UNION of Regional Associations of Non-state Forest Owners of Slovakia

Organisation: Union of Regional Associations of Non-state Forest Owners of Slovakia
Contact: privlesy@gmail.com

Profile Overview:
We are a representative professional organisation founded in 1996, bringing together 13 autonomous regional associations. We represent 760,000 hectares of forest, over 1 million land owners, and 10,000 small/micro-businesses (urbars) in Slovakia, generating a direct economic value of €500 million. Through our active membership in the Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF), focusing on policy-making and implementation, and PEFC Slovakia, we promote sustainable forest stewardship, enhance biodiversity, and manage extensive NATURA 2000 habitats.

Our institutional project framework is anchored in driving international cooperation, advocating for evidence-based land policies, and delivering cross-border knowledge transfer, training, and advisory services directly to forest and land managers. As an umbrella organisation, we are a partner in a major national project focused on participatory policy-making. Furthermore, as a partner in the Horizon Europe SystR project (Systemic Climate Adaptation), we participate in rural pilot initiatives deploying nature-based solutions, integrated water-forest management models, and community empowerment frameworks to scale climate resilience across Central and Eastern Europe.

Collaboration Intent:
We are seeking international consortia as a project partner for the Horizon Europe NATURE & Bridging Calls (2026-2027). We offer direct access to vast private land networks, regional forestry data, and policy-to-practice expertise.

Target Topics:

• Sustainable forest management & climate resilience in CEE

• Circular bioeconomy value chains

• Landowner-led ecosystem services models (carbon credits, biodiversity, diversification of activities)

• Knowledge transfer & training for land managers

• Participatory approach to policy-making and implementation