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Public Perception of the Use of Woody Biomass for Energy Purposes in the Evaluation of Content and Information Management on the Internet
The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the public perception of the increase in forest biomass production, particularly in Poland, in the context of global and European Union (EU) climate and energy policy directions. Trends regarding the justification of biomass production in the EU and the world were also analyzed. The study compared the results of public sentiment surveys concerning the use of biomass in Poland as a member state of the European Union. The results are presented in tabular and graphical form. Data were obtained from analyses of social websites, study reports, and information social media in Poland. This study shows an increase in the negative perception of biomass use nationally and globally. It can be concluded that the increasing trend of forest biomass extraction resulted from the growing demand for green energy sources. Changes in European Union policy affected the popularization of biomass production worldwide as a result of growing energy demand. The use of renewable energy sources is necessary to reduce environmental degradation and secure society’s growing energy needs. It is necessary to increase the flow of information about the importance of forest biomass for the environmental aspects of society in order to gain acceptance of the EU’s promoted direction of stable renewable energy.
Energy Use of Woody Biomass in Poland: Its Resources and Harvesting Form
Currently, woodchips and logging residues form the greatest share of biomass fuels used to generate heat in combined heat and power plants. They are supplied from various regions of the EU. The calorific values of the wood species used as biomass may vary significantly depending on the moisture and composition of the fuel, harvest seasonality, location, and other factors. This article presents the main resources of forest biomass and its characteristic features, as well as the calorific value of woodchips depending on the moisture content. Our research is based on the source data of forest resources from the State Forests National Forest Holding (PGLLP) in Poland. The research conducted by the main forestry enterprise in Poland covered a period of four years. The data on the harvesting of woodchips and logging residues converted into the calorific values of biomass were based on our research and a review of reference publications. Standard methods were used in the research, which included an analysis of the species and assortment structure of the forest biomass of energetic significance that was available for use. The research showed that the moisture content of the woodchips and lump wood was about 30%. The average annual energy value of the wood in the total area of forest resources was 0.07 GJ/ha, whereas the highest value was 0.14 GJ/ha. Between 2018 and 2021, the average energy resources of forest biomass in Poland increased from 351.8 TJ to 498.4 TJ.
Determinants of social attitudes towards fees and restrictions on the use of the Wielkopolska National Park
The purpose of this paper was to present the results of research on the willingness of visitors to Wielkopolska National Park (WNP) to pay fees for using its resources and to assess their attitudes towards hypothetical restrictions on access to the park. The analysis was based on survey data from 2012 and 2025, obtained using the following techniques: Paper and Pencil Interviewing (PAPI) and online surveys based on the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique, administered via Internet platforms. A total of 860 valid questionnaires were examined, and a logit model and correspondence analysis were used for the investigation. The findings suggest that the propensity to pay fees is mostly contingent upon the extent of awareness of natural values, the inclination to engage in park maintenance, perspectives on environmental financing mechanisms, and affiliation with environmental organisations. In turn, demographic factors proved to be insignificant. The analysis of the expected compensation for access restrictions demonstrated the influence of age, gender, environmental views, and distance from the WNP. The research findings corroborate that respondents’ attitudes towards environmental financing are predominantly influenced by their environmental awareness and beliefs.
Modeling the Effects of Strict Protection of Forest Areas—Part of the Provisions of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030
The case study included approx. 0.5 million ha of forest areas in Poland that are managed by the Regional Directorate of State Forests. The objective was to assess the impact of four different scenarios restricting the size of forest areas available for commercial use. Based on different criteria, each scenario set aside 10% of the total land area for strict protection on forested land, which is in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The economic impact (volume of reduced wood raw material) was statistically estimated for each of the four scenarios. It was confirmed that the layout of forest habitats is essential for specific limitations in forest production. For the optimal implementation of the provisions of the strategy, a balance in the selection of social, economic, and natural elements must be considered. This protects primarily the most valuable natural habitats characterized by the highest level of biodiversity, age diversity, and dispersion within the studied forest unit. The presented results may support decision-making processes used to maximize biodiversity protection while minimizing the negative economic impact of this environmental protection.
