Modern Problems of Forest Restoration on the Example of the Irkutsk Region

Based on the importance and relevance of forest conservation and restoration, at least from the perspective of reducing the negative consequences of global warming, the article analyses the state of forest restoration processes in the Russian Federation and measures to organize and ensure these processes. The lack of balance between the legislatively fixed preferred method of reforestation as an artificial or combined method and the real, prevailing volumes of natural forest regeneration is associated with an extremely inefficient forest policy and a limited regulatory framework for the formation of the necessary reforestation processes. The article focuses on the fictitiousness of the reforestation process implemented by tenants within the framework of the natural forest planting system in the absence of subsequent long-term proper care. It is emphasized that it is almost impossible to provide long-term and high-quality forest care within the existing lease relations with loggers. On the other hand, the management bodies are not able to ensure proper control and monitoring of reforestation to assess its effectiveness. These problems and their severity are clearly demonstrated by the analysis of the forestry activities of the Irkutsk region.