1. Changes in the global economy
Group Discussion Results
(Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine)
2. Forest products markets change since 2005
• Discussion based on 3 countries: Ukraine, Belarus, and
Georgia
• Forest products market mainly domestically oriented;
with some export of products not in demand (mainly
round wood and primary processed)
• Export chains not very transparent; limited pricing
information; export destinations very diverse (e.g. only
Belarus is mainly focused on European market)
• Forest products market change in import countries (e.g.
EU Timber Regulation) do not really affect (yet) the
export opportunities
3. Important changes relevant for international
forestry sectors
• International investment opportunities are increasingly occurring
in the three countries (mainly Belarus) through the demand for
wood energy (e.g. chips) currently used mainly domestically, but
with export potential (e.g. pellets and brikets)
• Special case, Ukraine: energy crisis that leads to the ‘social
proposal’ to use more wood energy, including waste wood; also
clean energy and green power pants
• No major changes on the level of forest ownership and separation
of functions; state remains the predominant forest owner; but a
certain potential exists for devolving forest ownership at local
level
• Climate change recognized as a threat and common challenge
(adaptation through relevant forest management practices, etc.)
4. Collaboration with other countries/region
• Existing collaboration as part of the FLEG II Program but also
bilaterally and outside of the ENA FLEG region
• Need for better market intelligence: transparent, reliable and
timely information platform about markets for forest goods,
internationally and regionally
• Need to collaborate on producing better national figures about
forests, forest management, forest products, statistics and
elaboration of a database
• Forest Europe recognized as an important platform
• Capacity building is considered key also including political
decision makers in the forest sector
Editor's Notes
Sharp increase in export raw timber , 35% to China, gig problems with export, investigations, export to China via off shore companies – this is a problem.
Climate changes – important, other projects,
Biomass energy, not balanced, behind Belarus
Changes in property rights – establishing communal forests
Establishing protective forests on agricultural lands in the South of Ukraine, interest to study European experience
How to work with other countries – don’t know the prices of customers (China), access information statistics from other countires would be necessary
Forest Europe – EU association agreement, many issues, our sta
Sharp increase in export raw timber , 35% to China, gig problems with export, investigations, export to China via off shore companies – this is a problem.
Climate changes – important, other projects,
Biomass energy, not balanced, behind Belarus
Changes in property rights – establishing communal forests
Establishing protective forests on agricultural lands in the South of Ukraine, interest to study European experience
How to work with other countries – don’t know the prices of customers (China), access information statistics from other countires would be necessary
Forest Europe – EU association agreement, many issues, our sta
International investment opportunities are increasingly occurring in the three countries (mainly Belarus) through the demand for wood energy (e.g. chips) currently used mainly domestically, but with export potential (e.g. pellets and brikets)
Special case, Ukraine: energy crisis that leads to the ‘social proposal’ to use more wood energy, including waste wood; also clean energy and green power pants