Biomass Price Prediction Based on the Example of Poland
The aim of the study was to test the applicability of forecasting in the analysis of the variability of prices and supply of wood in Poland. It relies on the autoregressive integrated model (ARIMA) that takes into account the level of cyclic, seasonal, and irregular fluctuations and the long-term trend as tools for the assessment of the predictions of the prices of selected medium-sized wood assortments. Elements of the time series were determined taking into account the cyclical character of the quarterly distribution. The data included quarterly information about the supply (amount) and prices (value) of wood sold by state forests in the years 2018–2022. The analysis was conducted for the most popular assortments: logging slash (M2, M2ZE), firewood S4, and medium-sized wood S2AP. In the period studied (years 2018–2022), the average rate of price variation was widely scattered. The average rate of price variation for the M2ZE assortment amounted to 7%. The average rate for M2 assortment was 1%, while the medium-sized S2AP assortment displayed the greatest variation of 99%. This means that between 2018 and the present, the price increased by nearly 100%. No major fluctuations were observed for the S4 assortment and its average rate of variation amounted to 0%. The analysis found seasonal variation was observed only for S4 firewood, the price of which went up each year in October, November, and December. For this reason, the forecast was made with the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) version of the model. It is difficult to forecast the price of wood due to variations in the market and the impact of global factors related to fluctuations in supply.
Key interpersonal skills of a game warden as part an employee soft skills assessment from a commitment and performance perspective
Abstract The study presents an innovative, proprietary concept of identifying soft skills predisposing individuals to occupy a forestry position, along with the definition and discussion of key factors constituting the assessment criteria. The authors provide their individual perspective on the specific personality traits and attitudes relevant to the assessment of an employee's soft skills concerning their suitability for the given position. Six fundamental categories of skills and attitudes within the realm of soft skills for foresters were identified and proposed for evaluation. These categories included the following: Collaboration and information flow management: This category assessed the ability to effectively collaborate with other company employees and the sense of responsibility for achieving the team's goals. Special attention was paid to how information was communicated, facilitating planning, making changes and executing task effectively. Initiative and engagement: This category focused on the ability and willingness to seek and implement new solutions. It identified and proposed an assessment system for actions such as the forester's submission of new ideas and solutions to emerging problems, their engagement and identification with the company, their drive to improve existing work methods, and their adaptability to new tasks and working conditions resulting from changes. Shaping a positive company image: This category involved evaluating the attitude that leads to dignified and ethical representation of the company through appropriate appearance, behaviour and attitude. It encompassed aspects such as building strong relationships with customers, business partners and the company's environment, making agreements aligned with the company's interests and taking active steps to enhance the positive image of the forestry operation. Collaboration with external entities: This category analysed constructive actions defined as the interaction of the forestry district with external entities aimed at creating a favourable business climate for forestry operations. Independence and decision-making: In this category, competencies for independently managing the Forest District were discussed, without the need for direct supervision. The proposed assessment system considered the traits predisposing the forester to make quick and accurate decisions, anticipate their consequences, take personal responsibility for task execution and accept the consequences of their own or their team's work results. Developing subordinates: The final category analysed teamwork skills, with a particular focus on actions aimed at the systematic development of subordinates, recognising potential, and identifying areas for improvement and providing subordinates with opportunities to gain experience and enhance their qualifications and professional competencies. The assessment of the forester's soft skills in each category was based on a descriptive classification of their behaviour, which was assigned to five groups: unacceptable, below expectations, good, very good and outstanding. An illustrative description of employee behaviour facilitating their classification into one of these groups was developed for each evaluation category. The research results are presented in a Table 1, which shows the identified traits, the system for their identification (specified behaviours subject to assessment) and the assessment system. A rating system based on descriptive indicators was proposed to facilitate a homogeneous and repeatable employee assessment process, which is one of the fundamental elements of human resource management. In today's world, the concept of sustainable development is being replaced by efforts to sustain the system through its regeneration at the economic, social and sociological levels. Therefore, the presented concept of identifying and evaluating soft skills was compared with the principles of management in the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity (VUCA) environment.
