László Gajdos: Next year, 25 percent less wood may be harvested from state forests

Hungarian Minister Gajdos László announced significant changes in forest management, aiming for a 25% reduction in timber extraction from state forests next year. The government plans to transform state forestry companies from profit-oriented to non-profit entities, seeking new leadership to implement this vision. Despite 42% of Hungarian forests being protected, 90% are still logged for economic purposes. The ministry aims to eliminate logging in all protected areas and increase the proportion of forests without logging. Gajdos also addressed the controversial biomass power plants, advocating for a gradual reduction in wood supply to these facilities. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to environmental protection and energy production, aiming to increase forested areas and reduce timber exports.