Forest management certification in Romania: Motivations and perceptions

Author(s): Halalisan, A.F. Abrudan, I. V. Popa, B.
Publication Year: 2018
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source: Forests (9, 425)
Code:
Access to the Study:
Permanent Resource Identifier: Open link
FSC Resource Identifier: Open link
Collections: FSC Research Portal
Abstract

Forestland privatization and transition to a market economy triggered important changes in the Romanian forest sector, imposing challenges for forest management structures. Voluntary forest management certification has been considered a possible solution; therefore, the certified forest area has increased rapidly regardless of the land owner. The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the certification process. It presents the result of a survey applied to 417 forest management structures in Romania, which was intended to identify the perception of their managers regarding the reasons to adopt certification, the changes determined by the certification, the problems during the process, and the benefits. The study reveals the difference in perception among different types of forest management structures. Non-state management structures voluntarily adopted FSC certification, mainly aiming to obtain economic advantages. Most of the respondents indicated important changes in the consultation with stakeholders including local communities, transparency and clear records, the use of chemicals, and biodiversity protection. Although the FSC certification was not perceived as solving issues like illegal logging, there is a general perception that it improved forest management. The study concludes that the FSC certification proves the willingness of the Romanian forest management sector to cope with the market and trends and clarify its position in society.

Summary
Description
Citation
Halalisan, A.F., Abrudan, I.V. and Popa, B., 2018. Forest management certification in Romania: motivations and perceptions. Forests, 9(7), p.425.
Access Rights: Public, Open access
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Relevance for FSC Standard Developers:
Sustainability dimension(s): Economic Environmental Social
Topics: (not yet curated)
Subtopics: (not yet curated)
Subject Keywords: Forests Certification
Regions: Europe
Countries: Romania
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Tenure Management: (not yet curated)
Evidence Category: FSC effect-related studies
Evidence Type: Comparative study with matched control
Evidence Subtype: Data collected post-intervention
Data Type: Interviews/surveys