Forestry Minister: Belarus leads in Europe in terms of wood reserves per hectare

In terms of wood reserves per hectare, the republic occupies the leading position in Europe – as noted by Forestry Minister Aleksandr Kulik in his talk with the ONT TV channel

Photo: video screenshot

Over the years of independence, the area of Belarusian forests has increased by more than a million hectares. As reported by Mr. Kulik, Belarus occupies 20.8 million hectares, of which 8.6 million hectares are covered with forests, and the total forest area is 9.5 million hectares. “One million hectares of forests, or 5 percent, has been added during the years of the country's sovereignty,” he emphasised.

The Forestry Minister also commented on the percentage of ripe forests, “After the USSR collapse, Belarus almost reached the point of no return. This would have happened if the principle of sustainable forest management had been violated. In 1994, the percentage of mature forests was only 4.7 percent, but it made already 21 percent in 2024.”

As for wood reserves per hectare, Belarus occupies the leading position in Europe. “Based on statistical data, the country has 218 cubic metres [of wood reserves] per hectare, and Estonia is next in line (204 cubic metres),” Mr. Kulik informed.