Goals of GMFA

Gassinski Model Forest Association (GMFA), the first model forest in Russia, has been created by its partners to ensure an adequate living standard of the residents of the Forest due to benefits derived from the forest based on sustainable forest management. The GMFA partners believe that sustainable forest management is based on the integrated and rational utilization of all forest resources using scientifically justified norms of harvesting and quotas of taking of forest resources, and by means of implementing ecologically acceptable technologies, deep processing of raw materials, and adequate development of the social and production infrastructure.

Forestry activities and utilization of wood and non-wood resources must be accomplished using methods which do not bring harm to the surrounding environment, the animal world, or the health of the individuals.

The basic goal of the GMFA is the essential reduction of local unemployment. The traditional utilization of the forest by indigenous peoples (gathering of non-wood products, hunting, fishing) actually ensures their minimum living standard whatever depth the economic crisis reaches both the country and their area of inhabitation.

Presently, there are 11932 individuals in the area of GMFA, and their specific yearly income (including both wages and other incomes) is 4825 roubles (about $200 US on April 15, 1999). The minimum monthly wage of employees is 780 roubles ($34 US).