Bioeconomy of the Irkutsk Region: State and Prospects of Development

Abstract

Around the world there is a transition to a new economic model focused on environmental and social sustainable development. One of the ways for such a transformation is the transition to bioeconomy. The Irkutsk Region has unique forest resources. And it is the forest sector that is a key element for the development of bioeconomy in many countries. Beside major timber resources, the forests of the Irkutsk Region have a high potential for the use of non-timber resources. The aim of the paper was to assess the state of bioeconomy in the Irkutsk Region in terms of the use of renewable forest resources and the prospects for its development. The paper analyzes statistical information on the forest resources of the region in terms of renewability, primarily of non-timber resources, mushrooms, wild plants, etc. Based on the data of the Forestry Plan of the Irkutsk Region, we determined the volumes of non-timber food resources, and considered the contribution of hunting farms, ecotourism and fish husbandry to the economy of the region. It has been shown that the development of bioeconomy will make a significant contribution to the economy of the region, as well as provide an opportunity to create new jobs in rural and remote areas.