Kielce selected for pilot social forest program

Kielce and four surrounding municipalities have been selected for a pilot program to establish “social forests.” This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in April 2024, aims to create “green rings” around major cities to serve as areas for nature protection and resident recreation.

Unlike traditional economic forests, social forests will not be subject to commercial logging. While they will remain under the management of the State Forests, their primary function will be ecological and protective, addressing challenges related to climate change and water management. The concept was developed through a collaborative process involving local governments, NGOs, foresters, and scientists to reach a compromise on land use.