Results of projects on multiple use of natural resources in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus were observed on a seminar from 15 to 18 June 2015 in the tourist complex "Kur-Kechu" in the framework of the "Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) of the Eastern region of action of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument II» (ENPI East Region), with the support from the Forestry Department of the Siberian Federal District and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Property Relations of the Republic of Altai.

The seminar brought together forest management bodies from the Russian Federation subjects, located within the boundaries of the ASER, business in the field of harvesting and processing of non-timber forest products (NTFP), as well as invited experts, including those from the Republic of Belarus.

The goal of the seminar was to present the experience and best practices of multiple use of forest resources (MUFR), to discuss existing problems in this area and to develop proposals for their solution.

«The results of projects, implemented with support of World Bank, confirm good opportunities for development multiple use of forest resources in ASER». – Says Nikolay Stashkevich, regional FLEG II coordinator (ENPI East region). «In their work experts highlight not only the opportunities for business development in the field of harvesting, storage and processing of NTFP. They also focus on the problems faced by both young and experienced company. The seminar provides an opportunity to discuss these issues and to suggest possible solutions».

«The use of food and non-timber forest products as well as recreational resources is essential for the protection forests, as usually it is consistent with their purpose. The state authorities should pay special attention to the creation of favorable conditions for private investment in this area», says Nikolay Shmatkov, Head of the Forest Program of WWF-Russia and national FLEG II coordinator (ENPI East region) in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

As a result of seminar, the recommendations addressed to Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, Forestry Agency, regional government authorities, private sector companies and non-governmental organizations were developed and adopted.