Navigating the complexities of forest management policies in the Czech Republic : the role of LULUCF regulation in mitigating climate change

Abstract

European policies aim to drastically decrease carbon emissions in the following decades to minimise the devastating effects of climate change. The forestry sector has a considerable role, as the contribution of forests to mitigate carbon emissions can be substantial to achieve the aimed targets. Research suggests that forestry management policies must be more cohesive, and their goals must align.

This research focuses on Land use, land use change and forestry regulation and its translation into the forestry context of the Czech Republic using the concepts of fit, interplay and scale in social-ecological systems. Due to the bark beetle calamity, the Czech Republic faces a dilemma, whether to increase the carbon sinks by planting unstable spruce monocultures and complying with the Land use, land use change and forestry regulation or whether to grow mixed forests and create more resilient forests for the future.

This research used policy network mapping, content analysis and interviews with relevant actors. The findings suggest that there has been a shift in forest management practices, but it is not attributable to the Regulation that was analysed. The Czech actors criticised this Regulation, which may influence the willingness to comply with future regulations. This research contributes to understanding the complex relationships in social-ecological systems and the interplay between European Union and the Czech Republic.