Possible directions for the development of bio-economy in Irkutsk region

Abstract

At the present stage of economic development, considerable attention is paid to the bioeconomy in order to ensure sustainable development. Bioeconomics is an economic mechanism for modernizing and building the post-industrial economy, including preservation and development of the bio-resource potential of the Russian Federation. The purpose of this work was to assess possibilities of bioeconomic development in Irkutsk region in terms of the use of renewable forest resources and its contribution to the gross regional product. Irkutsk region has unique forest resources and is one of the most densely forested among the subjects of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the most important specialization of Irkutsk region is the forest industry represented by timber logging, the production of deep processing products (lumber, fibreboard, chipboard, plywood), pulp-and-paper industry. In addition to large timber reserves, the forests of Irkutsk region have a high potential for the use of non-timber resources which can be a significant factor in bioeconomy. This is the preparation of resin; production of non-timber forest resources; preparation of food forest resources and collection of medicinal plants; implementation of activities in the field of hunting; farming; implementation of recreational activities; cultivation of forest fruit, berry, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, etc. The paper analyzed non-timber forest resources of Irkutsk region and determined their contribution to the gross regional product by the example of picking berries, ferns, mushrooms, etc. It is established that approximately 20% of the sale of forest is contribution of non-timber forest resources to the regional economy.