Administrators from WWF Russian Program Office in the Pskov Model Forest

End of September a group from WWF Russian Program Office paid a three-day visit on the Pskov model forest territory. It was the first trip of Moscow administrators to WWF field projects that are currently underway in Russia. The goal of the trip was to get on-the-ground idea of the project activities in developing a model of sustainable forest management for Northwest Russia.

The guests visited some of the project's demonstration plots where forest experts briefed them about modern methods of forest management that help to balance economic efficiency with conservation concerns. WWF RPO staff also walked along the ecological trail, which had been established to illustrate nature values that need to be left untouched during harvesting operations. To those belong rare plants, old-age trees, unique tree species, and environmentally vulnerable forest stretches along riverbanks. Young members of the local Friends of WWF Club invited visitors from Moscow to the club meeting, which ended in setting up the WWF Spruce Alley in front of the secondary school.

September meeting of the Forest Club that unites active representatives of the local community was held outdoors this time. Club members took part in a guided tour of the project's demonstration plots where forest experts showed in what way innovative technologies help improve forest management practices. A lively discussion that followed was focused on advantages of new methods compared to the standard practices, especially in reforestation and non-timber forest use. The scientific director of the project Boris Romanyuk in a convincing manner explained that sustainable forest management is capable to balance production goals with conservation of nature. Club members were impressed by the range and complexity of the issues addressed by the project and expressed their hope that innovative decisions will bring change not only on the model territory but in Russia's Northwest Region at large.

	Project experts have developed technologies in compliance with sustainable forest management

A workshop with the project's partners from STF-Strug Company and Strugo-Krasnenskiy Forest Management Unit, took place mid-September. Since January 2003, they are to follow the new forest management plan that was developed for the model area by the Northwest Forest Inventory Enterprise on the basis of ecological landscape approach. Forest specialists discussed activities that are necessary to carry out prior to this date in order to provide sufficient training to the staff and personnel involved in this work. The training program will be focused on reforestation, thinning and cutting operations that are to be implemented according to new requirements.

	Opening ceremony of the festival

In September the project took part in the Sixth International Festival of environmental TV programs that took place in West Siberia. The goal of this annual festival is to enhance the professional level of TV crews and to promote their cooperation in reflecting current environmental issues. The jury examined 150 environmental documentaries and programs presented by 50 TV companies from Ukraine, Belorus, Kazakhstan and 40 regions of the Russian Federation.

The Pskov Project in cooperation with the Pskov State TV and Radio Company presented a talk show program "The World Around You" and three short films on socially related subjects produced by WWF RPO. The WWF film called "Shadows" received the second award in the nomination 'Short Socially-Oriented Film'. The Pskov TV Company got the second prize for a program "District-Wide Emergency" in the nomination "Environmental TV Commentary". The festival became an excellent communication ground that gave TV journalists a chance to exchange professional experience and establish new contacts.

Members of the Friends of WWF Club at the exhibition

In September the project took part in the region-wide exhibition "In Harmony With Nature" that was organized by the Pskov Historical Museum. Also participating were the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of the Pskov Oblast, the Sebezhskiy National Park, Polistovskiy Natural Reserve, Lake Peipsi Project, the regional hunting department and other organizations.

The exposition of the Pskov Model Forest included a photo exhibition and information stands about the project activities. Friends of WWF Club that unites young nature lovers on the model territory made a presentation during the opening ceremony. The exhibition became a good opportunity for the Pskov residents to learn about environmental projects and organizations functioning in the region.

October 7 and 8, a group of senior forest administrators from 15 regions of the Russian Federation took part in a workshop on sustainable forestry methods in the Pskov Model Forest. The workshop was held in the framework of the Russian-Swedish training project for senior forest administrators. Within the framework of the project the Russian In-Service Forestry Training Institute and the Swedish National Board of Forestry organize study tours to Estonia, Latvia and Sweden that aim to update Russian participants on forest reforms in the Baltic States and sustainable forestry in Sweden.

The study tour program includes a stop in Pskov where forest specialists have a workshop on region-specific methods of sustainable forestry that are being developed in the Pskov Model Forest. Pskov project experts share their findings and practical outcomes during an indoor training session followed by discussions on the project's demonstration polygons.

The Russian-Swedish training project for forest administrators is an important tool in transforming the Russian forest sector. Implemented since the year 2000, the project gave a chance to more than 200 forest administrators from various regions of Russia to received training in sustainable forest management. Consolidated efforts of two Sida-funded projects contribute to creating a favorable environment for dissemination of new ideas.

	Vice Governor of Pskov Oblast V.Blank welcomes the workshop participants

Russian-Finnish research seminar on multi-objective forest management planning took place October 2 and 3, 2002, in Pskov, Russia. It was organized by the Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA), St. Petersburg Forestry Research Institute and the Pskov Model Forest. The seminar was held within the framework of the Finnish-Russian cooperation project "Development of Sustainable Forest Management in Northwest Russia", which aims to promote the development of forestry in NW Russia by compiling forest management recommendations based on new research data, practical experience, available forest technology, regional natural conditions and international agreements.

Finnish and Russian researchers and specialists discussed the new cooperation project on the development of sustainable forest management, its objectives and activities. Experts of the Pskov Model Forest Project shared their findings with their Finnish colleagues. The Pskov project's work was highly evaluated, especially in the field of forest management planning and creating new instructions for forest regeneration and thinning operations. The main opinion was that the outcomes of the Pskov Model Forest should be taken into account in planning for the second phase of the Finnish-Russian project and further activities should be carried out on the principles of collaboration.

