THE POTENTIAL OF ANYKŠČIAI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FOR FOREST CONSOLIDATION

Abstract

Forest consolidation is an important tool for addressing the problems of fragmented forest ownership and improving the efficiency of forest management. This article examines the issues related to forest land parcels that have arisen following the recent land reform in Lithuania. Drawing on the experiences of other countries in implementing forest land consolidation projects, the article examines the possibility of carrying out a forest consolidation project for the expansion of the Būdragaidžis Reserve. To purchase the plots needed for the reserve’s expansion, it may be necessary to pay up to 2.245 million euros. This is a large sum, so alternatives are being sought. This study examines the laws of the Republic of Lithuania related to land consolidation , as well as the key indicators of land consolidation. At the beginning of the research , the objective was set to assess the need for and possibilities of consolidating forest land plots in the Anykščiai district. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research method—interviews—was selected. This research method was chosen to obtain detailed information about the subject of the study, which would not be possible to uncover through quantitative research alone. In order to identify the main problems and address them, the following steps were taken: (1) the condition of forest land plots in the Anykščiai District was analyzed; (2) changes in land use in the Anykščiai District Municipality during the 2011–2024 period were analyzed; (3) the suitability of the selected territory for forest land consolidation was assessed; (4) a survey of foresters was conducted to identify problems. The results indicate that successful implementation of consolidation requires cooperation among landowners and a clear political and legal framework.