PUBLIC OPINION AND PUBLIC FOREST MANAGEMENT POLICIES IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

Purpose – The research aims to establish whether there is a link between civil society concerns and public policies adopted in the context of the social distance generated by the COVID-19 epidemic.

Methodology/approach - The present study analyzed on the one hand the press reports on deforestation, the activity of emblematic NGOs in the fight against deforestation, the messages promoted by personalities of the society (actors, musicians, journalists), petitions promoted in the virtual space, but also the environment ministry's and parliament’s agenda by adopting regulations governing the field of forests.

Findings –The environmental protection authority promotes forestry policies and strategies that take into account both the demands of civil society and the needs of the forestry sector. There is another actor in this whole complex equation, certain politicians who, for populist purposes, promote legislative acts.

Research limitations/implications – The research considers the interaction between the public authority and the society through the prism of the social networks.

Practical implications – The research results can be used as a predictor of the evolutions of future forest management policies and strategies.

Originality/value – The present study analyzes the potential of social networks regarding the setting of the public agenda of the authorities.