QoL/Growth/EESD Support for the integration of NAS into the European Research Area PROTECTION OF FOREST RESOURCES IN CENTRAL EUROPE In the Forest Research.

QoL/Growth/EESDQoL/Growth/EESDSupport for the integrationSupport for the integration

of NAS into the European Research Areaof NAS into the European Research Area

PROTECTION OFFOREST RESOURCESIN CENTRAL EUROPE

In the Forest Research Institute in Warsaw, PolandBitwy Warszawskiej 1920 R., No 3

Presented by dr. Tomasz Oszako

The PROFOREST Centre at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Warsaw, Poland, is being made for promoting integration among forest researchers from CEEC and EU countries in protection of forest resources in Central Europe. We have 70 years of experience and knowledge on research problems of forest protection against pathogens, insects, wildfires, imissions, wildlife, of soil and water protection, species biodiversity, gene resource protection, and nature conservation. The PROFOREST Centre will facilitate exchanging research methods, and preparing joint research projects at European level, removing mental and technical barriers and tightening co-operation throughout CEEC. It will stimulate development of forest science in our part of Europe and enable foresters to manage better our forests and preserve them for future generations.

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The PRFOREST Centre aims to develop an integration between forest scientists from CEEC and EU experts in protection of forest resources in Central Europe. Establishing of the Centre results from our 70-year-lasting experience and knowledge on problems of forest protection against insect pests, fungal pathogens, fires, imissions, wildlife, protection of forest soils and waters, biodiversity, gene resources, and nature conservation. Our Section of Natural Forests located in Bialowieza, with its worldwide famous Primeval Forest, will serve as a basis for joint research efforts of scientists from West and East of Europe. We have also Sections of Mountain Forests and of Forest Management in Industrial Regions, covering in this way the whole spectrum of problems that the modern forestry in Central Europe may face to.

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The work has been divided into 9 work packages, covering (l) visits of experienced scientists to the Centre and transferring their knowledge to younger ones invited from NAS countries, and from the Eastern Europe countries in some well-grounded cases; (2) visits of young scientists to the Centre for acquiring high-level knowledge, (3) visits of Ph.D. fellows from NAS countries for improving their professional research skills, (4) visits of our researchers to other EU centres for personal capacity building, (5) nine workshops covering roughly the whole Centre interest area, (6) organisation of three international conferences where barriers between scientists of our continent can be broken down and new fruitful link ages can be settled, (7) networking of European databases on forest pests, (8) three winter and summer schools for transferring our knowledge in forest genetics, and forest soil and water conservation, and (9) administrative work package connected with co-ordination of the whole work during 3 years of the Centre activity.

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Objectives

The Objectives of the proposal are related to the EU specific programme entitled: Support for the integration of 'newly associated states' (NAS) in the European research area (Accompanying Measures).

The overall aim of the Centre is to establish a focus for the coordination of activities as regards forest ecosystem conservation that would be a leader in Central Europe. The main objective is thus to integrate the CE region into the European Research Area, mainly through networking, exchanges of personnel and twinning. Specifically, a contribution to the integration of the Polish forestry sector into the European Research Area is planned through the implementation of significant work packages and the attainment of the designated deliverables.

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Specific aims:

Building of research capacity, dissemination of knowledge, post-doctoral courses for specialists from Eastern European countries, the exchange of experience and extension of the Centre's basic research to EU countries, workshops on the integration of knowledge regarding the protection of forest resources in Central Europe, international conferences, the networking of activities connected with the protection of mountain forests, interdisciplinary training schools, and administrative co-ordination of all of the work.

The following measures contribute to the overall aim of the proposal:- transferral of the R&D potential of the Centre towards advanced fields of

European forestry- improvement of the links with outstanding centres in the EU and

Candidate Countries

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- reorientation of activities of the Forest Research Institute towards the new priorities of forest protection via the Centre

- increased networking with both research and forest administration partners for better forest protection management

- increased capacity of the Institute thanks to the Centre's activities- support for, and the bringing together of, theoretical and applied research- the building of the Centre's potential and activity- the improving of the quality and structure of research- the raising of professional capacities- the strengthening of co-operation at the European level- cooperation with the State Forests service

