WWF-IKEA partnership on forests

The WWF and IKEA co-operation first began in 2002 to promote responsible forestry. The first years of co-operation showed that by working together, more could be achieved. Now WWF and IKEA work together in a global partnership to promote responsible forestry, better cotton cultivation, and to address climate change. 

Learn more about global WWF – IKEA Partnership here: 1, 2, 3

In Russia WWF- IKEA Partnership is focused at forest projects. The partnership is now in its VII phase.

Objectives of the partnership in Russia – Phase VII: 

Achievement of sustainable forestry goals by implementing integrated landscape approach and sustainable land-use strategies to conserve HCVs while ensuring sustainable production and consumption.

Project implementation deadlines: 

Phase VII: 1 September 2020— 31 August 2023 

General information: 

Russia’s forests are some of the most beautiful in the world and constitute approximately 22% of the entire planet’s forested area and 60% of boreal forests. The Russian Federation is the important trading partner for quite a number of countries, so forest sustainability is a key factor for mitigating risks; for improving productivity of harvesting operations; for maintaining biodiversity and for providing human and environmental safety. 

17 years of consistent work have brought tangible results. We managed to achieve them in the conditions of forest reforms, economic instability, and imperfect legal framework, while retaining qualified employees and maintaining professional relationships that ensure further development. The strength of the project lies in the fact that it has been consistently putting into practice a set of actions in such a scope and scale, which cannot be conducted by any other organizations. 

The greatest success of the project is associated with the adoption of the national forest policy, with the introduction of a new term "national forest heritage", and conservation of HCV forests. The project actively supports the conduct of responsible forestry based on the sustainable development principles; ensures the development of certification according to the FSC system in Russia (from 296 000 ha in 2002 to 54.5 mln ha in 2020) – moreover, certified companies conserve more than 15 mln ha of HCV forests; and contributes to the improvement of forestry education. In 2010s project initiated the introduction of a new discipline "Sustainable forest management" (along with the textbook "Basics of sustainable forest management" and the workbooks developed and recommended by the Educational and Methodical Association of Educational Institutions) in the educational program of higher professional schools.

Project location: 

The project includes a number of priority WWF ecoregions – the Barents region, Altai-Sayan mountain forests, the Russian Caucasus, and part of European Russia and Angara Region.

For additional information:

Konstantin Kobyakov, project coordinator