On 13 March, Living Lab East hosted a workshop with small forest owners in Brașov, Romania, as part of the Small4Good project. The event took place at the headquarters of Transilvania University of Brașov and brought together forest owners, policymakers, forest managers, and researchers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small-scale forest ownership in Romania.
The workshop was organised by Small4Good partners Transilvania University of Brașov, the National Forest Administration (Romsilva), the Association of Forest Owners in Romania (APPR), and Forest Design.
Key discussions focused on payments for ecosystem services, compensation mechanisms for forest management restrictions, and the distinction between compensatory payments and state aid. Participants also explored the future of small forest ownership in Romania, identifying current challenges, potential solutions, and emerging business opportunities.
The event welcomed representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, forest administrators, a former director of Retezat National Park, and numerous forest owners. Many participants manage forests located within national and natural parks, where strict conservation measures impose significant limitations on forest use and management activities.
The workshop began with an introduction to the Small4Good project and its objectives. This was followed by open discussions that provided forest owners with an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and expectations regarding future support mechanisms.
As part of the interactive session, participants anonymously submitted their views on the types of subsidies and compensation schemes they would like to see implemented, as well as business opportunities that could help strengthen the economic viability of small forest holdings.
The workshop provided valuable insights into the needs and priorities of small forest owners and will contribute to the development of practical solutions and policy recommendations within the Small4Good project.