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- the preparation of successive European research projects, with increased participation in international and interdisciplinary projects

- integration of the Centre and Institute with the European Research Area and forest industry

- the establishment of a twinning mechanism with foreign partners involved in the Centre's activities

- the attracting of young researchers from both Western and Eastern Europe- the re-establishment of links with Ukraine, Russia and other NIS (Newly

Independent States)- the optimisation of technological regimes in the chemical control of forest

pests

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- an increasing of efficiency and innovativeness in the implementation of research projects

- the sustainable development of staff careers- the reduction of the environmental impact of climate change- training on EU directives concerning the environment in Europe- increased networking through the organizing of 3 conferences, 18 study

visits and 9 workshops- an increased scope of new research fields in forest genetics, pathology and

entomology, extending activities towards stronger involvement of the industry in Poland and international cooperation

- the establishment of a leading training venue through the organisation of international workshops and post-doctoral studies

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- the strengthening of links with industry through bilateral cooperation and common projects

- the strengthening of links with regional authorities by way of open conferences and workshops

- new proposals for R&D projects as prepared by Institute staff- participation in both National and European networks- an increase in capacity through the updating of infrastructure and the

obtainment of new managerial skills in the course of the project for the Centre of Excellence

- a twinning agreement with many European research units

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• the Seminar ”Wood - An Ecological Product” IV International Forest Fair, Warsaw 1997

• the ”First Baltic Conference on Forest Fire” 1998, Jedlnia, Jaszowiec, Sękocin;

• the Workshop ”Methodology of Forest Insect and Disease Survey in Central Europe” (IUFRO). 1998, Ustroń-Jaszowiec;

• the Intemational Conference ”Forest and Water”. 1998, Kraków;• a checklist of animals living in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (a unique

book for Central Europe)

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• the International Conference entitled ”Towards sustainable productive Douglas-fir forests of high quality raw material in Europe” (IUFRO, 1998, Sandrug; Germany - Szczecin; Poland)

• the Seminar ”Climatic-botanical problems in the Izera Mountains” A99S, Świeradów Zdrój

• the International FRI Warsaw - EFI Joensuu Conference entitled ”Recent advances on oak health in Europe”. 1999, Warsaw

• the Symposium ”Forests, forestry and forest sciences - today towards tomorrow” Warsaw-Falenty 2000

• sessions of the INCO-TATRY project; Zakopane 2000, and the COST-E-16 BAWBILT ”Bark- and wood-boring insects in living trees”, Kraków 2000, project.

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The staff of the FRI Warsaw and Centre play an active part in international work on forestry development such as:• implementation of the Forest Principles adopted at the Earth Summit

(UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro (1992)• implementation of resolutions of the UNCED within Agenda 21, as supervised and evaluated by the UN Commission of Sustainable Development (UN CSD),• resolutions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF),• discussion at the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF),• obligations in regard to the European Union in the field of forestry (a review of European Union Strategy on forestry for regional purposes),• the Convention on Biological Diversity (e.g. the CBD SBSTTA session,

Montreal 2001),

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• CBD Strategy Plans, national reports and implementation (Montreal 2001),

• the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC COP-7 in Marrakech, Morocco, 2001),

• the Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) (Strasbourg 1990, Helsinki 1993, Lisbon 1998), including Criteria and Indicators of sustainable forest management, biological diversity in managed forests, and the role of forestry in the development of rural areas,

• a network of European forest monitoring (ICP Forests, MCPFE Strasbourg Resolution S l),

• the forest genetic database EUFORGEN (MCPFE Strasbourg Resolution S2),

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• the European decentralised database on forest fires (MCPFE Strasbourg Resolution S3),

• the network for research on the protection and functions of mountain forests (MCPFE Strasbourg Resolution S4),

• the European system of data collection on forests of the temperate and boreal zone (TBFRA-2000 and further initiatives, as e.g. preparation of the international TBFRA conference in Poland 02),

• 3-month post-doctoral studies for fellows from Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine.

