WWF Hungary awards exemplary climate-friendly forest management practices

WWF Hungary announced the “Climate-Friendly Forest Manager Award” in the spring of 2025 within the framework of the CLIMAFORCEELIFE project, which is being implemented with the participation of the organization and supported by the LIFE program of the European Union. Forest managers and specialist managers who have an outstanding and exemplary professional practice in addressing climate adaptation challenges in an innovative way could apply for the award. The submitted applications were evaluated by an expert jury consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Association of Private Forest Owners and Managers, the National Forestry Association, and WWF Hungary.

“It is important to recognize that the approach of simplifying and transforming natural systems cannot be maintained any longer. In the face of deteriorating environmental conditions, our forests must be made as resilient as possible with all our means. The awarded applications prove as good examples that it is possible to manage in a modern way, responding to environmental challenges, by incorporating ecological and climate protection aspects. Systemic changes that place the main emphasis on the protection and preservation of forests are indispensable, thus ensuring their invaluable ecosystem services for society in the long term,”

– said Katalin Sipos, Director of WWF Hungary.

“The negative effects of climate change on forests worldwide, including in Europe and Hungary, are becoming increasingly evident. Numerous, often contradictory concepts have already been published regarding the treatment of the problems, both internationally and domestically. However, it is certain that there is no “miracle pill” that we could expect to provide a general, comprehensive solution that can be “deployed” everywhere. At the same time, it is also clear that both the pros and cons of forest management itself significantly influence the extent of future risks. A proactive approach, increasing the structural, species and genetic diversity of forests, together with the diversification of forest management, is a significant pledge of the future of our forests. We must act today for the forests of the future! The competition was announced in this spirit. The awarded projects clearly represent this approach,” added Dr. György Csóka, Head of the Forest Protection Department of the Institute of Forestry Sciences of the University of Sopron, on behalf of the jury.