As a result of the restitution or privatisation process in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) since 1990, forest ownership patterns have considerably changed. The increased number of private forest owners represents a major challenge for the State Forestry Services (SFS) especially when forest owners are not organised and the institutional framework is still not completely adapted to the new requirements. In some cases this might result in loss of opportunities for social and economic development and to unsustainable forest management. The new ownership structure will require existing and new forestry services to be oriented considerably more towards private owners to better respond to the needs of the forestry sector and to ensure its development.

URL of this page: www.fao.org/forestry/site/12508/en