The Romanian forestry sector: privatisation facts

Major changes in the ownership and administration of forests in Romania have taken place since 1991. As well as restitution of properties nationalised in 1948, substantial privatisation of state forests has been undertaken and subsequently major policy and institutional changes are transforming forest ownership. This process of change has added pressure to forest resources which, although now facing new opportunities, also face increased threat to their continuation. This paper identifies the main changes to forest administration and ownership and the accompanying issues. It presents both the constraints which need to be worked around alongside the developmental priorities for the forestry sector in Romania, this highlighting the importance of intensification and diversification in development strategies in order to continue to sustainably manage forest resources irrespective of new ownership structures.