Life on Land

The study was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in response to the request of the Republic of Moldova to improve the forest reproductive material (FRM) sector in the Republic of Moldova. The study includes an overview of FRM production in selected European countries assesses Moldova's FRM production capacity and identifies challenges such as outdated technology and labour shortages. It highlights the need for better nursery infrastructure species diversification and strategic planning to meet targets set in the National Afforestation and Reforestation Programme (NARP). Centralizing FRM production modernizing techniques and securing political support are critical to success. The study outlines concrete steps to improve the FRM sector link it to NARP objectives and ensure long-term sustainability through comprehensive planning and stakeholder engagement.

The Republic of Moldova has one of the lowest forest covers in Europe with only 461.6 thousand ha or slightly more than 11 per cent of the total land area. While several national strategic plans and policy documents set the targets for further forest area expansion to 15-17 per cent and numerous afforestation projects leading to a constant increase of the forest area from 1990 to 2020 by more than 60 thousand ha these targets have been met only partially in the last two decades.

The following publication was prepared under the guidance of the UNECE Forest and Bioeconomy Section in response to the request of the Republic of Moldova to improve the forest reproductive material (FRM) sector in the Republic of Moldova. The study includes an overview of FRM production in selected European countries assesses Moldova's FRM production capacity and identifies challenges such as outdated technology and labour shortages. It highlights the need for better nursery infrastructure species diversification and strategic planning to meet targets set in the National Afforestation and Reforestation Programme (NARP).

This publication provides an overview for policymakers and decision takers on how sustainably grown wood can contribute to the efforts of cities to reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment. The document emphasizes the carbon and other technical advantages of an increased use of wood as low carbon construction material in cities in the ECE region and beyond. It further provides guidance on how various actors could contribute to facilitating an increased utilization of wood from sustainable sources as a key raw material in low carbon construction in cities.

Forests are dynamic ecosystems that play a crucial role in providing essential services such as biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. They are vital for many economies offering a wide range of products like softwood wood-based panels pulp paper and wood energy. With the increasing global population and demand for these products and other services the challenge lies in optimizing and balancing short-term economic gains with long-term sustainability

The UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section expresses its deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to this edition of the Forest Products Annual Market Review.