Identification and power relations of stakeholders in the private forest sector in Poland

This article analyses the private forest sector in Poland, which encompasses over 1.78 million ha (19.3% of the country's forest area) and belongs to approximately 1.7 million owners. The research aimed to identify key stakeholders, examine the dynamics of power relations, and recognise structural, legal, and social barriers to effective forest management. The research methodology combined a narrative literature review with empirical field studies utilising the snowball sampling technique to map informal actor networks, followed by a quantitative survey among 139 key stakeholders and a 100-point constant-sum allocation method to evaluate ecosystem service priorities. In the results, an asymmetry of priorities was diagnosed: public administration focuses on supervisory functions, while owners prioritise pest protection and forest tending. An association paradox was demonstrated – despite a high declarative readiness for cooperation (approx. 89%), the actual level of organisation within associations remains marginal. The main barriers include an outdated legal framework, a lack of systemic compensation for restrictions on property rights, and specialist knowledge deficits – awareness of Natura 2000 protection goals is exhibited by only about 40% of owners. A comparative perspective with Slovakia highlights the impact of contrasting post-socialist transition paths, demonstrating the potential benefits of statutory anti-fragmentation measures and updated land community legislation. The conclusions indicate the necessity of activating latent social capital through legal amendments, the simplification of administrative procedures (Simplified Forest Management Plans – UPUL), and the construction of dialogue platforms. Stakeholder integration is an essential condition for reconciling the production function with growing social expectations regarding ecosystem services.