Club GREY HORSE: Multi-purpose Forest Management via Ecosystem Services

This case study explores the Club GREY HORSE initiative in Russia, which seeks to reform forest leasing to enable multi-purpose use of forestland. Located in the Starousinskoe forestry unit (8,512 hectares), the project addresses limitations of single-use leases that lead to conflicts and inefficiencies. By amending the National Forest Code to recognize ecosystem services—such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and cultural benefits—the initiative promotes integrated forest management. It aims to establish compensation mechanisms through carbon markets or tax-based funding, enhancing economic efficiency and sustainability. The reform involves collaboration among tenants, local authorities, conservation groups, and communities to shift from timber-centric to balanced, multi-purpose forest use.