Budapest, June 24, 2025 – Eight forest managers received the Climate-Smart Forest Manager Award in three categories. The competition, launched by WWF Hungary as part of the CLIMAFORCEELIFE project, attracted 33 entries. From these, a jury composed of forestry and nature conservation experts, selected the award recipients. The aim of the competition was to promote best practices for climate adaptation in the forestry sector. The awards were presented on June 24, 2025, in Budapest.
WWF Hungary announced the “Climate-Smart Forest Manager Award” in the spring of 2025 within the framework of the CLIMAFORCEELIFE project, supported by the LIFE Programme of the European Union and implemented with the participation of WWF Hungary. The award was open to forest managers who are engaged in outstanding and exemplary forestry practices that address climate adaptation challenges in an innovative way.
The submitted entries were evaluated by a professional jury consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Association of Private Forest Owners and Managers (MEGOSZ), the Hungarian Forestry Association, and WWF Hungary.
“It is important to recognize that the mindset of simplifying and transforming natural systems is no longer sustainable. In the face of deteriorating environmental conditions, we must do everything we can to make our forests as resilient as possible. The awarded entries are excellent examples of how modern forestry can incorporate ecological and climate protection considerations to respond effectively to environmental challenges. Systemic changes focusing on the protection and preservation of forests are essential to ensure that their invaluable ecosystem services remain available to society in the long term,”
said Katalin Sipos, Director of WWF Hungary.
“The negative impacts of climate change on forests are becoming increasingly apparent worldwide, including in Europe and Hungary. Many – sometimes contradictory – concepts have emerged both internationally and domestically to address these issues. However, it is certain that there is no ‘magic pill’ that would offer a one-size-fits-all solution. At the same time, it is clear that forest management itself, both positively and negatively, has a major influence on future risks. A proactive approach, increasing the structural, species, and genetic diversity of forests, and diversifying forest management practices are key to securing the future of our forests. We must act today for the forests of tomorrow. This award was announced in this spirit, and the winning entries clearly represent this approach,” added Dr. György Csóka, Head of the Forest Protection Department at the Forest Research Institute, University of Sopron, representing the jury.
In 2025, the Climate-Smart Forest Manager Awards were presented to the following recipients:
Category: Climate-Smart Private Forest Managers in Mountainous and Hilly Regions
Special Award: Károly Mikó, Private Forest Manager, Szilvásvárad
Awarded: Pannon Örökerdő Ltd.
Category: Climate-Smart State Forest Managers in Mountainous and Hilly Regions
Special Award: Mecsekerdő Plc., Pécsvárad Forestry Branch
Awarded: Egererdő Plc., Eger Forestry Branch
Awarded: Gyulaj Forestry and Hunting Plc., Hőgyész Forestry Branch
Category: Climate-Smart State Forest Managers in Lowland Regions
Special Award: KEFAG Plc., Császártöltés Forestry Branch
Awarded: Nyírerdő Plc., Nyíregyháza Forestry Branch
Awarded: DALERD Plc., Körösvidék Forestry Branch
The application materials submitted for the Climate-Smart Forest Manager Award are available in Hungarian here: Klímabarát Erdőgazdálkodó díj