During the conference Mr Zubkov drew attention to the fact that there are no long-term forest lease contracts. In his opinion, that results in ineffective forest use, unauthorised logging and fires. "Until there is a true master of the forest no serious progress can be made," he said.

Mr Zubkov also noted the low percentage of renewed contracts on the lease of forest tracts in the Amur Region. He said this is due to frequent forest fires, especially in the current year. Mr Zubkov urged the regional authorities to rectify the situation in the region before the year is out.