Wood Biomass Resources in Poland Depending on Forest Structure and Industrial Processing of Wood Raw Material
(1) Wood is a widely available raw material on the market, which satisfies the industrial demand and which is used both as a source of biomass for the wood materials industry in a broad sense and for energy-supplying purposes. These areas prove the functional values and the possibilities of the directional use of low-quality wood products. One of the factors influencing the overall balance of the wood biomass is the form and quality of the wood material that cannot be further processed mechanically. This study was conducted to determine the influence of this material by presenting the dependence between the level of wood biomass resources and the conditions of wood acquisition and processing in Poland. (2) The basic directions of biomass acquisition were verified in correlation with the level of its acquisition from forest areas and with the form of by-products generated by sawmills. The research was based on the data from reference publications and analysis of the processing of raw wood in sawmills. The research was conducted on raw hardwood and softwood from coniferous and deciduous forests in Poland. (3) The research confirmed the influence of the processing method on the form and share of by-products. It also showed that the form of the wood biomass obtained was influenced by the region of Poland. (4) The research showed that the regionalisation and wood processing directions were correlated with the structure of the wood biomass acquired.
The use of forest biomass for energy purposes in selected european countries
The utilization of primary and secondary woody biomass resources, despite controversies, is being promoted to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and due to the need to diversify energy sources and ensure energy security in European Union countries. Forest biomass is one of the renewable and sustainable energy sources that can be used for electricity, heat, and biofuel production. In the context of the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, an attempt was made to analyze the production and consumption of woody biomass for energy purposes (fuel wood, chips, and pellets). Specifically, an analysis of similarities between European countries in terms of biomass utilization was conducted. The analysis was complemented by a forecast of primary biomass production in selected European countries. The similarity analysis was conducted using the Ward method. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), including multi-layer feedforward perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) models, were used to predict fuelwood extraction. The study showed that woody biomass remains an important source of bioenergy in Europe, and its significance as a strategic resource guaranteeing energy security is likely to increase. Fuel wood harvesting in Europe generally shows an upward trend, particularly in the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and the UK. A decreasing trend was observed in France, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus. The analysis revealed differences between countries in terms of woody biomass consumption. The ANN-based forecasts of fuelwood supply generally showed an increase in primary biomass harvesting.
Forest land purchasing by forest districts of the Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Toruń in the light of applicable legal regulations
Characterization and Evaluation of the Organizational and Legal Structures of Forestry in the European Union
Achieving organizational efficiency requires the selection of an appropriate operating model. To date, no objective indicators, methods of measuring, or criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of forest management organizations have been developed. In the heterogeneous forest management of the European Union (EU), multiple objectives and functions—from production to social and ecological services—coexist at regional and national levels. This study provides an overview of the organizational and legal forms of EU forestry, taking into account environmental conditions, ownership structures, and the role of the forestry sector in national economies. The legal information of EU countries on forest management was verified. We examine the impact of the entity’s organizational and legal form on the implementation of sustainable forest management and the objectives of the New EU Forest Strategy 2030, particularly in terms of absorbing external capital for forest protection and climate-related activities. Joint stock companies, public institutions, and enterprises are the most relevant. The private sector is dominated by individual farms, associations, chambers of commerce, and federations. A clear trend toward transforming state-owned enterprises into joint-stock companies and expanding their operational scope has been confirmed. Multifunctional forest management is practiced in both state and private forests. Economic efficiency, legal and property liability, and organizational goals depend on the chosen organizational and legal form.
Predicting Post-Production Biomass Prices
This paper presents the application of prediction in the analysis of market price volatility in Polish conditions of wood processing by-products in the form of biomass. The ARIMA model, which takes into account cyclical, seasonal, irregular fluctuations of historical data on the basis of which the forecast and long-term trends of selected wood products were made, was used in predicting prices. Comparisons were made between the ARIMA prediction method and the multiplicative Winters–Holt model. During the period studied (2017–2022), the changes in the market price of biomass were characterized by a wide spread of values. On average, the price of these products increased from 2017 to the end of 2022 by 125%. The price prediction analysis showed seasonal fluctuations in the case of wood chips. The uncertainty in price prediction is due to changes in supply resulting from the influence of global factors. The Diebold–Mariano test of matching accuracy confirms that the price prediction of the analyzed by-product sorts using the ARIMA and WH models is possible. The conclusion reached by comparing these two methods is that each can be used under certain market conditions of certain assortments. In the case of a stable wood product, the choice of the ARIMA model should be resolved, while in the case of price volatile products, WH will be a better choice. The difference between the predicted and actual price with ARIMA ranged from 2.4% to 11.6% and for WH from 3.7% to 29.8%.
