A national-level professional conference for forest owners and forest managers in Csíkszereda

For the fourth time, the Conference of Forest Managers and Forest Owners was organized on Friday, March 27. Nearly four hundred participants attended the professional panel discussions at the Erőss Zsolt Arena in Csíkszereda.

Attila Korodi, mayor of Csíkszereda, emphasized in his speech that the unconventional venue carries symbolic meaning, as Zsolt Erőss’s life was closely connected to the mountains, to the living environment in which we all reside. He added that the conference can serve as an important platform contributing significantly to the preparation of decisions.

Árpád Cilip, head of the Development Center, stated that they trust participants will be able to use the knowledge gained and the connections established at the conference throughout the year in their work.

Előd Melles, executive president of the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland, said that the role of forests is gaining importance on a global scale, representing at once a natural value, an economic resource, and one of the most important expressions of responsibility toward future generations.

Levente Porzsolt, president of the association, emphasized the need for joint thinking through professional dialogue, such as the conference held on Friday. In his speech, he recalled that while the professional conference started four years ago with 150 participants, it has now gained national recognition, with nearly 400 participants attending the event.

On behalf of the Romanian Association of Wood Processors, President Ciprian-Dumitru Muscă welcomed the participants, highlighting the role of active local communities that can develop by building on existing resources. In his speech, he also addressed future funding opportunities for the forestry sector.

Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that in times of crisis every decision carries greater weight, and we cannot afford delays. As he stated, forests are one of Harghita County’s most important strategic reserves – part of our economic, energy, and community security.

– We do not need more money, but better, more responsible decisions. The foundation of sustainable management is trust, transparency, and dialogue. Only together can we ensure that forests create value today and for future generations as well – he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos stated that forests are both a resource and a natural treasure that must be protected. Previous generations managed them by maintaining a balance between use and protection, and this remains crucial today. At the same time, he emphasized that amid rapid social and environmental changes, adaptation alone is not enough. As he said, forestry professionals, forest managers, and owners must explain, educate, build bridges between society and on-the-ground realities, and guide necessary changes.

From state institutions, George Gârbacea, chief inspector of the National Forest Guard, Gabriel-Simion Oltean, ministerial advisor at the Ministry of Environment, and Jean Vișan, the newly appointed general director of Romsilva, were also present.

The conference was structured around several thematic blocks, ranging from legal and ownership issues to economic and policy challenges, as well as sustainable forest management and addressing the impacts of climate change. Panel discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of local communities, changes in the regulatory environment, and the strategic importance of forests for the economy and energy supply.

The aim of the conference was once again to create dialogue among forest owners, professionals, and decision-makers, fostering joint thinking and the development of sustainable solutions. According to the organizers, such meetings play a key role in ensuring that professional experience and on-the-ground realities are reflected in decision-making.

The clear message of the event was that the future of forest management can only be built on cooperation, transparency, and responsible decision-making.

The event was initiated by the Harghita County Council and Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Barna Tánczos, organized by the Development Center and the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland (APAPET), in strategic partnership with the Romanian Association of Forest Managers (ASFOR) and the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations.

The conference is open to visitors until 5 PM. The detailed program can be viewed HERE.

Csíkszereda, March 27, 2026.