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Work plan

a) Introduction

Brief overview of the measures (WP)

The work has been divided into 9 work packages, taking into account the consideration that suitable activity of the Centre requires a broad exchange of researchers, both senior and junior (WP1 and WP2), and occasional support for outstanding young scientists from Central and Eastern Europe (WP3). We have had such examples in the last four years; with four pre-doctoral fellows from Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine, and three 3-month post-doctoral fellows from the countries mentioned above. It is very important that European experience also be acquired in Western countries, therefore such activities as visits to other Centres (WP4), workshops at the Centre (WP5), the organizing of international conferences (WP6), European networking (WP7), and summer and winter schools for younger researchers but with participation of eminent Western

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lecturers (WP8) are planned. This intensive activity be co-ordinated and implemented by a small staff, the majority of which will not be paid from the project, save for a permanent secretary who should be. It is easy to see that the work packages contain diverse subject matter, which is nevertheless proceeded with by way of one mode of action. This fact will introduce order to the Centre's activities and allow for easy reporting. The experience acquired over time will be gathered and arranged in a clear and transparent way.

A strong integration with the European Research Area is necessary. The making of closer contacts with several CoE from the EU and CC countries is planned. Eminent representatives of forest science from several institutes have been invited to the Supervisory Board for co-ordination. We have close contacts with the Research Institute of Forestry and Game Management in Prague (Czech Republic) and with the Landesforstanstalt Eberswalde (Germany). Four agreements of co-operation have been signed and joint work could be supported.

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The Centre has ambitions to be a leading training centre for postgraduate and Ph.D. studies in the domain of forest protection as regards the priorities of the 6 th Framework Programme. Summer and winter schools on forest genetics and soil and water science will be held, with the participation of outstanding European specialists. A system of Marie Curie grants will be supported, for the benefit of young and advanced scientists. A harmonization of basic research with application work for the forest industry will be put in place, together with education of higher staff of the Forest Service.

The Centre will enter into direct co-operation with the Directorate-General of the State Forests, in order that the attainment of forest protection goals might be supported. We plan three international conferences for the years 2003-2005. In Parallel with these, several brokering sessions will be held with a view to the establishment of contacts with European networks so that joint research projects can be devised and co-operation within a network of excellence embarked upon.

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In co-operation with the National Contact Point, the Centre will train its own staff and the network members in the preparation of joint projects and their implementation with Framework Programmes. A Local Contact Point for the 6 th Framework Programme will be established so that informational and training activity can be engaged in with all workers in pure and applied branches of science. The work of the Centre will not only bring our Institute out into a broader European arena, but also enable researchers from abroad to benefit from our experience at present and in the longer-term future.

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Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP1, Building of research capacityType of activity:V1,VRRelative start month: 0Timetable: 0-36

Objectives:• exchanging knowledge on forest protection and the building of a common

Central-European database• developing cooperation between researches from Western and Eastern

Europe• developing monitoring systems re. the effects of forest fires in Europe• extension of new molecular methodology for better management of

genetic resources

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology:

WP1.1 Ecological approach to pest management.6 visits from European research units (2 experts/year x 3 years = 6 visits from abroad

6 visits to European research units (2 experts/year x 3 years = 6 visits from the Centre

Each visit's average duration: 2 weeks

WP1.2 The use of databases and GIS in forest protection in Central Europe3 visits from European research units (1 expert/year x 3 years = 3 visits from abroad

3 visits to European research units (1 expert/year x 3 years = 3 visits from the Centre

Each visit's duration: 2-4 weeks

WP1.3 Monitoring of forest-fire effects3 visits from European research units (1 expert/year x 3 years = 3 visits from abroad

3 visits to European research units (1 expert/year x 3 years = 3 visits from the Centre

Each visit’s average duration: 2 weeks22

WP1.4 Dissemination of knowledge on molecular ecophysiology to determine plant phenotype diversity and longevity.

3 visits from European research units (1 expert/year x 3 years = 3 visits from abroad

3 visits to European research units (1 expert/year x 3 years = 3 visits from the Centre

Each visit's average duration: 2 weeks

WP1.5 Effects of Scots pine debarking by large herbivores on tree growth rate and quality of pine stands in commercially-managed boreal forests in Europe.

