A strategy for economic development of the forestry sector in Tomsk, Russia

Abstract

Political and economic changes since 1991, when the Soviet Union dissolved, have combined with old technology, inoperable equipment, and inadequate transportation infrastructure to hinder development of the forestry sector in western Siberia. Harvest volumes are well below allowable annual cuts, creating overmature forests with anticipated future volume losses. Better local management, foreign investment, and new technology are needed for the transition to a market economy in the forestry sector to succeed. Kedar (Pinus sibirica) could help revitalize the forestry sector in the Tomsk Oblast. Although harvesting restrictions have reduced the availability of kedar for traditional wood products industries, potential exists in the use of its seeds for food and medicinal purposes-value-added products worth enough to be competitive despite the high cost of transporting them to markets.