Forestry associations (FWZ) play a key role in small private forests in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The introduction of a new forestry service subsidy has promoted the development of professional structures in FWZ. At the same time, however, it also brings challenges, such as increasing administrative workload and the need to take on management tasks. The NRW Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection aims to strengthen and support the development of forestry associations. In this context, Unique was commissioned to analyze the current framework conditions, develop NRW-specific models for forestry associations, and create an action plan with concrete measures to promote these structures. This was carried out in a comprehensive stakeholder process to ensure the practical relevance of the outcome.

• Analysis of framework conditions, identification of internal and external success factors
• Development of NRW-specific models for forestry associations
• Conducting stakeholder workshops and interviews
• Conducting an online survey of forestry associations in NRW
• Development of an action plan for forestry associations with recommended measures