As of 2022, forests cover approximately 22.7% of Hungary’s total land area, which is around 2.2 million hectares.1 Hungarian forests are classified into two broad categories: public forests and private forests. Public forests, owned by the state or local municipalities, make up 57% of the total forested area. Private forests account for 43%, and are owned by individuals, companies, or cooperative associations.2 The proportion of public and private ownership has significant implications for forest management, particularly in terms of conservation, resource use, and the enforcement of forest-related legislation. Public forests are generally managed with a focus on biodiversity conservation, recreational use, and ecosystem services, whereas private forests may emphasise timber production and economic benefits, although they are still subject to strict regulations.

The legal framework governing forests in Hungary is centred around the Forest Act (Act No. XXXVII of 2009 on Forests, Forest Protection, and Forest Management).3 This legislation outlines the general principles for forest protection, sustainable forest management, afforestation, and logging activities.4 The Act requires that all forest management practices adhere to the principles of sustainability, ensuring that the ecological functions of forests are preserved for future generations. This includes maintaining biodiversity, protecting soil and water resources, and balancing timber production with environmental protection. To increase forest cover, the Forest Act mandates afforestation in areas where it is ecologically feasible. Reforestation is required after any logging activity, ensuring the continuous regeneration of forest areas. The legislation sets out stringent guidelines to prevent illegal logging and overexploitation of forest resources. The act also includes provisions for protecting forests from pests, diseases, and forest fires. Although private owners have the right to use their forestland for economic purposes, they are subject to regulations regarding logging cycles, reforestation obligations, and biodiversity conservation. Forest management plans for private forests must be approved by government authorities. In addition to the Forest Act, Hungary is also a signatory to several international agreements, such as the Forest Europe process (Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe), which emphasises sustainable forest management across Europe. Hungary has incorporated these international standards into its national legislation, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable practices.5

Several institutions are involved in the administration, enforcement, and monitoring of forest management in Hungary.

Hungary faces several challenges in forest management, including illegal logging, forest fires, and the impact of climate change. Illegal logging, while not as rampant as in other parts of Europe, poses a threat to forest sustainability, particularly in private forests where monitoring is less stringent.10 The government has implemented stricter controls, including satellite monitoring and increased fines, to combat illegal activities.11 Climate change is another significant challenge, as rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have led to more frequent droughts, which increase the risk of forest fires and reduce forest productivity. The Hungarian government has prioritised climate adaptation in its forest management plans, focusing on planting drought-resistant tree species and improving forest fire prevention measures.

This scoping review highlights the complexity of forestry administration policies and the need for continued research and policy development. Internationally and within the EU, there is a clear necessity for harmonised approaches that balance environmental, economic, and social imperatives. The review reveals that while both international and EU policies provide robust frameworks for forestry administration, there are significant gaps in implementation. Global and regional efforts often struggle with enforcement and coherence, particularly in addressing the trade-offs between economic development and environmental protection. One of the key findings is the need for greater policy coherence and integration. Internationally, forestry policies must align with broader environmental and development goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (abbr. SDGs). In the EU, better integration between forestry and other sectoral policies, such as agriculture and energy, is essential for achieving sustainability objectives. Another critical aspect is the involvement of stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, and private sector actors. Their participation is crucial for the successful implementation of forestry policies, both at the international and EU levels. Greater financial and political investment is needed to support forest restoration, enhance forest resilience to climate change, and secure the ecosystem services forests provide. Future research should focus on improving policy coherence, stakeholder engagement, and the practical implementation of existing frameworks.

The case study presented in this analysis highlights that Hungary’s forest administration is characterised by a robust legal framework, with the Forest Act of 2009 serving as the foundation for sustainable forest management. The country’s institutional framework, comprising the Ministry of Agriculture, NÉBIH, and state forest companies, ensures that both public and private forests are managed in accordance with national and international standards. Hungary’s commitment to increasing forest cover and promoting sustainable forest management is evident in its afforestation programmes and its adherence to multi-purpose forest use principles. However, challenges such as illegal logging and climate change require continued attention and adaptation to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of Hungary’s forests.