Abstract

The paper presents results from regional surveys and case studies conducted in five countries of South East Europe (SEE). The main aim of the study was to identify the most pronounced forest-related conflicts in the region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia) at the policy and management levels and in terms of their type, dimensions as well as actors and their attitudes. A semi-structured mail questionnaire with multiple-choice, ranking and a few open-ended questions was used to collect data on the policy level, while the data needed at the management level were obtained from face-to-face interviews in the chosen case study area. The results revealed forestry-related conflicts with significant differences between countries. The most common conflicts were: forestry vs. nature protection, forestry vs. wood processing industry, forestry vs. grazing and overgrazing, forestry vs. building and construction and forestry vs. water management. Nature and National parks were chosen as case study areas. In most cases, conflicts appeared between public forestry and environmental sectors. They were manifested in a wide range of actions, from silent conflicts far away from the public, over disputes, arguments and discussions at various meetings and public forums up to intensive lobbying and exerting political influence.

Key words: South East Europe region, conflict, forestry, case study, forestry policy.