How can science solve forest management problems in urban forests? A case study of Bratislava Forest District

Abstract

Forestry is a field where scientific knowledge is needed to address diverse demands that the society positions towards forests. Forest management in urban forests is subject to public attention because of the growing pressure for recreation. Ecosystem provision requires the involvement of various stakeholders to ensure the acceptance of decisions. Finding a balance between forest management for timber production and other ecosystem services provision is challenging and requires scientists’ involvement.This article uses the RIU Model to analyse the process of science-policy transfer in formulating the agreement between the State Forest Enterprise and the City of Bratislava on forest management restrictions in urban forests. The results show that scientific knowledge served as a baseline for negotiations between the State Forest Enterprise and local government. The final agreement on strengthening recreation, forest management restrictions and consequent compensations was reached after concessions on both sides, although the final compensation amount was a politicsdriven process only partly based on experts´ scientific recommendations.