EVROPSKI ZELENI PLAN I ODRŽIVI RAZVOJ ŠUMARSTVA
THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST DEVELOPMENT

Author(s): Zdravko Todorović, Igor Todorović, Zoran Govedar
Subject(s): Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies
Published by: Finrar d.o.o Banja Luka
Keywords: Sustainable Forest Development; Forest Development Strategy; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; European Green Deal; Circular Economy;
Summary/Abstract: The purpose of the research is to analyze the guidelines of the New EU Forest Strategy 2030, which is considered key to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal, which means reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. The guidelines should be incorporated into the Forest Development Strategy of the Republika Srpska and achieve sustainable forest development. Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of present generations and that does not question the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The basic principles of sustainable forest management are: 1) The principle of continuity that strives for permanent forest benefits, 2) The principle of multifunctionality that seeks to optimize the overall benefits of forests and 3) The principle of economy that strives for greater forest use with minimal investment. Due to the importance of forestry for the development of the economy of Republika Srpska, it is necessary to respect certain restrictions related to: 1) balance between the demand of the wood industry for timber and deforestation within the limits of sustainable forest development, 2) ) preserve the recreational function of forests. Design / methodology / approach – The research design defines sustainable forest development as a dependent variable, ie a research problem, measured by economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable management. The New Forest Development Strategy of Republika Srpska until 2030 is considered an independent variable, with elements: 1) Sustainable forest bioeconomy, 2) Sustainable use of resources for bioeconomy, 3) Non-wood forest products and tourism, 4) Development of human resources in forestry, 5) Protection of old and primary forests, 6) Reforestation in line with climate change, 7) Financial incentives to improve forest quality and quantity, 8) Strategic forest monitoring, reporting and data collection, and 9) Research and innovation plan to improve forest knowledge. The following methods will be used in the research: analysis and synthesis, comparison and SWOT analysis. Practical implications – The Government of Republika Srpska will receive new strategic guidelines for sustainable forest management and governance, which is in line with the goals of the European Green Deal and the guidelines of the New EU Forest Strategy until 2030. The implementation of the strategy will result in healthier, more resilient and biodiversity forests that can fulfill their socio-economic and environmental function. Further development of the wood industry on new principles will be ensured. The survival and employment of the population in rural areas will be ensured. The recreational functions of the forest, which is important for the physical and mental health of citizens and the development of tourism, will be preserved. The public company Forests of the Republic of Srpska and private forest owners will receive specific guidelines for the su stainable development of forestry, with the special task of increasing the quantities and quality of forests. Originality / value – By analyzing the current state of forest in the Republic of Srpska and defined guidelines of the European Green Deal for Forest, we will gain new scientific facts and knowledge about the elements for drafting a New Forest Development Strategy in the Republic of Srpska. The new forestry development strategy should help our economy to become modern, climate neutral, resource efficient and competitive based on the principles of the circular economy.

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