The National Conference of Foresters and Forest Owners has grown to national significance and will be held for the fourth time on March 27, 2026, at the Erőss Zsolt Arena in Miercurea Ciuc.
The event is organized by Hargita County Council in partnership with Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Tánczos Barna, the Development Center, and the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyföld (APAPET), in strategic cooperation with the Székely Economic Associations and the Romanian Foresters Association (ASFOR).
The collaboration aims to provide forest owners, managers, and related sector stakeholders with a professionally grounded and institutionally stable forum capable of offering meaningful solutions to structural challenges facing the forestry sector.
Key focus: reframing the strategic role of forests
The conference will explore the strategic role of forests in the context of climate change, evolving European regulations, and rapidly shifting market conditions. Key topics include:
- Adaptive forest management models
- Stability and resilience of forest stands
- Increasing biotic and abiotic stress factors
- Energy security and resilience of rural communities
- Legal and ownership frameworks
The full economic value chain of forests and timber will be analyzed—from raw material production to processed, high-value-added products—within a European context.
Statements from key organizers
Bíró Barna-Botond, President of Hargita County Council:
“Forests are a community asset and shared responsibility, a natural resource that is strategic for the community. Responsible management, reinforced by expertise, dialogue, and cooperation, is essential. I am confident that this year’s event will attract strong interest once again.”
Deputy Prime Minister Tánczos Barna:
“During my two-and-a-half years at the Ministry of Environment, we demonstrated that Székelyföld is a national reference for sustainable forestry, community forest management, and the preparedness and competence of our professionals. This is why the forestry conference has gained national significance, attracting hundreds of forest owners, managers, and engineers every year.”
Cilip Árpád, Director of the Development Center:
“We organize this conference for the fourth time because forest owners and communities need a dedicated space for networking and learning. Our expert speakers deliver presentations to hundreds of participants, which defines the event’s high standard. Forest owners are key economic players, making it essential to continue this stable professional platform for a sustainable future.”
Becze István, President of the Székely Economic Associations:
“We participate as co-organizers because we believe partnership-based cooperation and professional dialogue are essential to address challenges faced by forest owners and managers. This event also provides participants with new knowledge, strengthened professional networks, and practical experience for everyday work.”
Porzsolt Levente, President of APAPET:
“Communication is vital in today’s world to highlight the problems and difficulties faced by forest owners and managers. These conferences allow academic and professional organizations to provide clear insight into these issues and present solutions to decision-makers. We invite participants to register and join us.”
Ciprian-Dumitru Muscă, Leader of ASFOR:
“Forests are not only strategic resources in combating climate change, but they also form the basis of a European value chain that must remain competitive through intelligent regulation. Respect for ownership and responsible management are pillars for building a sustainable bioeconomy that protects nature without compromising the future of communities that depend on forests for their livelihood.”
The organizers aim to foster a balanced, professional dialogue on the challenges facing forestry and to support sustainable, long-term solutions. Forest management is a responsibility that spans generations, requiring ecological stability, legal security, and economic viability.
Registration and Program
Participants can register online in advance and view panel discussion topics here:
https://forms.gle/iJuEnBJcHe2ovuXV6
