Implementation of sustainable forest management principles on regional levels (case study of Karelian Republic)

Development of effective mechanisms for legal regulations aimed at the rational use and protection of forests promotes sustainable forest management. The legal framework for forest management in Russia does not reveal the concept of sustainable forest management and does not solve the problem of practical application of the obligation “Criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management in Russian Federation”, which was adopted in pursuance of international obligations of Russia. Compliance with the requirements of continuous, rational and sustainable use of forests is ensured by holding business structures liable for violation of forestry legislation. The regional program “Development of Forestry in the Republic of Karelia for 2013-2015” aims to ensure sustainable forest management. The data mentioned in the State report on the environmental conditions in the Republic of Karelia for 2013 reflect low efficiency of the implementation of the activities within the program mentioned above. Thus, the state as a subject responsible for the preservation of forest resources is obliged to create and use preventive measures aimed at the restraint of forest violations. The relevance and novelty of this article is substantiated by the conclusions. It was proven that the responsibility for violation of the forest legislation, in particular administrative management, is a part of the legal mechanism promoting preservation and sustainable management of forests.