Afforestation in the Republic of Serbia: Scope and trends from 2002 to 2021

Abstract

The issue of the annual volume of afforestation directly affects changes in the degree of forest cover and represents one of the most topical and complex activities of the forestry profession. Therefore the main aim of this research was to determine the current trends in the scope of afforestation and make projections about future courses by monitoring multi-year trends. Norway spruce and Austrian pine are coniferous forest species most frequently used in afforestation in Serbia. Oaks are broadleaved species most frequently used in afforestation, although beech forests are the most common forests in Serbia. For that reason, we analysed the trends in the scope of afforestation with these tree species in the period from 2002 to 2021. All species, except for beech, recorded a negative trend in the scope of afforestation. The analysis of data related to the extent of afforestation, together with the data related to the level of subsidisation provided by the state for afforestation, gives an insight into the dynamics of afforestation, based on which recommendations and guidelines can be given for planning and carrying out work on further afforestation, the establishment of new forests, which would, in turn, increase the degree of forest cover.