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The Forest Management Institute in Brandýs n. L. was renamed to the National Forestry Institute on January 1.

The Ministry of Agriculture, along with the management of the Forest Management Institute in Brandýs nad Labem (ÚHÚL), has decided to change the institute’s name to the National Forestry Institute (NLI). This new name is designed to more accurately reflect the organization’s mission. The change took effect on January 1, 2025.

“The new name more accurately represents the diverse range of activities undertaken by this professional organization, established by the Ministry of Agriculture, in the fields of forestry and hunting. Additionally, it addresses new responsibilities related to the European Union’s agendas. For instance, it will be responsible for combating deforestation,” stated Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL).

The Forest Management Institute in Brandýs nad Labem engages in a variety of professional activities. One of its primary functions is conducting the National Forest Inventory and operating the Information and Data Centre (IDC), which manages a comprehensive database related to forestry and hunting in the Czech Republic. The Institute also plays a crucial role in the area of reproductive material for forest trees, serving as an “authorized person.” Additionally, it supports state forest and hunting administration bodies by providing free consulting services to forest owners regarding financial aid for forest management, creating regional forest development plans, and conducting educational activities related to forest pedagogy.

“For many years, we have recognized that our current name does not adequately reflect the broader scope of our activities. It is important for us to find a new name that better describes the mission of our organization. In 2025, we anticipate being assigned additional responsibilities that extend beyond forest management. This marks a new chapter in our ninety-year history,” said Jaroslav Kubišta, Director of the ÚHÚL.

The Forest Management Institute was established in 1935 by the Ministry of Agriculture, initially operating under the name Forest Taxation Office. It is a professional organization focused on advancing forestry, particularly in the fields of forest management and the dissemination of information about forests.

This institute is recognized as an “authorized person” in the field of forest tree reproductive material. Since the Czech Republic joined the EU, its activities have expanded significantly. The Forest Management Institute has also been designated as an authorized entity concerning invasive alien species, in accordance with the European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) on the prevention and control of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. Additionally, it operates under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which prohibits the trade of illegally harvested timber and timber products within the EU.

The ÚHÚL is now facing a new challenge related to the implementation of the European Parliament and Council’s regulation on the placing of certain commodities and products linked to deforestation and forest degradation on the EU market, known as the EUDR. In this context, ÚHÚL will oversee the activities of the so-called “main body.” In the Czech Republic, the EUDR will be enforced through an amendment to the Act on the Placing on the Market of Timber and Timber Products, which is currently under discussion by the Chamber of Deputies. This regulation addresses seven commodities that are most associated with deforestation: cattle, coffee, cocoa, rubber, palm oil, soy, and wood, along with products derived from these materials. This represents the most comprehensive set of activities that the ÚHÚL has managed to date.

The organization, as a state institution, is transiting to a unified domain, gov.cz. Beginning in January 2025, the new website address will be nli.gov.cz. The original website and email addresses will remain active and will automatically redirect users to the new address.

Source: Press release from the Ministry of Agriculture

Illustrative photo: Author Jan Řezáč