Intl. forestry forum opens in St. Petersburg

The three-day forum, held amid a wave of criticism of the forest management system in Russia following this past summer's wildfires that destroyed 11 million hectares of crops, will gather officials, businessmen and environmentalists.

An unprecedented heat wave hit European Russia this summer, sparking wildfires and severe droughts in many regions. More than 50 people died in the fires, which destroyed over 2,000 homes.

Officials hope the event will become a site to discuss urgent problems and will help modernize the forest industry.

"Society's attention should be attracted to our country's forestry problems. Intensive and careful use of the forest potential should be a compulsory condition for timber industry development," Russian Natural Resources Minister Yury Trutnev said in a welcoming message published on the forum's website.

"To resolve these tasks effectively, currently functioning production lines should be upgraded; innovations and modern environmental standards should be introduced. I am convinced the forum will contribute to the resolution of these issues," he said, Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru