site.btaTimber Harvesting in Bulgaria Is Technologically Outdated by 100 Years - Branch Organization

Timber harvesting in the country is technologically outdated by a century, warns the Branch Chamber of Woodworking and Furniture Industry (BCWFI) in a letter received by BTA.

The branch organization recalls that forests occupy about 39% of Bulgaria's territory. Their maintenance in good health is carried out with scientifically based forestry interventions - various types of felling. In Bulgaria, logging is one of the traditional industries, and in the last century Bulgaria was among the technological leaders with the introduction of rope lines, tractors and various forestry systems. During the transition years, much of the equipment was privatized and destroyed. Thus, timber harvesting has become an extremely labour-extensive activity involving many manual operations. In addition, non-specialized machinery is used - usually old military trucks. This causes serious damage to the roads and the remaining timber.

According to a study by the University of Eastern Finland, 90% of wood harvesting in Western Europe is carried out mechanically.

The BCWFI points out that there are already companies in the country operating modern specialized machinery, but only to a limited extent due to regulations. As an example, the branch organization gives the company Skidders Extreme, which with three employees manages to harvest about 15, 000 cubic metres per year. 

Another example is Gorainvest AD Ruse. The company has all kinds of specialized equipment for timber extraction, but also for soil preparation

The introduction of regular logging makes the forest more resistant to fires, which is extremely important in today's situation. The BCWFI recalls that last year Bulgaria was among the worst affected countries in Europe, and fires are currently raging in Canada, the smoke from which has covered a third of the United States and has already reached Europe.

The industry organization notes that, however, in order to mechanize logging, serious investments should be made. The cost of a harvester/forwarder system is significant. In addition, well-trained and responsible operators are required. It is also important to ensure regular monitoring of implementation and the availability of appropriate forest infrastructure.

A key factor for the development of the timber sector in our country is a consistent state policy. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has launched timid attempts to support the sector. For the sake of preserving Bulgaria's green wealth, and for the development of the industry, it is of utmost importance that Bulgarian logging enters the 21st century, the BCWFI stressed.

In May, the Minister of Agriculture and Food confirmed to the parliamentary committee in charge that the mechanization of logging is an important topic, but until now there has been a lack of regulations indicating the way of exploitation and the impact on the forest through mechanization. He said that all the regulations have been drafted, they have gone through public consultation, what remains is their adoption and promulgation.