Forest protection is one of the priorities of the new government. Such an obligation also arises from commitments to the European Union, notably the environmental directives and the Biodiversity Strategy 2030. According to the decision of the Minister of Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, restrictions on felling will be introduced in 10 areas (the Bieszczady, the Borecka Forest, the Świętokrzyska Forest, the Augustowska Forest, the Knyszyńska Forest, the Karpacka Forest, the Romincka Forest, the Tricity Landscape Park, as well as near Iwonicz-Zdrój and Wrocław.

We move on from words to action. We have decided to issue the first decision to limit and halt the felling of Poland's most valuable forest areas. It is time to move the saws out of some of Poland's forests, especially those that cut down the most valuable natural objects. We are working on a systemic solution that will include more areas, and that will be consulted with representatives of the State Forests, local authorities and local communities

- said the Minister of Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, during the conference.

The Minister stressed that the aim was to limit felling in the most valuable parts of the forests - old-growth forests aged 100-200 years, water-protective forests and mountain forests. In some cases, the old-growth forests where work has been restricted have unique historical and cultural values - for example, the Augustowska Forest is essential for the continuation of beekeeping, which is an intangible heritage of humanity.

The reduction in felling planned for 2024 is based on natural, legal, economic, and, above all social needs and considerations. As Deputy Minister Dorożała explained, felling restrictions will not exceed 20-30% of the planned felling. Limitations or substitutions of works within such a range are permitted in contracts with works contractors.

A significant proportion of the forests in which timber harvesting will be restricted surround agglomerations of thousands of people, such as Gdańsk, Wrocław and Białystok. This is particularly important in adapting to a changing climate and retaining water, thus protecting urban areas from flooding.

As emphasised by Deputy Minister Mikołaj Dorożała, the areas where logging will be restricted are the areas of planned national parks, Natura 2000 areas, protected landscape areas, forest promotion complexes.

During the conference, Deputy Minister Mikołaj Dorożała announced that a special tab will be created on the website of the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

It will make it possible to report on sites worthy of additional protection. We will be analysing them carefully. The website will actively reach out to local communities

- he said.