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Short Abstract

Climate-smart forestry is mandatory to improve greenhouse gas storage capacity. Part of the Romanian forests are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This study will investigate the role of citizen science in promoting sustainable forest management.

Abstract

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of climate change, preserving biodiversity, and providing essential ecosystem services. The economic and social development relies on the sustainable management of resources, especially wood. Within the EU, forests cover about 4% of the world's forested land and retain 7% of all greenhouse gas emissions annually. Their contribution to achieving climate neutrality makes climate-smart forest management essential for boosting their capacity to store greenhouse gases.

In Romania, forests cover approximately 29.3% of the country's surface area. The rich diversity of these forests has led to several Romanian forest areas being designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite slight increases in Romania's forested land in recent years, deforestation remains a persistent concern.

This study will explore how citizen science can contribute to sustainable forest management, complementing the actions of relevant actors and cooperating with them to identify, develop, and utilize the most suitable tools for monitoring the exploitation and transportation of wood material.

Preliminary findings from the Brasov case study highlight several critical needs: greater local accountability, proper enforcement of legislation, optimized wood measurement and transportation, and support for forest owners (including compensation and financial aid for various obligations). Participants also called for improved techniques for forest management and better communication among various stakeholder categories, including expanded academic collaboration.

Therefore, active citizen participation in forest monitoring and environmental compliance can significantly contribute to the transition towards forest sustainability, enhancing public awareness about forests, fostering informed actions, and thus enabling transformative change.