Forest Eco-Governance in Russia in the 18th Century and Its Practical Significance

Abstract The history of forest eco-governance in Russia can be traced back to more than 1000 years ago, but before Peter I came to power, the forest eco-governance in Russia rarely considered forest regeneration and sustainable development. Since ancient times, the European part of Russia has been regarded as the most wooded and forested region in Europe. However, in the 18th century, the consistent use of timber as the main fuel in the Russian manufacturing industry and residential heating, as well as the unrestrained use of forests in shipbuilding, construction, timber export, etc. led to the rapid depletion of forests in some regions of Russia. In this context, the Russian government put the reinforcement of the national forest eco-governance on the agenda. Peter I is considered to be the first forester in Russian history. During his reign, he promulgated about 200 laws and regulations on the conservation of forest resources, and his successors further developed his ideas about forest ecological conservation. Although it failed to prevent the trend of destruction of forest ecological environment in Russia, it solved the problems of building a powerful country and a strong army, achieving industrial development, and meeting people's needs in Russia to a certain extent. The measures and ideas of eco-governance in Russia in the 18th century are of important practical significance.