A comprehensive review of forest policy research in 19 former socialist countries has been published, filling a long-standing gap in scholarship. The study analyzed 285 articles from international peer-reviewed journals published between 1990 and 2024, revealing significant trends and insights.

The findings highlight a rapid growth in publications, improved gender balance among authors, and an increase in research contributions from domestic scholars, which have outpaced foreign authors since 2015. Notably, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia lead in publication output, while countries like Montenegro, Moldova, and Albania lag behind.

Key themes identified include “state forestry” (42% of studies) and “private forestry” (30%), with research reflecting the enduring influence of socialist-era policies. Challenges such as strong regulatory frameworks, limited decision-making space for private owners, and the dominance of state actors persist.

Future research priorities include exploring forest restitution, governance reforms, corruption, and the integration of EU forest policies. The study provides a crucial foundation for understanding forest policy in this unique geopolitical context.

Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934124002521?dgcid=author