Federal Forestry Agency and RUSAL extend six-year-old collaboration
RUSAL will continue providing comprehensive support to the Nizhne-Yeniseyskoye forestry in Krasnoyarsk Krai for measures necessary to protect over 500,000 hectares from fires. The Federal Forestry Agency signed an agreement with the company extending the partnership until 2033 at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). This article explores the implications for the region`s ecology and the quality of life for residents of Krasnoyarsk Krai.
RUSAL`s forest-climate project, launched in 2019 as part of the company`s climate strategy, provided extensive support to the Nizhne-Yeniseyskoye forestry. This included maintaining firefighting units, equipment, acquiring gear, and monitoring/extinguishing fires on over 500,000 hectares using aircraft. RUSAL`s total investment in forest patrolling and firefighting efforts currently exceeds 150 million rubles. Initially set to conclude in 2024, RUSAL decided to extend the collaboration for another eight years, until 2033. The agreement was finalized with the Federal Forestry Agency on June 19th at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Ivan Sovetnikov, Head of Rosleskhoz, emphasized the significance of forest-climate projects for ecological well-being domestically and globally during the signing ceremony at SPIEF. He noted the initial agreement in 2019 and highlighted the extension until 2033 as a positive market example that enhances forest climate resilience and opens avenues for environmentally responsible business in Russia.
The project is expected to generate over 5 million carbon units. For the residents and nature of Krasnoyarsk Krai, the project holds practical importance, primarily impacting air quality. Aerial monitoring and fire suppression protect populated areas from fire threats, improve environmental safety, and preserve the unique nature and biodiversity of the Siberian taiga. During the first phase, specialists prevented dozens of forest fires. Furthermore, the project contributes to job creation in the region`s forestry sector.
Evgeny Nikitin, RUSAL CEO, stated that the company`s efforts extend beyond reducing emissions at their facilities through renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. Through environmental and other initiatives, RUSAL develops institutional partnerships with the state to achieve key national priorities like sustainable economic growth and preserving natural capital. He added that RUSAL actively develops its partnership with Rosleskhoz and the Russian Partnership for Climate Preservation, also driving the development of methodological support for forest-climate projects in Russia. He expressed satisfaction that their forest-climate project received the status of a partner to Russia`s national projects in 2025.
At the state level, this initiative contributes to preserving and increasing the country`s strategic natural capital, directly aids in fulfilling Russia`s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, provides substantial assistance in forest regeneration and protection in strategically important Siberian territories, and serves as a successful model for partnership with business.
