Rosneft has completed the preparatory stage of a large-scale forest climate initiative in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The project is designed to help reduce Vostok Oil’s carbon footprint and to absorb greenhouse gases equivalent to about 10 million tonnes of CO2, according to the company’s press service. The milestone marks a significant step in a broader strategy to leverage forestry as a key climate solution in Russia.
In a summary of recent progress, Rosneft noted that over the last five years its workforce has planted more than 27 million saplings and reforestation specimens across its operations. The company emphasized that the forest climate project goes beyond simply planting trees; it aims to establish and nurture a new system of ecosystem services that can support biodiversity, soil health, water regulation, and local livelihoods in a rapidly changing climate.
Beyond planting, Rosneft outlined the creation of a new line of activity. This encompasses in-depth scientific research, the development of appropriate legal frameworks, and the creation of methodologies for implementing and evaluating forest climate projects. The goal is to build robust capabilities and increase the sector’s potential, creating a favorable environment for investment and scaling up activities in this field across Russia.
To advance the project, Rosneft engaged the team behind the project’s eponymous program and drew on expertise from leading academic and research institutions. Collaborators included specialists from the Saint Petersburg State Forestry University, the Center for Environmental Studies, and the Siberian Federal University. Their involvement spans from field assessments to economic and carbon accounting analyses, ensuring that the project remains scientifically grounded and policy-relevant.
During the preparatory phase, experts conducted a series of targeted studies, produced conclusions on promising forms of forest climate projects for the Krasnoyarsk Territory, and developed a strategic mechanism for assessing both carbon impact and economic viability. They also offered recommendations for monitoring and verification protocols to ensure transparency, accuracy, and accountability across project activities.
Rosneft also contributed to the development of amendments to forestry legislation aimed at creating a clear legal environment for forest climate projects in Russia. The company said that the forest climate initiative will be integrated into broader efforts to regenerate forests and preserve biodiversity, aligning climate action with long-term conservation goals and regional ecosystem resilience.
Recognizing the importance of forest resources, Rosneft acknowledged March 21 as the International Day of Forests, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. The date serves to highlight responsible forest management and the sustainable use of forest resources—principles that underpin Rosneft’s approach to climate-positive forestry investments and biodiversity preservation.