On April 25, 2025, a significant demonstration known as the "Protest Ludzi Lasu" (Forest People's Protest) is set to unfold in Warsaw, drawing attention to the pressing concerns surrounding Poland's forests and the policies of the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Scheduled to kick off at 11:00 AM in front of the Ministry's headquarters, this protest aims to unite various stakeholders who share a common interest in sustainable forest management and the future of Poland's natural resources.
The event is organized by the Protest Headquarters of Forest Trade Unions, which includes the Trade Union of Technical Forestry Workers Solidarity, the Builders' Trade Union, NSZZ Solidarity 80, and the Protest of the Wood Industry representing Podlasie entrepreneurs. They are joined by the Independent National Protest of Farmers (OOPR), reflecting a broader coalition of voices concerned about the current environmental policies.
Organizers are inviting a diverse group of participants: foresters, private forest owners, entrepreneurs, employees from forest service companies, sawmills, the wood and paper industry, wood transport workers, national park employees, nature educators, hunters, scientists, tourists, and students of forestry and environmental science. The call to action is clear: to demonstrate a collective commitment to forests and advocate for responsible forest management practices.
"Today, in light of the ill-considered and harmful decisions made by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, which are taken without consultation with those who know the forests best, we want to meet—peacefully, together, with concern. To show that we care about forests and that sustainable forest management is not an empty slogan but a wise and proven path to caring for nature, people, and future generations," stated the organizers.
The protest will begin at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, located at ul. Wawelska 52/54. Participants will gather to express their concerns and then proceed in a peaceful march to the General Directorate of State Forests at ul. Grójecka 127. This movement is not only about forests; it also highlights the vital connection between forestry, agriculture, and the rural population.
In addition to the forest-related issues, the protest is expected to address broader agricultural concerns. Farmers are voicing their frustrations regarding the government's current climate and environmental policies, which they argue do not adequately consider the voices of rural residents and jeopardize both their livelihoods and the country’s food security.
"We, farmers, firmly oppose the destructive policies carried out by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. We demand an immediate change of course and real consideration of the voice of Polish villages in decisions that directly affect our lives, work, and future. Enough of being ignored!" the farmers stated in a letter directed to the Ministry.
The protesters will present a joint position containing seven key demands, which include:
- Ending the dominance of the Ministry of Climate and Environment in agricultural matters, insisting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRiRW) must have the decisive voice.
- Stopping the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) on agricultural land, arguing that farmers should be seen as partners in environmental stewardship rather than adversaries.
- Legalizing wolf culling in rural areas to protect livestock and ensure safety for farmers.
- Implementing systemic actions against the overpopulation of wild animals, including wild boar, beavers, and bison, which are causing significant agricultural damage.
- Withdrawing the GAEC 2 standard at the EU level, which farmers claim hinders their operations rather than protects the environment.
- Reversing the proposed ban on wood burning, as wood is a natural and renewable source of heat for rural residents.
- Transferring supervision of the Polish Hunting Association to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that hunting policies align with the needs of farmers.
As the protest date approaches, the organizers are emphasizing the importance of community involvement and dialogue. "Let us meet to talk and express our commitment to forests and our shared belief that sustainable forest management is the responsible path—for nature, for people, for future generations. Everyone who loves the forests is welcome to join us. You do not need to know everything or have ready answers; you just need to want to talk and be part of the collective care for the future of our forests," they encourage.
The upcoming protest not only highlights the urgent need for sustainable forestry practices but also serves as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental and agricultural policies. With various stakeholders coming together, the event is poised to make a significant impact on the future of Poland's forests and rural communities.
As the nation prepares for this pivotal moment, the outcomes of the protest could shape the dialogue around environmental stewardship and agricultural policies in Poland. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised by the protesters and whether meaningful changes will follow.
