The Fourth Foresters' Games of the Forestry Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) workers has been opened today

Minister of the  Economy of the Sarajevo Canton Muharem Šabić has opened the Foresters' Games of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this occasion, he welcomed all the guests at this event, as well as the competitors. He wished them good luck in the competitions.

"Despite the great importance of forests, their areas are constantly decreasing globally. The lack of forests leads to the loss of biodiversity and to global climate changes. It is also a threat to the existence of a large number of people," said Minister Šabić in his opening speech. He pointed out that he would like to send a message from this beautiful Olympic mountain to the world that forests are the most valuable resource in the Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to the Minister Šabić, forests have incalculable value, importance and role in the protection of erosion, flood, but also a favorable impact on water regime and water purification.

He said that Bosnia and Herzegovina has always been rich in forests. Forests cover 65.43 percent of the territory of the Sarajevo Canton. The forests are habitats of many plant and animal species. It is used for treatment, recovery, relaxation and recreation. Forests are also the basis of certain industries and they enhance tourism development.

"The largest exporter in the Federation of B&H is the sector of wood processing and furniture production (in 2014, export was one billion and two hundred million BAM, with a positive balance of exports compared to imports). The forestry sector, wood processing and furniture manufacturing (in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) currently employs about 15,000 people,"said Minister Šabić.

The director of the Cantonal Public Company "Sarajevo-šume" d.o.o. Sarajevo, Nermin Demirović, has also addressed to the participants. He said that the Foresters' Games are held every other year, but due to the increasing number of participants, he hopes that this event will become a tradition and will be be organized every year in the future.