Bulgarian Timber Harvesting is Technologically Outdated, Industry Organization Warns

Jerusalem, 9 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – Wood extraction in Bulgaria is technologically outdated by a whole century, warned the Chamber of Woodworking and Furniture Industries (BKDMP) in a letter received by the BTA editorial office.

The branch organization recalls that forests occupy about 39 percent of the territory of Bulgaria. Maintaining them in good health is carried out with scientifically based forestry interventions – various types of logging. In Bulgaria country, logging is among the traditional industries, and in the last century, Bulgaria was among the leaders in terms of technology with the implementation of cable cars, tractors and various forest systems. During the years of transition, much of the equipment was privatized and destroyed. Thus, timber harvesting has become an extremely difficult activity, associated with many manual operations.

In addition, unspecialized machines are used – usually old military trucks. In this way, serious damage is caused to the roads and the remaining trees. Much of the work is done by poorly educated and trained personnel, with a low culture of use. As after a war – this is how the state of the forest is determined after such a type of logging, the BKDMP adds.

According to a study by the University of Eastern Finland, 90 percent of timber harvesting in Western Europe is done mechanized.

The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCDMP) pointed out that there are already Bulgarian companies working with modern specialized machines, but to a limited extent due to the regulatory framework. As an example, the industry organization gives the company “Skiders Extreme”, which with three employees manages to extract about 15,000 cubic meters annually.

Another such example is “Gorainvest” AD Ruse. The company has all kinds of specialized equipment for timber extraction, but also for soil preparation. The company has closed the cycle, because it cannot only cut down, but must also reforest. For several years, the company has been an official importer of small wheeled harvesters Vimek, designed for small-sized wood. They are forced to take on this challenge due to a lack of manpower and the inability to carry out the planned training and educational fellings, the BKDMP reports.

What are the main advantages of modern mechanized logging? Here, the industry organization cites as an example “Progress Technics”, the official importer of the Finnish manufacturer Ponsse for Bulgaria. For more than 10 years, they have been offering various machines on the market as parameters. The common thing is that they provide a safe working environment and are highly productive. If the operator is well trained, no damage is observed to the remaining trees and the planned activities are allowed to be carried out qualitatively. In addition, they have low operating and production costs. And last but not least, illegal logging is eliminated, because all operations by the machine are recorded.

According to a new study by scientists in Germany, the most effective way to combat the bark beetle is to use harvesters. This is a small beetle that attacked the spruce forests in Vitosha and subsequently destroyed the Bistrishko Branishte biosphere reserve. Regular felling also makes the forest more resistant to fires, which is of utmost importance in today’s situation. The Bulgarian Forestry and Forestry Commission noted that last year Bulgaria, was among the most affected countries in Europe, and currently fires are raging in Canada, the smoke from which has covered a third of the USA and has already reached Europe.

The industry organization stressed that in order to mechanize logging, serious investments should be made. The cost of a harvester/forwarder mechanized logging system is significant. In addition, well-trained and responsible operators are required. It is important to ensure regular monitoring of implementation, as well as the availability of appropriate forest infrastructure.

A key factor for the development of logging in our country is to have a consistent state policy. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has launched timid attempts to support the sector. In the name of preserving Bulgaria’s green wealth, and also for the development of the industry, it is of utmost importance that Bulgarian logging enters the 21st century, the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Food emphasizes.

In May, Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Georgi Tahov, confirmed to the relevant parliamentary committee that the mechanization of logging is an important topic , but until now there has been no regulation that would indicate the method of exploitation and the impact on the forest massif through mechanization. He stated that all regulations have been prepared, have undergone public discussion, and their adoption and promulgation remain.