Industry organizations and companies in Poland’s wood sector, united under the Coalition for Polish Wood, are protesting the Ministry of Climate and Environment’s plan to exclude 20% of Poland’s forests from economic use. According to the coalition, this decision poses a serious threat to forest sustainability and could have devastating consequences for Poland’s furniture industry. It is estimated that up to 70,000 people could lose their jobs, with losses to the state budget reaching PLN 4.5 billion.
Poland’s Expanding Forest Coverage
While global forest areas are shrinking, Poland’s forested land has been steadily increasing. Over the past eight years, Poland has added 269,300 hectares of forest, according to the “What’s Happening with Forests?” report by B+R Studio in collaboration with scientists from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). Currently, forests cover 30% of the country (over 9.5 million hectares), and this is projected to increase to 33% by 2050 under the National Forest Expansion Program. Nearly 77% of these forests fall under the management of the State Forests. The report highlights that over 7 million hectares managed by the State Forests are subject to various overlapping forms of protection, depending on their ecological and social value. Experts argue that the growing forest area and increasing wood resources indicate the practice of sustainable forest management.
Industry Concerns Over Proposed Restrictions
“The Ministry of Climate and Environment’s proposal to exclude 20% of forest areas from economic use and place them under protection has met with strong opposition. No strategy for implementing this over time has been prepared, and the social and economic impacts have not been studied,” said Jędrzej Kasprzak, President of the Association of Wood-Based Panel Manufacturers in Poland, in an interview with Newseria.
The Coalition for Polish Wood emphasizes that the proposed decisions lack proper analysis and consideration of long-term consequences.
“This promise to exclude 20% of forest areas originated as a pre-election commitment and must be reassessed. The entire government should be involved in this reassessment to understand its economic and social consequences. Decisions of this magnitude, affecting such a significant portion of our country, should not rest solely with one ministry,” said Kasprzak. “The ministry did not fairly consult its proposals, and the economic interests were not adequately considered. At the Second National Forest Conference, the wood industry was sparsely represented, and economic aspects were not discussed at all.”
Impact on the Wood Industry
Poland’s forest and wood sector encompasses over 74,600 companies employing 439,000 people. The sector’s output is valued at PLN 210.8 billion, contributing 6.8% to the national GDP. Industry representatives warn that the ministry’s proposed ban on sustainable forest management in 20% of Polish forests could have severe economic repercussions.
“Locally, this will be very challenging as many companies will lose access to raw materials. On a national scale, the costs will also be significant. We estimate that up to 70,000 people could lose their jobs. This year alone, the State Forests put 2 million cubic meters less timber on the market, which means the wood sector will lose approximately PLN 14 billion in revenue. Further reductions in timber supply will result in additional billions in losses,” Kasprzak noted.
The coalition estimates that losses to the state budget in the form of CIT, PIT, and social security contributions will reach PLN 4.5 billion. Investment spending could drop by PLN 7.8 billion, and the national GDP may shrink by approximately 0.3% (PLN 8.75 billion). Additionally, Poland’s trade balance could deteriorate by PLN 8.4 billion.
Rising Imports and the Threat to Poland’s Wood Leadership
“Demand for wood products is growing, and if we don’t produce furniture from Polish wood, imports will increase. Last year, we recorded over a 30% rise in furniture imports from China and a 40% increase from Vietnam compared to previous years,” said Kasprzak.
Poland is a European leader in the production and export of wooden flooring and ranks first in wooden window exports and third in production. However, reduced timber supply could undermine this position.
“We fear that there will not be enough wood for production, and reduced availability will drive up prices. This will hurt the competitiveness of Poland’s wood industry, leading to job losses and reduced budget revenues. The question is whether we can afford to bear such high costs now. No funds for compensation have been allocated to help companies transition if they can no longer operate due to a lack of raw materials,” Kasprzak emphasized.
Environmental Risks of the Proposal
The coalition also warns that excluding 20% of forests from management could have adverse environmental effects, contrary to its intent. It may increase imports from countries with less sustainable forestry practices. The report “What’s Happening with Forests?” points out that higher prices for wood products could lead consumers to opt for alternatives with a higher carbon footprint. Additionally, a lack of proper forest management could degrade forest stands, making them more vulnerable to diseases, pests, and extreme weather. Older forests also absorb carbon dioxide more slowly, potentially offsetting the balance of CO2 emissions and sequestration.
“If the exclusions proceed, Poland’s wood industry will lose competitiveness. Wood may be replaced by non-renewable materials with a much higher carbon footprint, or foreign wood industries will benefit instead,” Kasprzak predicted.
Coalition’s Demands
The Coalition for Polish Wood demands that the government justify the costs and funding sources for phasing out forest and wood sector activities. It also calls for government support to promote Polish wood products as ecological and carbon-reducing solutions.
“The most important demands of our industry are to maintain the current level of wood supply, enabling our companies to continue operating. Additionally, a National Forestry Policy should be developed as a foundation for determining the future of forests and the wood industry in Poland. A strategy for forest management exclusions should also be created, considering economic, social, and environmental interests. This strategy should precede any actions,” Kasprzak outlined.
Public Opinion and the Need for Balanced Forest Protection
Studies by B+R Studio and PBS in November 2024 revealed that nine out of ten Poles consider forest protection essential. A slightly lower percentage believes that responsible forest management positively impacts forest health. At the same time, 80% support a model that balances social, ecological, and industrial functions.
“Forest protection must be strengthened. Areas of significant ecological value should be excluded from management, including urban-adjacent forests, where different management approaches can be applied. Determining the percentage of forests to be excluded requires thorough analysis involving scientists,” Kasprzak added.
Conclusion
As discussions continue, the coalition urges the government to take a balanced approach to forest management, ensuring that environmental goals align with economic sustainability and social well-being. Developing comprehensive policies and strategies will be essential to address the complex challenges facing Poland’s forests and wood industry.
