The Organization of Nature Conservation in State-Owned Forests in Poland and Expectations of Polish Stakeholders

Ewa Referowska-Chodak

doi:10.3390/f11080796

Abstract

Research Highlights: The presented findings result from the first large-scale research conducted in Poland in relation to the State Forests—the most important place for the protection of Polish nature. They may constitute an important contribution to the improvement of the nature conservation system. Background and Objectives: The current model of organization of nature conservation in the State Forests in Poland is not fully effective. In regard to the growing influence of society on nature protection and the need to improve the existing system of nature conservation, this study poses the question: what are the expectations of various stakeholders as for the organization of nature conservation in the State Forests? The aim of the article is to present these expectations, to broadly discuss them, and to present recommendations for the future. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted in 2013, among 41 various stakeholder groups in Poland. The choice of the surveyed groups was determined by their legal competence and/or practical experience in nature conservation in the State Forests. Results: A total of 77.9% of the respondents supported the concept of transferring full responsibility for nature conservation to foresters, while 51.1% supported financing of nature conservation tasks exclusively by the State Forests. In total, 46.8% of respondents believed that foresters should determine the principles and methods of nature conservation. The presented expectations of the Polish stakeholders differ from the current real situation, however, they still cannot be considered as a complete solution. Conclusions: The results indicate a need for a broader discussion and perhaps, consequently, a reorganization of the functioning of nature conservation in state-owned forests in Poland, considering the social expectations and trust in foresters. This can be inspiring also for other countries with a high proportion of state-owned forests.

Highlights

Expectations of various stakeholders with regard to nature conservation and its organization in the State Forests are insufficiently recognized. In regard to both the growing influence of society on nature protection and the need to improve the existing system of nature conservation, this study poses the question: what are the expectations of various stakeholders as to the organization of nature conservation in the State Forests? Three main elements were taken into account: determination of protective measures, responsibility for the protected areas and objects, and financing of nature conservation tasks
59.4% of respondents believed that the principles/methods of nature conservation in the area of the State Forests should be determined by the State Forests, either independently or in cooperation with other entities
Three aspects were taken into account: determination of protective measures, responsibility for the protected areas and objects, and financing of nature conservation tasks on land managed by the State Forests

Summary

Introduction

The creation of protected areas on state lands reduces social conflicts related to the limitation of the possibilities to use nature resources (e.g., [8,12,13,14,15]). It is noteworthy, that in 2006 about 11.5% of the world’s forests were in protected areas [3], in the case of Europe, in 2018 it was 17% (of the state forests), and e.g., in Austrian Federal

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion