On December 29 2004 head of forestry unit OJS "Pyaozersky lespromkhoz" (Karelia) and representatives of three NGOs — International Socio-ecological Union, Biodiversity Conservation Center and Greenpeace-Russia signed agreemnt for 25-year long moratorium in old-growth forests within the area rented by forestry unit OJS "Pyaozersky lespromkhoz".

According to this paper, old-growth territory of 109,2 ha bordering Paanajarvi national park is closed for logging for 25 years, starting from January 1, 2005.

The issue of old-growth taiga forests conservation in North-West Karelia came up in mid 1980-ies. In 1992 Paanajarvi park was establsihed, and a protected zone around it. However, the norther part of the valuable forest was not included into protected area.

In the middle of 90-ies this area became a subject of conflict. Pyazoresky forest industry unit made attempt to do organize massive logging in the area, while NGOs insisted on conservation of the unique forest area as an exmple of undisturbed nature.

As the result of long campaining and negotiations NGOs and loggers reached temporary agreement in the end 2001. The agreement ended up on December 31, 2004. Three years were to be used for finalising agreement on conservation and logging areas.

After eight years, agreement was finally reached.

17/01/2005