analysis of forest utilization

policies in romania
Andreea-Iustin-Marius-Mihai

key policy milestones

18th century: first concerns regarding harvesting regulations and guarding of the forest.

1910: the first Forestry Act, based on French concepts.

1948-1989:

100% state owned forest under communist regime.

intensive usage of forest- paying the price of war debts.

German vs. Sovietic thinking

1989: Revolution and change of political system

1990- present: The long process of democratization

New objectives of Forest Policy.

3 changes of the Forest Act and Forest Restitution Laws (1991 / 2000 / 2005)

2015: New Forest Act

key policy issues

1.

Administration of forests
ownership
overregulated system and lack of work-productivity
lack of linkage between law formulation and law enforcement
very complicated regulatory guidelines

2. Utilization of forests and forest resources

challenge: economic efficiency vs. nature conservation

accessibility of the forest
correct exploitation of forest resources

Policy development process

Policy development process

main actors:

complains

own wealthiness
peace of mind

Society

State
NGOs

pressure

lobby and money power

Companies
State agency
Romsilva

nature conservation
sustainable development

ensure long-term
profitability

corruption

constant (higher) income

Policy outcomes and impacts

Current situation:

Economic performance:
2 % of GDP
10 % of all exports

National forest stock: 1400 mil m3

Annual possibility: 22 mil m3
Annual harvest: 9,5 mil m3

State Forestry Agency (ROMSILVA):

280 mil euro, 77% wood products
11 mil euro non-wood products, services
-

- ? llegal harvesting

? loss of profit due to illegal business

IMPACT:
Implementation of wood
tracking system
SUMAL

SUMAL - wood tracking system

SUMAL - wood tracking system

Policy alternatives
1. Quantitative approach :
Profit oriented forest policy alternative
more forest, more incomes
intensive forestry
higher share of GDP and exports
labour and time-efficiency

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2. Qualitative approach:
Alternative meeting society demands
improving quality of stands
environmental and recreational services
development of ecotourism

policy actions
1.Administration of forests

encourage small forest owners to associate

reorganisation of the State Agency
better enforcement and control in the forest sector
implement of simple guidelines

2. Utilization of forests and forest products

create better infrastructure and improve mechanisation

create an integrated economically-based system for the State Agency
define commercial and protection forests
develop environmental services compensation

Policy recommendation and long-term view

-

create a forest strategy shaped after the reality

involve more experts

assure implementation of new alternatives

more anti-corruption actions

encourage a national market

Thank you for your attention!