GD2. Changes in the global economy

Changes in the global economyGroup Discussion Results

(Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine)

Forest products markets change since 2005• Discussion based on 3 countries: Ukraine, Belarus, and

Georgia• Forest products market mainly domestically oriented;

with some export of products not in demand (mainly round wood and primary processed)

• Export chains not very transparent; limited pricing information; export destinations very diverse (e.g. only Belarus is mainly focused on European market)

• Forest products market change in import countries (e.g. EU Timber Regulation) do not really affect (yet) the export opportunities

Important changes relevant for international forestry sectors• International investment opportunities are increasingly occurring in

the three countries (mainly Belarus) through the demand for wood energy (e.g. chips) currently used mainly domestically, but with export potential (e.g. pellets and brikets)

• Special case, Ukraine: energy crisis that leads to the ‘social proposal’ to use more wood energy, including waste wood; also clean energy and green power pants

• No major changes on the level of forest ownership and separation of functions; state remains the predominant forest owner; but a certain potential exists for devolving forest ownership at local level

• Climate change recognized as a threat and common challenge (adaptation through relevant forest management practices, etc.)

Collaboration with other countries/region

• Existing collaboration as part of the FLEG II Program but also bilaterally and outside of the ENA FLEG region

• Need for better market intelligence: transparent, reliable and timely information platform about markets for forest goods, internationally and regionally

• Need to collaborate on producing better national figures about forests, forest management, forest products, statistics and elaboration of a database

• Forest Europe recognized as an important platform• Capacity building is considered key also including political

decision makers in the forest sector