The area of forests in Poland is as much as 9.2 million ha (source). Therefore, Poland conducts a multifunctional and sustainable forest management. What are the activities in this area? What benefits can a skilful planning of forest management bring? Here is some information worth knowing!
A few words about statistics on forest areas in Poland
After the end of the war, forest areas covered 1/5 of the country’s area. It is worth knowing that since then the forest cover of the country has increased by almost half. According to the data of the Central Statistical Office from December 2021, it is currently at the level of 29.6%, and the number of forest areas is constantly increasing (source).
Activities in the field of forest use are regulated by forest management. The most important document defining its principles is the Forest Act and its articles from 7 to 14b. Pursuant to the aforementioned act, forest management is conducted according to four key pillars:
• sustainability of forest maintenance;
• universal protection of forest areas;
• expanding forest resources;
• continuity and sustainable use of forest functions.
Forestry is currently one of the largest branches of the Polish economy. Why is it worth taking actions aimed at balancing it and what does this type of work consist of?
What is sustainable forest management?
Many sources contain definitions defining the essence of sustainable forest management. The basis, however, is the understanding that it is the ability to meet human needs, while protecting the forest ecosystem. Sustainable forest management is based on three basic principles. Belong to them:
- Preservation of biodiversity
Caring for organisms living in the forest means taking care of e.g. about their place of residence. That is why hollow trees or fragments of old stands should be left untouched in forests. Bedding and soil should not be disturbed. The forest should be distinguished by landscape diversity typical of natural terrain – it should consist of wetlands, clearings, young trees, trees of various sizes and ages. It is also important to designate protection areas where logging or forest tourism is prohibited. - Taking care of forest resources
What does that mean exactly? First of all, that despite the felling of trees, the area of forests should not be reduced. The acquisition of wood material should be balanced with work aimed at afforestation of designated areas, which allows for forest regeneration and increasing its resources. Forest resources also mean the number of animals that should be controlled and have appropriate conditions for living in the occupied area. - Taking care of society
This aspect raises issues related to the care for the safety, health and rights of forest service employees – e.g. in terms of ensuring controlled transport of wood, which should affect the properties of the forest floor as little as possible. It also includes all activities influencing the development of forest tourism and tries to take into account the needs of other groups using forest space – e.g. hunters. Out of concern for the needs of people associated in hunting clubs, a project to build hunting quarters was created. These will be energy-saving mobile hunting bases, which will not only facilitate preparation for hunting, but will also provide facilities necessary for thematic tourism.
Forests are places without which it would be difficult to imagine the functioning of our planet, and thus – for example, the fight against global warming. Skilfully conducted forest management is therefore essential for the development of sustainable ecosystems and the support of biodiversity.