2 visits from European research units. 5 experts/ 3 years

Each visit’s duration: l week

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Objectives:• to strengthen the cooperation between young researchers from Eastern

and Western Europe working on forestry,• to facilitate the exchange of knowledge among young scientists, students

etc., as regards protection of forest resources in Europe,• to provide an opportunity for young researchers to take a part in research

programmes pursued in the participating institutions,• to promote the knowledge and achievements of the Centre,

Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP2, Dissemination of knowledge. Type of activity:V2Relative start month: 0Timetable: 0-32

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps, the approach, the methodology:

WP2.1. Protection of forest plantations against insects. 2 visits of 2-4 weeks’

duration in the Centre. Responsible: Dr. I. Skrzecz

WP2.2. The use of databases and GIS in forest protection in Central Europe. 2 visits pf 1 month's duration. Responsible: Dr. W. Grodzki

WP2.3. Environmentally-acceptable methods of soil-pest control, 2 visits of 7 days‘ duration. Responsible: Dr. M. Dobrowolski.

WP2.4. Activities promoting genetic diversity conservation in Scots pine. 1 visit of 1 month's duration. Responsible: Dr. J. Nowakowska

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WP2.5. Genetic resources conservation by microreproduction and cold preservation of forest-tree species. 1 visit of 1 month’s duration.

Responsible: K. Szczygieł

WP2.6. The role of forest and forestry in the rural landscape. 1 visit of 1 month's duration: Responsible: Dr. hab. S. Zając

WP2.7. Bioindication of forest ecosystems by bats. 2 visits of 1 month's duration. Responsible: Dr. A. Rachwald

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Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP3, Post-doctoral courses

for specialist fromType of activity:V3Relative start month: 0Timetable: 0-36

Objectives:To allow researchers from Eastrn Europe to gain a knowledge of the newest methods in forest management and protection.

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology:

Three missions aimed at:1. the development of a strategy for the nun moth (Lymantria monacha L.)

management based on the mating disruption method, a person from the Ukrainian State University of Forestry and Wood Technology in Lviv. Ukraine, duration: 6 months. the mission including consultation with a specialist from the USA.

2. the protection of forests against pest insects and diseases, a person from the Belarus State University of Technology in Homel, Belarus, duration 3 months,

3. impact of management on the biodiversity of forests, a person from the Lithuanian Forest Research Institute in Kaunas, Lithuania, duration 3 months.

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Preparation for the missions on the part of the Centre includes:• a consultation with the specialist from the USA -organisation of a 2-week

visit,• 6 visits to different parts of Poland for researchers participating in

missions, duration of visit: 1-2 weeks.• 3 visits to Western European institutes for researchers participating in

missions, duration of visit: 1 week.• preparing the work places for invited researches

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Objectives:• Searching for common bases in research on protection against forest pests;• Transferring knowledge on forest-tree genetics;• Assessing the state and future post-fire effects of forest fires;• Exchange of experience on changes in forest management planning in CE

countries;• Discussing the role of forestry in rural areas, and supporting the private

sector inforestry.

Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP5, Workshops on integration of knowledge in protection of forest resources in Central EuropeType of activity: WSRelative start month: 1Timetable: 9 workshops, average duration 5 days each, distributed over three years: 2003, 2004, and 2005; (see the Gantt chart enclosed)

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology

Each session will gather 2-3 lecturers from the West and Poland, and 15-20 participants from NAS countries (Poland included), plus Belarus, Ukraine and Russia in some well-founded cases, in the following tasks:

WP5.1: Workshop on existing stand-susceptibility-evaluation methods, field data collection on sample plots for forest pests,

WP5.2: Workshop on biological control, host-tree and integrated management of insect pests in forest ecosystems, using environment-friendly methods (EU priority),

WP5.3: Workshop "Forest Management and Biodiversity of Insects". Białowieża. July 2003

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WP5.4: A workshop concerning new approaches in forest-tree genetics;

WP5.5: Field workshop on former large wildfire areas with permanent monitoring

WP5.6: A workshop on databases and digital maps for Central Europe,

WP5.7: A workshop on changes in forest planning and survey.

WP5.8: Changes of property structure and forest policy in the light of signed conventions and commitments and the experience of EU countries.

