Abstract
This study explored the regional differences in the forest industry and management via a Multiple Factor Analysis approach. The dataset used comprises all Russian regions and 34 variables that comprehensively describe the situation in the sector. Based on the Multiple Factor Analysis, the variables contributing most to the spatial heterogeneity in Russian forestry were divided into industrial and forestry factors. The regions leading in the development of the timber industry are mainly located in the Northwestern and Southeastern parts of Russia. They show similarities in high logging volumes, investment attractiveness, and competitiveness in foreign markets. However, a divergence was found between the Northwestern regions and the Siberian and the Far East territories in terms of forest management factors. The Western part of Russia benefits from the density of the population and infrastructure, and proximity to the national financial centers and European markets. By comparison, Asian Russia suffers from labor shortages caused by negative demographic trends and the negative consequences of climate change, resulting in an increase in forest losses and a lack of control, finance, and transport accessibility due to the vast territory. To alleviate regional inequalities, we propose the introduction of private ownership of forests, support for investment projects, and human capital development.
Highlights
IntroductionThe Russian forest sector is of great importance for the global economy in several dimensions, including climate change and carbon storage, biodiversity preservation, water regulation and soil protection, and global ecosystem services, and plays a significant role in timber supply [1,2]
The Russian forest sector is of great importance for the global economy in several dimensions, including climate change and carbon storage, biodiversity preservation, water regulation and soil protection, and global ecosystem services, and plays a significant role in timber supply [1,2].there is lack of literature concerning Russian forestry
Conducting Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) on the dataset of all Russian regions and 34 variables showed the differences in forestry development between Russian regions
Summary
The Russian forest sector is of great importance for the global economy in several dimensions, including climate change and carbon storage, biodiversity preservation, water regulation and soil protection, and global ecosystem services, and plays a significant role in timber supply [1,2]. There is lack of literature concerning Russian forestry. Articles focused on regional peculiarities of Russian forestry are even more scarce. A rare example of a productive and substantial study is the recently published work on the impact of climate change on the development of forestry in Russia [2]. The authors covered the state of Russian forestry, possible threats of climate change, and proposed strategies of adaptation and mitigation, including development of the bioeconomy sector
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