6th International Forest Policy Meeting
Prague, 12-15 May 2026
„Perception versus Reality in Forest Policy“
Forest policy is shaped by a complex interplay of scientific knowledge, political agendas, diverse interests on forest ecosystem services, and public perceptions. Yet discrepancies frequently emerge—between policy objectives and their implementation, between expert assessments and societal understandings, and between institutional narratives and on-the-ground realities. These mismatches reflect the dual nature of forest policy: shaped both by objective data and subjective perceptions, which are influenced by cultural, historical, and socio-economic contexts.
The 6th International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM6) will focus on the tension between perception and reality in forest policy, with a particular interest in the post-socialist transformation and current dynamics in forest governance in Eastern countries within the EU. However, the conference remains open to global perspectives and invites comparative case studies that shed light on how similar challenges are addressed in diverse contexts.
The conference will explore the underlying factors that contribute to these mismatches, including media narratives, stakeholder conflicts, regional disparities, and the selective use of scientific evidence. We are particularly interested in approaches to measuring perceptions—qualitatively and quantitatively—through the assessment of societal attitudes, stakeholder priorities, and expert evaluations.
A central question will be how to bridge perception gaps through participatory governance, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and transparent, effective communication. Contributions are encouraged to address how such misalignments influence policy outcomes—especially in conservation strategies, land use conflicts, and the integration of traditional or indigenous knowledge in forest decision-making.
When and where?
The IFPM6 meeting is a 3day in-person event (+ 1 day excursion) organised by the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and Technical University in Zvolen, and will take place in the CZU Campus in Prague from May 12th to May 15th.
Conference Venue
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU)
Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences
Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol Czech Republic
Practical information (tips for accommodation, transportation etc. will be added soon).
Deadlines and key dates
- September, 2025: Call for papers published
- December 31, 2025: Submission deadline for proposed panels and papers
- January 31, 2026: Acceptance/rejection of panels/papers.
- February 2026: Registration opens
- March 15, 2026: Deadline for registration
- April 15, 2026: Conference program published
- May 12, 2026: Start of conference
- May 15, 2026: Excursions
Fee and registration
- The conference fee is €300 (regular), €220 PhD students. Extra fee will be payed for the summer school in Zvolen (to be added) and for excursion (to be added). Registration will open in January 2026.
Organizing committee: FLD CZU and TUZVO
- Vilém Jarský (jarsky@fld.czu.cz), Jaroslav Šálka (salka@tuzvo.sk), Petra Palátová (palatovap@fld.czu.cz), Radek Rinn (rinn@fld.czu.cz)
CALL FOR PANELS AND PAPERS
We invite both theoretical contributions and practice-oriented papers that highlight the science-policy interface and present specific forest policy measures. Panel proposals (including interactive formats) and individual paper proposals are welcome. Submissions should align with one of the defined thematic areas of the conference, particularly those emphasizing questions of power, politics, and social and environmental justice. Alternatively, contributions can be submitted to the open category.
1. Perceptions and Realities in Forest Governance
Exploring the divergence between how forests and forest policies are perceived versus how they function in practice. Contributions may examine societal narratives, institutional self-perceptions, and mismatches between expectations and outcomes.
2. Measuring Perception in Forest Policy
Methodological approaches—both qualitative and quantitative—for assessing public, stakeholder, and expert perceptions of forest-related policies and governance. Includes surveys, discourse analysis, participatory mapping, and social media studies.
3. Post-Socialist Forest Policy Transformations in the EU
Analysing the legacy, transition, and current challenges in forest governance in former Eastern bloc countries. Focus on institutional reforms, power shifts, and tensions between historical models and EU policy frameworks.
4. Media, Narratives, and the Politics of Information
The role of traditional and digital media in shaping forest policy debates. Includes topics like misinformation, selective use of science, public campaigns, and narrative framing in forestry conflicts
5. Participatory and Inclusive Forest Governance
How stakeholder engagement and participatory processes can bridge perception gaps. Case studies on deliberative democracy, co-management, and bottom-up approaches to policy design and implementation.
6. Forest Conflicts and Justice: Power, Access, and Inequality
Addressing conflicts over land use, conservation, and forest resources through the lenses of social and environmental justice. Includes indigenous rights, access to forest benefits, and political ecology perspectives.
7. Science, Policy, and Practice: Bridging the Divide
Papers exploring how scientific knowledge is translated (or not) into forest policy and practice. Includes knowledge co-production, policy learning, and institutional innovations at the science-policy interface.
8. Open Theme: Emerging Issues in Forest Policy
For contributions that do not fit neatly into the above categories but are relevant to forest policy, governance, and perception-related questions. This open space encourages experimental, interdisciplinary, or region-specific insights.
How to submit proposed panels and individual paper presentations?
All panel and paper proposals should be submitted no later than December 31 (before midnight CET) through the conference webpage
How to submit a panel: Panel proposals can refer to a collection of 3-5 papers or to more interactive sessions. The submission should consist of a panel abstract setting the overall theme of the panel and, if applicable, 3-5 paper abstracts (all abstracts must be less than 350 words).
Names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses of the panel convenor(s) and presenting author(s) for all papers must be included. The panel convenor(s) submit the proposal on behalf of all panel participants, i.e., the papers belonging to a panel should NOT be submitted individually. Please use the abstract template to adhere to the formating style.
How to submit a paper (that is not part of a panel): Paper submissions should consist of an abstract (maximum of 350 words) accompanied by names and institutional affiliations of all authors. The email addresses of presenting author(s) must be included. Papers belonging to a panel proposal should NOT be submitted individually. The abstract template is available on the conference webpage.
Questions?
For questions, please contact ifpm6@fld.czu.cz or contact any member of the organizing committee.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – IFPM6 PHD SCHOOL ON FOREST POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
When and where: Zvolen, Slovakia, 5–10 May 2026 For whom: Current PhD students in forest policy, governance, natural resource management, or related social sciences with good command of English. Maximum 15 selected candidates. More information and how to apply will be shared soon.