Strategic Plan for development of the forest sector 2007-2011.

This publication contains the Republic of Bulgaria Strategic Plan for development of the forest sector, planned for the period from 2007 until 2011. The main objective of this plan is to achieve sustainable development of an economically viable forestry sector, based on the principles of multifunctional and sustainable forest management.
All forest based and forest related resources are considered as national wealth and are part of the overall ecosystem wealth, that have to be preserved, with an aim for their ecological, social and economic functions, also necessary for improving the quality of peoples life in general.
Strategic objective n. 1 is: Economic stabilization of the forestry sector by improving its competitiveness and by increasing its sustainability in consumption of forest products and services. Key actions identified under this objective are: restructuration and improvement of the governance in forestry sector; improving the quality, economic value of forests and the realization of sustainable and rational use of wood/timber resources; supporting research and technological development for increasing the competitiveness of the forestry sector; increase the value of non-timber forests products and services; encourage co-operation between homeowners in forests, industry organizations and associations and assistance to education and qualification in forestry.
Strategic objective n. 2 is: Formation and maintenance of vital forest ecosystems, preservation and restoration of natural biological and structural diversity, lasting carbon, and guaranteeing environmental functions, by maintaining productive capacity, durability and biodiversity as a key factor in ensuring healthy and stable forest ecosystem. Key actions listed under this strategic objective are: conservation and maintenance of biodiversity in forests; contribute to the implementation of international protocols , including the Kyoto Protocol; improve forest protection measures and standards in general.
Strategic objective n. 3 is: improvement of the quality of life by protecting and improving the social and cultural dimensions of forests, by providing goods and services to citizens contributing to their health and quality of life, including leisure and sports venues in urban and rural areas, employment and income, protecting the soil and water and land against erosion, desertification and natural catastrophes, including various forest fire issues. Key actions identified under this strategic objective are: promoting environmental education and training; maintain and enhance forest and forestry security features; harnessing the potential of forests in urbanized areas and cities; implementation of measures aimed to enhance the social functioning of Bulgarian forests.
Strategic objective n. 4 is: Improvement of awareness, coherence and cross-sector cooperation. Key actions listed are: development and implementation of a National Plan for implementation of the St Petersburg Declaration relating to the Ministerial Forest Law Enforcement and Management Process for Europe and North Asia; improve interaction, coordination and communication; enhance the involvement of European Union bodies and institutions and international organizations and processes, related to the forest sector; improving forestry related public awareness and communication.
Extensive implementation of principles and rules here stipulated will bring long-term benefits from an economic, social and environmental point of view: provision of renewable and non-polluting environmental resources; economic development and employment in rural areas; contributions to improvement of the quality of life by maintaining attractive environmental, living and recreational conditions, and by maintaining and improving the environment and preserving its biodiversity; preservation of spiritual and cultural forest heritage.
The effective implementation and consequential achievement of the main objective and of other strategic goals of this Plan will be accomplished by the performance of several specific designated forestry and financial actions, as set out in Annexes of this publication.