MINSK, 20 January (BelTA) – Smart modernization is key to successful operation of forestry industry, Belarus' Forestry Minister Vitaly Drozhzha said on the air of the Belarus 1 TV channel on 19 January, BelTA has learned.
"Smart approaches to the modernization of the forestry and wood industry ensure the successful operation of the sector in general. I would like to note that today 50% of Belarusian forests are created with the use of the planting material that we breed ourselves. This process begins with the collection of cones, if we talk about coniferous wood. We have almost reached the optimal area of seed plantations," said Vitaly Drozhzha.
The minister noted that the head of state instructed to borrow the best practices, including from Finland. "We have built four greenhouse complexes and aim to grow up to 25 million containerized tree seedlings," added Vitaly Drozhzha. "We have fulfilled the task set by the president, but there is still work to be done in the future."
The minister stressed that the Belarusian forests are the wealth of the country. "We must understand that logging is a forest harvest. Forests are our wealth, and should be used rationally," the minister said, noting that it is important to sell timber products.
According to Vitaly Drozhzha, Belarus is one of the top forest nations in Europe. "If we take the volume of logging per one hectare of forested area, we cut down less than all our neighbors. Logging amount is optimal in our country. So is the age structure of forests," he said.
