Authors: Křenová, Zdenka;

The most valuable European forests are organized within Natura 2000, a unique EU-wide network of protected areas, which aims to maintain European biodiversity. In time of climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disturbances, forest managers, conservationists, police makers together with involved NGOs and citizens are discussing and negotiating the most appropriate management for the Natura 2000 forests. Nevertheless, improvement of forest management is long-lasting and politically sensitive processes because of the multifunctional role of forests, private ownership (only 40 % of EU forests are state owned) and ingrained habits of traditional forestry. One would expect that at least in protected areas, where old growth and natural forests are protected, the situation is better. However, there are numerous examples showing that even there, site managers, state authorities and politicians are not always ready to consider the unforeseen events related to climate change. Scientific recommendations are insufficiently accepted in practice and managerial decision-making is often based on personal knowledge, previous experience, or political influence. Clear management guidelines at European and national levels are lacking in many protected areas. Key procedures needed to improve the situation are going to be proposed during the ECCB2022 Symposium.