Mr. Ladislav Miko, Director in the European Commission joined the gathering of forest owners in Kosicka Bela. Representatives of national organisation from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Estonia and Hungary exchanged experiences and discussed new findings in regards to Natura 2000 and the rural economy. The economic crisis and steps to eliminate its impact on forestry were also addressed.

Forest owners, managers and experts from public and state institutions gathered together on 9 – 10 March 2010, in Kosicka Bela, Slovakia. The highest level participants including Mr. Ladislav Miko from the Commission Directorate-General of Environment, respective ministries also joined the meeting.

Heated discussion revolved around Natura2000 implementation in these countries and the overambitious and one-sided area designation of forests, which may cause serious economic and management problems for forest owners. Participants declared the need for a review of those sites. Rural development is often problematic due to overcomplicated national level administration, hindering successful payments and use of the available funds. The renewable energy was brought up as the only way to rescue forest owners to overcome the economic crises.

In addition, particispants discussed the economic crisis and steps to eliminate its impact on forestry. Opportunities deriving from rural development programme were also addressed during the meeting.

This 2nd conference on non-state forestry was organised by the Gemer Region Forest Owners Association. The meeting was attended by representatives from national forest owner associations from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Estonia and Hungary. The conference enjoyed high attention in Slovakia and in surrounding countries and concluded with passing of a declaration.

Please read more at the Declaration >>>