FERM 2025 | Ionuț ABUTNĂRIȚEI (Suceava Forestry Directorate): “Responsibly managed forests support the economy and mountain communities”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Mountain Economy – Sustainable Development and Valorization of Local Resources
Speaker:
Eng. Abutnăriței Ionuț – Suceava Forestry Directorate
Topic of the intervention:
“Wood – a resource for the mountain area”
Within Panel 9 – Agriculture and Mountain Economy – Sustainable Development and Valorization of Local Resources, Eng. Ionuț Abutnăriței, representative of the Suceava Forestry Directorate, presented models of responsible management of the mountain forest fund, highlighting the importance of forest protection, sustainable use of timber resources, and involvement of local communities. The intervention emphasized how forests can become a key economic pillar for mountain areas, providing jobs, developing forestry infrastructure, and encouraging the return of professionals to the region, all while maintaining ecological balance.
Responsible forest management – a strategic priority
“The Suceava Forestry Directorate manages a total area of 338,303 hectares, of which 272,488 hectares represent state-owned public forest. Our forests stretch from altitudes of 220 meters up to 1,900 meters, giving them a unique diversity.”
Eng. Abutnăriței Ionuț emphasized that the entire area of state forest under administration is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which “guarantees responsible management, recognized internationally, and opens access to demanding markets.”
Combating illegal logging and forest protection
A central point of the intervention was related to forest protection.The total illegally cut volume per 100 ha is 0.42 m³, while the average annual growth is 800 m³. Practically, illegal logging represents only 0.0005% of natural annual growth – a percentage that demonstrates the effectiveness of the measures taken.
He also detailed the measures taken against pests.
“The most important pest for coniferous stands remains the bark beetle. We apply methods such as trap trees, debarking of wind-thrown or broken trees, and close monitoring of high-risk areas.”
Investments and sustainable development
Regarding investments, Eng. Ionuț Abutnăriței showed that the Suceava Forestry Directorate has carried out significant works to modernize forest roads and has acquired modern equipment.
“We manage 765 forest roads, with a total length of 2,278 km, and annually allocate over 7 million lei for their maintenance and rehabilitation. These investments improve accessibility and contribute to the responsible use of resources.”
Valorization of timber
The intervention also highlighted the economic importance of the forestry industry.
“For the exploitation of processed timber, we organize more than 20 procurement procedures annually for logging services, and for the sale of processed wood we hold 18 electronic auctions, with the participation of about 160 economic operators.”
He emphasized the role of forests for mountain communities. The forestry industry is a pillar of Suceava County’s economy, especially in the mountain area, where it provides jobs and even encourages the return of some professionals from abroad.
Community involvement and forest education
Forest management cannot be achieved without community involvement. Tree planting actions, waste collection campaigns, and educational events such as Forest Month or Open Doors Day are organized to inspire respect for the forest among the younger generation.
Conclusions
Through this intervention, the Suceava Forestry Directorate showed that responsible management of the forest fund is an opportunity for sustainable development of the mountain area. The models presented by Eng. Ionuț Abutnăriței are examples of good practices, which harness local resources in a balanced way, supporting both the economy and environmental protection.
The Regional Economic Forum Moldova has once again confirmed its role as a strategic platform for dialogue, exchange of experience, and strengthening collaboration between institutions, businesses, and communities, in the spirit of sustainable development and responsible use of natural resources.
