SMOLYAN – A distinctive model of forest management through cooperatives in the Rhodope Mountains of Southern Bulgaria will be featured in a European study on small forest holdings. This was announced by Yanko Karamitev, chairman of the National Association of Private Forest Owners “Forest Owner” in Chepelare. The association is the sole Bulgarian participant benefiting from the EU-funded SMURF – Forest Owners’ Project, under the “Horizon Europe” program.
While forms of cooperation among forest holdings exist in Europe, the Rhodopes’ forest owner cooperatives uniquely manage forests under joint ownership, Karamitev explained. He noted that these cooperatives have proven to be a successful business model in the Chepelare and Smolyan regions, suggesting they could serve as a sustainable forest management alternative in other European countries. This aligns with SMURF’s objective of promoting the consolidation of small holdings in forest management, as stated by association representatives in Chepelare.
The fragmentation of forest properties was recognized as a widespread issue in Europe during the project’s inaugural conference, held from May 20 to 22 in Rome, Karamitev pointed out.
The “Forest Owner” association is surveying 15 small forest holdings in the Rhodopes, Stara Planina, and Troyan Balkan. The findings will contribute to a comprehensive European study on small forest holdings. In line with SMURF project requirements, a diverse range of holdings has been examined, considering tree species diversity, managed areas, and ownership types. Respondents’ main inquiries involve the issues and challenges faced in managing their holdings.
Many respondents believe that forest owners cannot depend solely on income from timber, Karamitev stated. He noted a growing perception that forest ownership is among the least favorable forms of ownership in Bulgaria. In recent years, there have been increasing restrictions on forest holdings, societal demands on forests have risen, yet owners lack incentives and benefits, according to the chairman of the “Forest Owner” association. Amid the ongoing fragmentation of forest properties—both in Bulgaria and across Europe—Karamitev emphasized the benefits of cooperative forest management. The experiences of the Rhodope forest owner cooperatives will be featured in both the European study and in video presentations highlighting the “Forest Owner” association’s activities for SMURF project partners.
As a partner in SMURF, the “Forest Owner” association is part of the European Laurus network for private forest owners. Forest owners from Chepelare are already engaging in online discussions and training with 35 associations from more than 15 countries. The National Association’s involvement aims to facilitate experience-sharing with forest owners and their associations across Europe, noted Yanko Karamitev. (September 18)
Leave a Reply