Big Forest Business and Socio-Economic Situation in “Forest Villages”

The third Forest Dialogue so far this year was held on 3-4 December. The Forest Village project implemented by the Silver Taiga Foundation once again became the ground for the dialogue which provides each of the participants with the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of matters dealing with natural resources management of the area.

All major stakeholders such as businessmen, representatives of the corresponding republican ministries, local population, local government delegates, representatives of the scientific and social organizations took part in the Forest Dialogue. The mutual interest to the topic in question was evident; all participants were greatly motivated and held lively discussions.

The resume of the Forest Dialogue discussion was brought to the top management of Mondi Syktyvkar the biggest forest company in the republic. The representatives of the Mondi Group as well as the management team of Mondi Syktyvkar acknowledged the following issues pointed out by the participants of the Forest Dialogue to be problematic and requiring solution:

• Necessity to improve data exchange which is made especially in connection with organization reshuffle.
• Combination of logging companies into Finlescom which is alarming as it might lead to the decrease of the interest to the local population problems.
• Job cuts caused by the use of mechanized labor and limited choice of alternative jobs.
• Limited possibilities for the local logging companies to fulfill contract works at Mondi Syktyvkar lease.
• Concern about changes in working conditions for the daughter companies employees.
• Impact on roads important for the local population.
• Availability of firewood for the local population.

Moreover, it was announced that the Udora district – is the area that claims particular attention. The management of the Mondi Syktyvkar will develop the action plan aimed at the situation improvement in the territories affected by Mondi Syktyvkar before January 15, 2010. The plan is to be directed to the Mondi administration in London.