RUSAL and Federal Forestry Agency's Expanded Leso-Climatological Project in Krasnoyarsk Krai: Scope, Benefits, and New Partnership Opportunities
Ongoing Largest Forest Climate Project in Russia,bytes in Krasnoyarsk Region
In an effort to safeguard Siberia's precious forests and combat climate change, Russian aluminum giant RUSAL has extended their collaboration with the Federal Forestry Agency on a massive leso-climatological project in Krasnoyarsk Krai. This extended initiative, first launched in 2019 as part of RUSAL's climate strategy, now has its duration stretched to 2033.
A Pact for the Future
At the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, both parties signed a deal that ensures RUSAL's continued support for the lower-Enisei forestry in Krasnoyarsk Krai. Their assistance covers maintaining firefighting squads, servicing fire trucks and equipment, purchasing firefighting equipment, and supplying aviation for forest fire monitoring and potential extinction missions across a vast area exceeding 500,000 hectares.
Forest Protection and Climate Action
The longevity of this project is crucial for Krasnoyarsk Krai, as it not only shields neighboring settlements and the taiga from the peril of forest fires but also advances air quality, preserves unique Siberian ecosystems, and boosts biodiversity.
Over the past few years, specialists involved in the project have thwarted numerous substantial forest fires. The project also generates employment opportunities within Krasnoyarsk's forestry sector.
Leading the Green Future
"At RUSAL, we are not limiting our efforts to reducing emissions from our sites through the use of renewable energy and implementing eco-friendly technology projects geared towards environmental protection," said RUSAL's CEO, Evgeny Nikitin. "Through conservation and other initiatives, we are fostering institutional partnerships with the government to tackle critical national priorities such as sustainable economic growth and the preservation of natural capital."
RUSAL actively cultivates its partnership with the Federal Forestry Agency and Russia's Climate Partnership, contributing to the development of methodological support for leso-climatological projects in Russia. RUSAL also aims to lead the Leso-Climatological Project's designation as a partner of the National Projects of Russia by 2025.
Environmental and Economic Gains
The project is expected to yield more than 5 million carbon credits, with RUSAL's investments in forest patrol and firefighting efforts now surpassing 150 million rubles.
"Leso-climatological projects play a vital role in ensuring environmental well-being not only for our nation but for the entire planet," said Head of the Federal Forestry Agency, Ivan Sovetnikov. "We were the first to sign the deal between RUSAL, the Federal Forestry Agency, and the Krasnoyarsk Krai government in 2019. This ongoing cooperation presents an excellent example for the market and helps raise the climate resilience of forests while paving the way for eco-friendly business development in Russia."
Sustaining the Nation's Forestry Wealth
Preserving and enriching Russia's forest resources remains a significant indicator of sustainable development. The leso-climatological project directly contributes to achieving strategic goals in the spheres of environment, economy, and social welfare. Through conservation initiatives, the government strengthens its partnership with businesses to address national priorities like sustainable economic growth and protecting natural capital. Furthermore, on a national level, the project aids Russia in fulfilling its climate commitment under the Paris Agreement, supports the regeneration and protection of strategic forests in Siberia, and serves as a model for effective collaboration between the state and private sector.
Press-service AO "RUSAL Krasnoyarsk"
Related Insights:
- Climate Change and Siberian Taiga: As temperatures rise, Siberian taiga forests are at risk of drying out, increasing the likelihood of massive forest fires, with cascading effects on the entire ecosystem and carbon sequestration capacities.
- Fire Prevention and Response Technologies: The leso-climatological project harnesses modern technology like satellite imagery, drones, ground-based sensors, GPS, and GIS mapping to ensure efficient forest fire monitoring and response.
- Eco-Economics and Corporate Sustainability: Companies like RUSAL are increasingly prioritizing sustainable business practices as society demands greater environmental responsibility from corporations. The leso-climatological project showcases how eco-friendly initiatives can lead to long-term economic advantages.
- Partnerships for Climate Action: Collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, and research institutions are essential in addressing global environmental challenges. The leso-climatological project forges a promising path for future cross-sectoral collaborations focused on sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
- The extended leso-climatological project between RUSAL and the Federal Forestry Agency in Krasnoyarsk Krai aims to safeguard the region's forests, combat climate change, and boost biodiversity, all while generating employment opportunities in the forestry sector.
- RUSAL's CEO, Evgeny Nikitin, emphasized the company's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable economic growth, highlighting their work on reducing emissions, implementing eco-friendly technology projects, and fostering institutional partnerships with the government.
- The leso-climatological project is expected to earn over 5 million carbon credits and has surpassed 150 million rubles in investments in forest patrol and firefighting efforts.
- The leso-climatological project is set to become a partner of the National Projects of Russia by 2025, reflecting its significance in supporting sustainable economic growth, protecting natural capital, and fulfilling Russia's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