Prediction of costs of selected silvicultural treatments by linear approximation and the Holt-Winters model
The Role of Human Capital in an Organisation - A Case Study of the ‘State Forests’ National Forest Holding in Poland
Human capital is a key element necessary for the smooth operation of an organization based on sustainable development. It is not only important for building strategy but also affects the performance of day-to-day operations. Managers must constantly monitor the changes taking place around the organization and make quick decisions in line with sustainability. They enable the organization to adapt to current market conditions and meet closed-loop requirements. These solutions are an important issue in forest management organizations. Considering the expanded mission of forests, it is clear that the role of forests today is much broader than just protecting biodiversity. Forestry institutions need adequate staff and human resources to effectively carry out forest management tasks and properly analyze trends and patterns of the sustainable use of forest resources. The purpose of the article was to analyze and evaluate human capital through its commitment to the organization’s tasks within the framework of sustainability. The research involved a sample for employees working in a selected unit of the State Forest Holding in Poland. The research was based on an anonymous employee survey on job engagement. The following aspects were assessed, commitment to the organization, sense of responsibility to the organization, interest in the work, and willingness to make sacrifices for the company in order to meet the demands of a modern forestry company oriented to the requirements of the new forestry strategy. Our reanalysis showed that gender and job type do not have a significant impact on commitment. However, an employee’s age and length of service do influence the behaviour and commitment of state forestry employees.
Taxonomy Regulation as a New Instrument for the Sustainable Management of the Forest Environment in Europe
Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament, also known as the Taxonomy Regulation, facilitates environmentally sustainable investments. It is part of the concept of the European Green Deal and a ‘tool’ for financial institutions, enterprises, and investors, facilitating the assessment of the environmental impact of a particular project. The Regulation contains the criteria an activity must meet to be considered environmentally sustainable. The role of the Taxonomy Regulation is to enable the flow of public and private capital towards ecological and sustainable activities. The document does not need to be implemented into the legal order of individual EU member-states, which results in its direct application. The main financial instruments enabling the achievement of the goals of the Taxonomy Regulation may be green bonds and other forms of capital raising by entrepreneurs and forest ownership structures. The assumption of the Regulation is to achieve the principles of sustainable environmental activity when spending funds obtained from private investors. It is an issue of key significance to identify the areas of management and financial accounting in the operational activities of forest enterprises that can be qualified for the Taxonomy Regulation. Forestry activities, including the processes mentioned therein, the objectives of the New EU Forest Strategy, and the LULUCF Regulation, are to play an essential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The role of forestry in the supply chain in its broad sense is also considered. Forestry and forest management can receive capital for sustainable development due to the threat resulting from exclusions that strengthen the protective function of the forest (the protection of biodiversity). These processes will occur at the expense of production and numerous social functions.
Comparative efficiency of roundwood processing into pallet lumber
Abstract The article is an attempt to determine the impact of market changes and sawnwood production on the utilisation of a limited supply of wood raw material, taking into account coniferous species and selected grades found on the market for the production of pallet lumber. The proposal to include the raw material value factor in the econometric model provides a measurable benchmark. Closed efficiency through the criterion of maximising the added value of wood in industrial processing takes into account the parameters that shape the impact of the value of the product and wood raw material. This criterion is derived from the supply of roundwood and customer demand for particular species and grades. The efficiency index is a reference to the price factors of market change over a variable period of time with the ability to forecast the direction of change.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Clustering of EU Forest Policies in the Context of the 2030 New Forest Strategy
In the face of climate challenges and growing social inequalities, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) has become a key framework for sustainable development. Within the EU, forestry—covering about one third of Europe—is increasingly addressed through ESG principles in the 2030 New EU Forest Strategy (NSF 2030). This study aims to systematize the diversity and similarities of EU Member States’ forest policies using ESG indicators aligned with NFS 2030 objectives. We do not assess policy outcomes but rather identify clusters of countries with similar forest-economy profiles to fill a research gap and support more coherent strategies. Using hierarchical clustering on selected ESG indicators, we find very high variability in EU forest policies. The results confirm that NFS 2030 can serve as an analytical tool to identify clusters of countries with similar ESG profiles and tailor policies to their contexts. The identification of eight clusters per ESG segment underscores the need for a differentiated, flexible approach to achieving common EU forest objectives. Despite similarities within clusters, diverse economic, environmental, and social conditions often require differentiated policies tailored to each country’s unique context.