	Kristjan Tonisson, independent auditor from SmartWood, in Pskov Model Forest area

In October STF-Strug Company took part in the first phase of independent certification under FSC Principles and Criteria. Since 2000 STF-Strug, a daughter company of the Stora Enso Group in Russia, has been a polygon where new methods of sustainable forestry have been tested within the framework of the Pskov Model Forest Project.

The pre-assessment was carried out by Kristjan Tonisson, representative of SmartWood certification company. SmartWood was accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for independent third-party certification in 1996 and since then it has become the most extensive forestry certification program in the world.

During his three-day field visit to the Pskov Model Forest area Kristjan Tonisson met the company's management staff, visited the harvesting sites, interviewed local forest specialists and personnel and familiarized himself with relevant data on management planning, operations, environmental conservation and monitoring. The purpose of the assessment was to evaluate the ecological, economic and social sustainability of STF-Strug forest operations. The findings have been summarized in the Certification Scoping Report presented to the company.

In his pre-assessment conclusion, the auditor states, "STF-Strug is a company that works to the best operational practice of logging in NW Russia… The company is supported by invaluable and comprehensive work conducted by Pskov Model Forest Project and should be able to meet certification requirements", given that the auditor's pre-assessment recommendations are adequately addressed prior to the main certification assessment which is scheduled for March, 2003.

	At the watching tower in the Sebezhskiy National Park

The World Wide Fund for Nature in Russia has recently started a new project on ecological tourism in the Pskov Region, Northwest Russia. The project is implemented with the financial support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Extensive research was carried out prior to the project within the framework of the Pskov Model Forest. Russian and foreign experts explored the recreational potential of the region, especially in the field of ecological tourism. A great deal of work was done by experts from the National Board of Forestry, Sweden, which is the project's major partner on the Swedish side. Through discussions and consultations with local stakeholders representing different agencies, common interests and objectives were identified. Regional mass media helped to deliver new ideas to the broad public to get their input in the creating of a new sector in the local tourist network.

This preparatory work resulted in a decision that a series of pilot bird-watching tours should be organized to test the viability of this kind of ecological tourism, which is new for the region. Leading Russian ornithologists are going to assist in the establishing of bird-watching routes in the protected areas on the territory of the Pskov Region and in 2003 two groups of independent Russian and foreign experts are going to take part in the pilot tours. The list of invited participants includes bird watchers and tour operators from Sweden and Great Britain whose extensive expertise can help to evaluate the new market of outdoor recreational services. In addition, the pilot tours will be a good chance to establish business contacts with local tour agencies.

	Shooting the film in Lake Peipsi area

The Pskov Model Forest and the Pskov State TV and Radio Company started a new joint project devoted to the 1100th anniversary of the city of Pskov, which is celebrated next year. The project involves producing a series of documentaries about the natural heritage of the Pskov Region. The first film in the series was released in October. It deals with natural diversity of the Sebezhskiy National Park located in the south of the region.

The shooting team is now working on the second film that will describe bird life in Lake Peipsi area, north of the region. Lake Peipsi basin is known for its rich bird fauna, which includes diverse waterfowl and waders as well as many red listed species. The list of local birds consisting of 220 species represents practically all bird species registered in Northwest Russia. Among birds inhabiting the area are gray heron, little gull, osprey, greenshank, black-throated diver, white-tailed eagle, black stork and many other species.

According to the filmmakers, birds are one of the most harmoniously developed creatures on our planet. For centuries humans were closely connected with birds, worshipping them as gods, using them as symbols in art, hunting them and dreaming of understanding their "language" while listening to the enchanting bird songs. The more people learn about birds, the more questions arise, sometimes quite challenging questions. Many of the mysteries have not been solved yet. Perhaps, these factors can partly explain why the graceful and freedom-loving creatures attract people so much.

	Swedish and Russian experts in the Sebezhskiy National Park

In October representatives from the National Board of Forestry and Sustainable Tourism Ltd, Sweden, visited the Pskov Model Forest. The goal of this visit was to prepare for the spring bird watching tour which will be organized with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The Swedish experts were also interested in exploring possibilities of Northwest Russia participating in the Intereg project on sustainable ecological tourism together with Finland, Latvia and Sweden. The Swedish coordinator of the project Peo Jonsson briefed the Russian specialists on the Intereg Project and elaborated on the benefits of international cooperation in regional planning and sustainable development of bird rich wetlands, nature reserves and the cultural landscape. Swedish and Russian specialists visited the Sebezhskiy National Park and Rdeiskiy Zapovednik in the Novgorod Region to have first-hand experience of the eco-tourist potential of the areas. Intereg consultations and discussions are pending.

I. Borisova. In Harmony With Nature.
Published in the regional newspaper "Pskovskaya Pravda" on 10 September 2002.
K. Shmoraga. Forests Appealing for Change.
Published in the regional newspaper "Pskovskaya Gubernia" #19 on 25 Spetember 2002.

Photos by:
• Elena Yablochkina (1, 3, 4, 6)
• Sergei Bourmistrov (7, 8, 9)
• Pyotr Petrov (10)
• Sergei Kishchenko (2)