Private forest ownership in Europe

More than half of Europe's forests, not including Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, are privately owned. Private owners play a key role in sustaining forest ecosystems, enhancing rural development and supplying resources to markets. This study paper presents the main findings from the national country reports and draws conclusions on the state of private forestry in Europe in terms of ownership distribution, holding structure, socioeconomic findings and trends, with regard to restitution/privatization, changes of ownership patterns and association of private forest owners.