Poslovno povezovanje lastnikov gozdov na primeru Društva lastnikov gozdov Pohorje-Kozjak

Abstract

Most of the key problems related to private forest management stems from small-scaled and fragmented forest property, which is owned by a large number of owners, therefore their cooperation is crucial for more effective forest management. The greatest expansion in the last years was experienced by private forest owners% societies, which are defined under the Societies Act as independent and non-profit organizations. In response to this, private forest owners are aspiring to upgrade such forms of organization in the direction of a more business-like cooperation. This paper presents the private Pohorje-Kozjak Forest Owners Society as an example of a good practice expansion from society activities onto the level of business (cooperative) cooperation. A survey on business cooperation and opportunities for professionalization of activities was conducted on the sample of members of the society and the forest cooperative. Results showed that younger forest owners, with a larger forest property and a higher education, are more open towards business cooperation. Furthermore, members of the society and the cooperative favour business cooperation and professionalization, but are unwilling to bear the financial burden. As such, they wish a state support in terms of financial stimulation for good practice and professionalization of activities.