Forestry Communication and Public Perception: Insights from the Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper presents a structured methodology for identifying and addressing key communication challenges in the forestry sector, using the Czech Republic (CZ) as a case study. The approach integrates the CIMO model, problem tree analysis, SWOT evaluation, and a confrontation matrix to identify critical factors influencing communication challenges and prioritize strategic responses. Findings from a representative public survey (n = 3600), participatory workshops, and expert consultations indicate that the primary challenge (C) in Czech forestry is a fragmented sector facing declining trust and minimal media presence. The proposed intervention (I) is a unified, strategic communication methodology designed to activate the mechanism (M) of shared narratives and coordinated messaging. This approach aims to achieve the desired outcomes (O): increased trust, engagement, and legitimacy. The absence of a unified, long-term communication strategy contributes significantly to public misunderstanding, erodes trust, and limits policy support. The study proposes evidence-based tools to enhance sector visibility, coherence, and public engagement. With direct payments for ecosystem services under debate in CZ, effective communication is a prerequisite for securing public and political support. The methods employed have broader relevance for forestry in other countries seeking strengthened stakeholder alignment through strategic communication.

1. Introduction

Forests provide many ecosystem services essential to environmental stability and human wellbeing. These include carbon sequestration, climate regulation, water retention, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and cultural or recreational values [1,2]. In recent decades, forest management has shifted from a conventional, production-oriented focus to a multifunctional approach that integrates ecological, economic, and social objectives [3,4]. Despite these developments, public understanding of modern forestry practices often remains limited. In many countries, including the Czech Republic (CZ), forestry continues to be viewed by parts of the population as outdated, economically driven, or disconnected from broader sustainability goals [5]. A relatively high share of respondents feels rather poorly informed about forests and has little knowledge about the purposes and effects of forest management [6]. Comparable challenges have also been reported in North America, where communication gaps have led to public misunderstandings about sustainable forest management and ecosystem services provision [7]. As the authors of [8] emphasise, a lack of coherent communication across different segments of the forestry sector reinforces such perceptions, contributing to persistent stereotypes of the industry as profit-focused and resistant to change. This perception gap is further compounded by limited public exposure to forestry, a lack of consistent media coverage of current practices, and fragmented communication efforts across the sector. As Janoušková et al. [9] note, sustainable development is often inadequately represented in the mass media, resulting in oversimplified and outdated portrayals of key sectors, including forestry.

The accelerating pace of climate change has significantly amplified the role of forestry in global mitigation and adaptation strategies. Forests are increasingly acknowledged as pivotal nature-based solutions; however, their effectiveness depends on enabling policy environments, science-informed management, and sustained societal support [10,11]. Therefore, improving communication between the forestry sector and the public is not just about managing perceptions or public image. It is essential to ensure that forestry policies are well-integrated across sectors, that the forestry sector remains resilient to future challenges, and that decision-making includes diverse stakeholders across the landscape. As the authors of [12] emphasize, transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable rural development—including those in forestry—requires communication strategies that integrate professional expertise with grassroots knowledge and participatory engagement.

The Czech forestry sector has faced significant ecological and operational challenges, most notably a large-scale bark beetle outbreak in recent years. Within the Czech context, these infestations have prompted extensive salvage logging operations, which, although intended to mitigate further pest spread, have escalated pressures on forest ecosystems and forest owners alike [13] (see also Figure 1). The main pest is the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.), which is usually accompanied by the pine bark beetle (Pityogenes chalcographus L.) and, more recently across most areas, also by the northern bark beetle (Ips duplicatus Sahlb.) [14]. In addition to its environmental consequences, the disturbance exposed operational deficiencies in the sector’s ability to communicate urgent interventions. This is a critical limitation, as existing research identifies effective communication as a fundamental component of crisis management, enabling the structured planning, implementation, and adjustment of interventions [15]. Further information on Czech forests and the bark beetle disturbance is provided in Appendix B and [14].

The methods and tools described in this article were initially developed and applied during the crisis. They now represent documented lessons learned and contribute to a broader strategic approach to communication planning in the forestry sector.

