristine forest with the area about 50 000 ha which has a high conservation value.

On the basis of this visit to Komi Finnish specialists are planning to make a report on forest dynamics and biodiversity of Komi and they are ready to share it with Silver Taiga. According to both parts such information exchange enlarges knowledge and gives a possibility to estimate a current situation seriously.