Forestry Act and the National Strategy for Development of the Forestry Sector in the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2013 – 2020
“The Act sets up a basic framework for the conservation of forests and (consequently) the support of the functions of ‘forest areas’, which include “climate regulation and carbon absorption”. Especially relevant for forest restoration and indirectly for CO2 absorption is the chapter on “Afforestation and protection of forest areas against erosion and floods”.
The Act further mandates elaboration of the National Strategy for Development of the Forestry Sector. The National Strategy for 2013-2020 includes the contribution of the forest sector to climate mitigation as part of the strategic vision for 2013-2020. It further lays down three strategic objectives for the medium term:
1. Ensure sustainable development of the forestry sector by achieving an optimal balance between environmental functions and provision of long-term economic benefits and services
2. Enhance the role of forests in the economic growth of the country and balanced regional socio-economic development
3. Increase the contribution of the forest sector in the green economy”.
The corresponding priorities are:
1. Maintaining healthy, productive and multifunctional forest ecosystems that contribute to mitigating climate change
2. Conservation, restoration and maintenance of biological and landscape diversity in forest areas
3. Enhancing the vitality and competitiveness of the forest sector
4. Exploiting the potential of the forest sector to contribute to development of green economy.”
