site.btaForestry Sector in Bulgaria Is in Dire Straits, Forestry University Warns

The General Assembly of the Forestry Faculty at the University of Forestry has issued a declaration expressing deep concern about the state and government policy regarding the forestry system in Bulgaria, the University said Friday.

Underscoring the university’s centennial tradition and leading role in providing the country’s scientific, educational and human resources in the field, the declaration voices the Faculty’s concern about the processes observed in the management and operation of the forest system. According to them, these unjustifiably violate tradition, professional ethics and the public's expectations of publicity and transparency. It is stressed that the forestry sector is in serious crisis, caused both by market conditions and by the state's underestimation of its functions and importance.

A particularly concerning example is the appointment of a person who lacks professional knowledge and education in the field head of the National Forestry Agency, the Faculty said.

Earlier in February, Assen Markov was appointed head of the Forestry Agency. He has a master's degree in business administration from the UK and in financial management and marketing from the Higher School of Insurance and Finance in Sofia.

In conclusion, the Forestry Faculty at the University of Forestry calls for a review of the recent appointments at the Forestry Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food; steps to further clarify staffing decisions in the sector; urgent and long-term state action to address the economic problems in the sector and to expand professional dialogue with all stakeholders.

The faculty calls for targeted, science-based measures and solutions by government institutions in collaboration with the University of Forestry, aimed to restore public confidence and recognition of the role and place of forestry and higher forestry education.