Perception and Reality in Forest Policy

BACKGROUND

Forest policy is shaped by a complex interplay of scientific knowledge, political agendas, stakeholder interests, and public perceptions. However, significant discrepancies frequently emerge—between policy objectives and their implementation, between expert assessments and societal understandings, and between institutional narratives and on-the-ground realities. Particular attention is given to post-transformation contexts and forest governance systems undergoing structural change, where the distinction between perceived and actual change becomes especially relevant.

This Thematic Issue originates from the 6th International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM6), held in Prague in May 2026, and also draws on discussions and contributions from early-career researchers participating in the associated PhD School in Zvolen.

AIM AND SCOPE

The aim of this Thematic Issue is to advance understanding of how mismatches between perception and reality shape forest governance, policy processes, and outcomes. We particularly encourage contributions that:

  • analyse discrepancies between policy design and implementation
  • examine the role of perceptions, narratives, and knowledge in shaping forest policy
  • investigate how different actors interpret and use evidence
  • explore institutional and governance factors that produce or reinforce these gaps
  • assess the consequences of such mismatches for policy outcomes
  • analyse the distinction between perceived and actual change in forest governance systems undergoing structural transformation

We particularly encourage submissions from early-career researchers, including participants of the PhD School in Zvolen. Outstanding contributions may be considered for Forests Monitor awards for student papers, supporting the visibility and recognition of emerging scholars in the field.

THEMATIC AREAS

Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Perception vs. reality in forest policy and governance
  • Policy implementation gaps and administrative practices
  • Role of media, discourse, and narratives in forest policy
  • Knowledge, expertise, and the selective use of evidence
  • Stakeholder conflicts and competing perceptions of forest ecosystem services
  • Post-socialist transformations and governance challenges in Eastern Europe
  • Participation, communication, and strategies to bridge perception gaps
  • Comparative and case-based analyses across regions

TYPE OF CONTRIBUTIONS

We welcome:

  • empirical case studies
  • comparative analyses
  • conceptual and theoretical contributions

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Authors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that align with the themes outlined in this Thematic Issue. Submissions should adhere to the Journal's guidelines and will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process. The deadline for manuscript submissions is October 31, 2026.

To submit papers to this Special Issue, click “Make a Submission” button at the Forests Monitor homepage (https://forestsmonitor.com/ or direct link HERE), and in step 1, under the Section selection in the dropdown list, select “THEMATIC ISSUE: Perception and Reality in Forest Policy”.

CONTACT TO GUEST EDITORS

Jaroslav Šálka (Technical University in Zvolen): [email protected]
Radek Rinn (Czech University of Life Sciences Prague): [email protected]
Brian Danley (Uppsala University): [email protected]

Or for technical questions regarding submissions:

Rafal Chudy: [email protected]

Please feel free to disseminate this announcement to any colleagues who might be interested.
Yours sincerely,

Jaroslav Šálka, Radek Rinn, Brian Danley

The Guest Editors