WP5.9: Supporting private-sector forest services: analysis of experiences in Poland and other NAS countries

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Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP6, International conferencesType of activity: CFRelative start month: 0Timetable: 0-35

Objectives:• to bring together forest practitioners and interdisciplinary researchers in

order to sum up the state of the art regarding the state of health of forests in Europe;

• to define present and future biotic and abiotic constraints on spruce silviculture in Europe;

• to analyse costs and benefits of applied protection methods;• to promote the knowledge and achievements of the Centre

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology

WP6.1 "Insect outbreaks in managed and unmanaged forests", International Conference in Białowieża (Oct.2003) for about 100 participants, both forest managers and scientists

WP6.2 Interdisciplinary intrnational conference, "Protection of soil and water resources in forestry areas" and Working Party on the Management of Mountain Watersheds (Forest Commission, FAO). September 2004. 4 days. A forum for the exchange of research results and the views of experts from various domains, i.a. foresters, ecologists, hydrologists. Setting new European interdisciplinary research on forest sites, including hydrological, erosion, and phytosociology processes.

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WP6.3: Root and Butt Rots. The conference (in September 2004) will allow for the collection of evidence, science-based materialand different points of view for a comparative analysis of stand status in European countries, the causes of this situation and its current and future consequences. Development of the current state of knowledge on diseases (especially those caused by root rot fungi) and damage to trees, as well as an indication of actions allowing for the making of management recommendations that might limit the dimensions and effects of unfavourable climate change and its consequences for stand distribution in Europe. Direct exchange of experiences between Europe's scientific experts and Polish foresters - practitioners when it comes to both forestry management and the protection of forest ecosystems.

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Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP7, Networking of activities

connected withType of activity: CORelative start month: 0Timetable: 0-36

Objectives:• Collecting the entomological knowledge necessary to build up a common

Central-European database and map of the occurrence of major forest insects

• Improving the knowledge of young scientists regarding chemo-ecological research through cooperation with European laboratories

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology

WP7.1: Short-term visits connected with the creation ofthe database and GIS maps on the major forest protection problems in Central Europe:3 visits x 4 days to European research units

3 visits x 4 days to the Centre

responsible: Dr. Wojciech Grodzki

WP7.2: Short-term visits connected with the use of attractants/anti-attractants in forest protection against bark- and wood-boring insects:3 visits x 4 days to European research units

3 visits x 4 days to the Centre

responsible: Dr. Wojciech Grodzki37

Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP8, Interdisciplinary

training schoolsType of activity: otherRelative start month: 1Timetable: 1-34

Objectives:• Forest soil and water research methods.• Activities promoting genetic diversity conservation of Scots pine.• Methods of assessing and forming soil and water conditions as a basis for

conservation of forest sites

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology

WP8.1.1: ICP-Forests Reference Methods for Soil, Water, and Needle/Leaf Analysis.

WP8.1.2: Forest Soil Classification Course (WRB System).1 expert from EU, 1 expert from Poland, 20 participants from NAS countries; duration 2 weeks.

During this winter school the participants will get knowledge on the newest international system of soil classification published in 1998 as the "World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB)", designed as an easy means of communication amongst scientists to identify, characterize and name major types of soils. It aims to act as a common denominator through which national systems can be compared.

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WP8.2: The project is targeted on latest genetic diversity conservation method and its relationship with practical breeding methods. 2 experts from EU (France and Austria), 1 expert from Poland, 20 participants from NAS countries; duration 2 weeks

WP8.3: Methods of slowing water runoff and increasing the retentioni expert from EU, 1 expert from Poland, 20 participants from NAS countries; duration 2 weeks

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Work package descriptionWork package number and title: WP 9, Administrative co-ordinationType of activity: VRRelative start month: 0Timetable: 0-36

Objectives:• co-ordination between the work of individual workpackages and secretarial work• supervising and advising of the Supervisory Board over the activity of

the Centre

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Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps,the approach, the methodology

• 36 months of co-ordination of individual workpackages work and secretarial work,

• 4 sessions of the Supervisory Board,

• 3 preparation of assessments of the Centre work for sessions of the Supervisory Board

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Warsaw, main building of the FRI -1 Sękocin, the main building of the FRI -2

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Quarter of Warsaw, where the FRI main building is located

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 Distribution of main and regional departments of the FRI

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 Scientific cooperation of the FRI with the Regional Directorates of the State Forests

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 Scientific cooperation of the FRI with some Europe and America countries

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THE END