Published on: 2026-04-14
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the all-Russian meeting “Main results of the work of the forestry sector of the Russian Federation in 2025 and tasks for 2026.”
“Almost half of Russia’s territory is covered by forests. This is our most valuable resource, which makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy, as well as to ensuring the ecological well-being of the entire planet. Therefore, we must systematically and consistently engage in forest fund restoration. At the same time, we need to establish a sensible balance between the interests of all parties: the state, citizens, and business,” said Dmitry Patrushev.
One of the key components of the industry the Deputy Prime Minister called reproduction and preservation of forests. Over the past five years, a sustainable positive dynamic has been observed. By 2025, forest restoration exceeded the area of felled and dead trees by 1.5 times. Special attention in the President of Russia’s directive is given to the creation of green belts around large cities and industrial centers.
In addition, within the framework of the national project “Ecological Well-being,” the government is financing the creation and modernization of forest nurseries. Such activities have been resumed for the first time in more than 20 years and affect about 240 facilities. This will provide the domestic forestry industry with seeds and seedlings that have improved properties.
Dmitry Patrushev noted that the rates of forest restoration achieved are not a reason to relax. By 2026, restoration of at least 1.3 million hectares is planned.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that natural fires remain a serious challenge for forest fund conservation. To coordinate the efforts of federal authorities and regions jointly with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, work is being carried out in the format of an all-Russian headquarters.
“Last year, despite the difficult start of the season, the situation was brought under control quite quickly. As a result, the area affected by fires in 2024 was reduced by half. At the moment, the situation with natural fires is under control. However, once again, I will say that the key to effectiveness in this matter is, first and foremost, rapid extinguishing. I remind you that by 2026, a target has been set according to which 84% of fires should be extinguished within the first 24 hours,” said the vice-premier.
From its side, the Government of Russia is significantly increasing funding for firefighting measures. Over six years, the amount of funds has grown fourfold. And this year it has practically reached 27 billion rubles, which is almost 7 billion rubles more than in 2025. The funds are allocated for the creation of 11 new aviation units and the strengthening of 40 existing ones, as well as for the purchase of equipment and drones. The Ministry of Forestry and the regions must timely implement all these measures, emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.
Dmitry Patrushev outlined the strategic tasks related to the effective development of the forestry complex.
The Russian government has provided industry support measures. Some mandatory requirements for wood suppliers have been relaxed. Last year, a law was also adopted regulating the creation and operation of forest roads, which may reduce the costs for forest users. In addition, the possibility of exporting lumber through five customs points to China and Mongolia has been extended.
For involving in the turnover of in-demand plots, an update of forest management materials is being carried out. Since 2022, about 70 million hectares of forests have been surveyed through inventory. The adoption of the law on conducting forest management at the expense of tenants and regional funds should have a positive effect on increasing the pace of inventory.
Dmitry Patrushev reported that in 2025 the forestry sector achieved record revenue inflows into the budgetary system — about 90 billion rubles. This became possible primarily due to the increase in the number of plots leased out. Such dynamics need to be maintained by taking measures that allow leasing more in-demand lands.
The Deputy Prime Minister separately focused on increasing transparency of processes in the industry. Complex work is underway in this direction, thanks to which since 2020 the volume of illegally harvested timber has decreased nearly fourfold. The introduction of information systems also contributes to this positive trend. Since last year, the Federal Forestry Complex Information System (FGIS) has been operational. Through it, public services have already been digitized, reducing the time of service delivery threefold. The system allows tracking operations throughout the entire chain—from logging to processing and export.The Deputy Prime Minister instructed to implement elements of artificial intelligence for detecting illegal timber transportation and subsequently transmitting information to law enforcement agencies.
In addition, by 2025, the outfitting of the timber transport machinery registered in the GLONASS system with special sensors was completed.
To increase the effectiveness of control in the industry, the vice-premier instructed to expand the area monitored by remote methods and to introduce unmanned aviation systems into operation. Currently, remote monitoring is carried out over an area of 300 million hectares. The government has been tasked with developing a plan by 2030 to increase this figure.
At the conclusion of his speech, Dmitry Patrushev noted the importance of volunteer initiatives supported by Rosleskhoz. Thus, so-called school forestry units operate throughout the country. Every year, more and more caring people participate in the “With a Sincere Forest” campaign. Since 2019, about 400 million trees have already been planted within the framework of this campaign. Year by year, the number of events and participants should increase.
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