Poznań is paving the way for a greener future with the launch of consultations about the establishment of Social Forests around the city. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance urban green spaces for future generations, balancing ecological preservation with social needs. For the next two months, local government officials, foresters, and researchers will engage in discussions to decide the best locations for these new forests. As Wiesław Krzewina, Director of the State Forests in Poznań, put it, “This is where the green future begins.”
What Are Social Forests?
The concept of Social Forests represents a shift in how urban forests are managed. Unlike traditional forests, where economic activities like timber harvesting are often a priority, Social Forests are designed primarily for public use and ecological sustainability. According to Krzewina,
In these forests, economic functions such as timber harvesting will be of lesser importance. The main goal is to make these forests accessible to the public for organised recreation, tourism, and everyday needs.
The idea is to create forests that serve multiple purposes beyond economic exploitation. These forests will be spaces for leisure and recreation, contributing to the well-being of local residents and fostering a deeper connection with nature. This change in focus reflects a growing recognition of the importance of green spaces in urban settings, not only for their environmental benefits but also for their social and health impacts.
The Consultation Process
The consultation process, which involves 52 participants from various sectors, will focus on three key forest districts: Łopuchówko, Konstantynowo, and Babki. The aim is to identify areas that can be excluded from logging and timber trading, and instead, be designated for recreational and conservation purposes. These discussions are not just about deciding where to establish these forests but also about setting new management principles that prioritise the long-term health and accessibility of these green spaces.
After the consultations, recommendations regarding the location and management of the Social Forests will be submitted to the Ministry of Climate and Environment. This is a crucial step in formalising the status of these areas and ensuring that they are managed in a way that aligns with the project’s goals.

A Nationwide Initiative
Poznań is just the starting point for this broader initiative. The Social Forests project is currently being implemented around nine urban agglomerations in Poland, with plans to expand further. The Ministry of Climate and Environment has already proposed 14 locations for these forests, including areas around major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wrocław. The goal is to designate these areas by the end of October, with ongoing consultations involving local communities, representatives of the State Forests, the timber industry, and non-governmental organisations.
These consultations are expected to shape the future of urban forestry in Poland. The Ministry has made it clear that Social Forests are not just about creating urban parks or nature reserves; they are about finding a balanced approach to forest management that considers both social needs and ecological sustainability.
The Future of Urban Forestry
The introduction of Social Forests marks a significant step forward in Poland’s approach to urban forestry. This initiative is not about making radical changes overnight; instead, it represents a gradual shift towards more sustainable and inclusive forest management practices. As Agata Sobczyk, the Voivode of Greater Poland, noted,
We have a common goal, which is to take the best possible care of green areas, not only from the perspective of tomorrow but truly from the perspective of future generations.
The guidelines for managing these forests emphasise their durability, visitor safety, and landscape preservation. Importantly, these areas will not be reduced to suburban parks or off-limits reserves. Instead, they will remain working forests, but with a more nuanced approach to management that minimises clear-cutting and prioritises natural regeneration and diverse ecosystems.
Balancing Multiple Interests
The creation of Social Forests also involves balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including local communities, environmental groups, and the forestry industry. While some in the timber industry have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of reducing logging activities, others see this as an opportunity to develop new, more sustainable forest management practices.
The discussions that have begun in Poznań are a crucial part of this process. They represent a collaborative effort to find common ground between different interests and to develop a shared vision for the future of these forests. The involvement of local communities is particularly important, as it ensures that the needs and preferences of those who will use and care for these forests are taken into account.

Moving Forward
The move towards Social Forests in Poznań and beyond is an exciting development in urban planning and environmental management. It reflects a broader trend towards recognising the value of green spaces in urban areas, not just for their environmental benefits but also for their social and economic contributions. As the consultations continue and the plans are finalised, Poznań is set to become a model for other cities looking to enhance their urban green spaces and create a more sustainable, inclusive future.
With the first consultations underway, Poznań is taking a leading role in shaping a greener future. As Krzewina stated, “This is where the green future begins,” and indeed, with the introduction of Social Forests, the city is setting a new standard for urban forestry in Poland and beyond.