State-owned forests were found to be mismanaging funds after tree cutting, unprepared for climate change, and questionable projects under scrutiny by the National Audit Office (NIK).
Wasteful Spending on State Forests
NIK identified nearly 1 billion złoty mismanaged over three years (2020-2023) from forestry funds, allocated largely to promotional and image-improving activities rather than fundamental tasks.
Illogical Projects Challenged
After examining “forest carbon businesses” initiated during the PiS administration, NIK found that the projects received 65 million zł of funding without tangible results or any signs of achieving CO2 reduction goals. The scheme failed to address environmental concerns and appeared to serve merely as a public relations exercise.
Climate Adaptation Gaps
The NIK report also highlighted that state-owned forests have failed to take necessary steps towards climate adaptation, with a focus on commercial tree harvesting over sustainable practices.
Necessary Systemic Reforms
The audit office called for urgent reforms in state forest management, including changes in legislation and financial regulations, calling for stronger government oversight and more involvement in forest benefits.
