Project title: ForestGap

Type of project: reforestation program

SDG(s) relevant to the project: 13, 15

Topic(s): nature-positive approaches and regenerative agriculture, reforestation

Product(s): pine nuts

Project end date and duration: February 20, 2022 (5.8 years)

Abstract: Siberian Cedar Eco-Factory is one of the leading processors and exporters of pine nut kernels and other natural products in Russia. The company is a member of the INC, International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, since 2022.

In its production, the factory uses a unique environmentally friendly integrated approach to the basic export product (the pine nut kernel), from the harvesting of pine cones and multi-stage processing of pine nuts to the creation of natural resources (pine forests of Siberia).

The concept is the creation of an ecosystem of responsible business and environment.

The Siberian Cedar brand is based on environmental friendliness, benefits, respect for human health and nature. Accepting the gifts of nature, the factory contributes to an increase in the amount of natural resources by reviving the forests of Siberia.

We launched ForestGap as a social and ecological project. The key objective of the project is reforestation (filling gaps in the forest map) and eco-education (filling gaps in the ecological education). Our activities:

• organization of large-scale reforestation campaigns involving residents of all ages (on average, 500 people participate in one campaign at a time);
• reforestation in Siberia using a unique technique of planting trees with organic fertilizers;
• conducting environmental lessons in childcare facilities;
• separate waste collection by company employees;
• growing planting material from seeds in our own coniferous nursery;
• creation of social and ecological art objects.

Impact and Outcomes: The factory’s green project in reforestation was the winner of the international award WeTogether, with the following results:

• planted 83,000 trees;
• attracted more than 6,500 volunteers;
• reached 95% survival rate of seedlings at the planting sites (usually 60% take root);
• created our own coniferous nursery of 1,000,000 seedlings and regularly take care of it;
• conducted 68 eco-lessons in kindergartens, schools, universities;
• village cedar forests: planting cedars and subsequent grafting, consequently accelerating their fruit productivity.

The factory became a partner of the national projects of Russia.

The project impacts restoration and protection of cedar forests in Siberia, thereby promoting nut industry development.