Beyond post-disturbance recovery, this study is particularly relevant given the changing policy context, specifically the proposed introduction of direct payments for ecosystem services (PES) in CZ. These policy decisions mark a critical stage for the forestry sector, requiring broad societal trust and political consensus. Without effective communication strategies that convey the measurable ecological and socio-economic benefits of PES, the political commitment necessary for associated measures, such as reforestation and adaptive silviculture, may be compromised [16]. Achieving this commitment depends on credible evidence and the implementation of structured, audience-specific communication within the forestry sector and directed towards the general public. Insufficient public understanding and a lack of political commitment may delay or obstruct essential interventions, and the deployment of tools such as PES may face considerable resistance. As the authors of [17] emphasize, forestry contributes to biodiversity conservation, habitat maintenance, regional economic development, and the delivery of sustainable land management. These functions underscore the need for clear, consistent communication to support evidence-based policy and enhance public trust.

Media framing plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of forestry. Public narratives around forest management frequently become polarised during periods of heightened attention—such as the bark beetle outbreak [18]. In such contexts, environmentalist perspectives often dominate media discourse, emphasizing the visible impacts of disturbances while downplaying the scientific and operational complexities associated with professional forestry [19,20,21]. Similar media polarisation has been observed in North America, where wildfire crises often lead to simplified narratives that obscure sustainable forest management practices [22,23]. This imbalance in representation can lead to a public narrative that prioritizes immediate environmental concerns at the expense of long-term, science-based forest management approaches. Consequently, forestry professionals face increasing challenges in communicating the multidimensional nature of their work, including trade-offs among ecosystem services, operational constraints, and long-term sustainability objectives. Research by Paruelo [24] underscores the importance of stakeholder perception in ecosystem service management and highlights the need for communication strategies that deliver accurate, context-specific information to support informed decision-making. These findings collectively point to the necessity of strategic communication in forestry—defined here as planned, purposeful communication aimed at influencing public understanding and stakeholder engagement. Such approaches must integrate ecological, social, and economic dimensions into broader sustainability and climate policy discussions.

In this context, communication should be conceptualized as a strategic and integral function of contemporary forestry. It encompasses the accurate transmission of information and the ability to engage diverse audiences, align with societal values, and situate forestry within broader policy frameworks related to sustainability, climate change mitigation, and rural development. Developing such communication capacities necessitates specialized expertise, institutional alignment, and a long-term strategic outlook.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Questions and Objectives

As introduced earlier, the research focuses on the Czech Republic (CZ), a Central European country with a total area of 78,863 km², of which approximately one-third is forested. A detailed overview of Czech forest types and ownership structures is provided in Appendix B.

Based on the context established in the previous section, this study is guided by three key research questions:

• What are the underlying causes of communication challenges in forestry?
• What central problem contributes to the gap between forestry professionals and the public?
• How can this problem be addressed, what goals should be set, and what methods should be employed to achieve them?

The study responds to these questions by applying a structured, evidence-based approach to communication in the forestry sector, grounded in strategic analysis and stakeholder engagement.

The following objectives directly reflect the research questions:

• Examine the root causes of misconceptions in forestry communication by analysing underlying factors and mechanisms.
• Define the central problem contributing to the communication gap between forestry professionals and the public, with particular attention to its origins and consequences.
• Establish a set of foundational tools, methods, and analytical approaches to address the communication gap.
• Assess public perceptions of forestry through a large-scale quantitative survey, using the findings to identify misconceptions and inform strategic communication goals.

2.2. Study Design and Rationale

The methodology comprised three main components. The first two—conceptual models, including the CIMO model (context, intervention, mechanism, outcome) and problem tree analysis, alongside strategic qualitative tools such as SWOT analysis and a confrontation matrix—represented the qualitative dimension of the study. These approaches facilitated the identification of root causes, systemic dynamics, and the formulation of a cohesive communication strategy (Objectives A, B, and C). The third component, a nationally representative public survey, constituted the quantitative dimension and provided essential insights into public perceptions and potential audience segmentation (Objective D).

2.3. CIMO Model

The CIMO model, developed by Denyer [25], was used to explore the causal mechanisms underlying public perceptions and to evaluate potential intervention strategies [18,26]. A group discussion with structured, moderated brainstorming based on the CIMO approach was applied during two participatory workshops in 2021 involving 37 participants, including forestry practitioners and policymakers. Workshop participants were drawn from major forestry organisations, private forest owners’ associations, and relevant government departments, ensuring a balanced stakeholder representation. Structured group discussions and guided reflection exercises were used to analyse the factors shaping public perceptions:

C—Context. Which individuals, relationships, institutional settings, natural conditions or broader systems are being studied?

I—Intervention. The effects of what event, action, and impact of natural factors or activity are being studied?

M—Mechanisms. What are the mechanisms that explain the relationship between interventions and outcomes? Under what circumstances are these mechanisms activated or not activated?

Outcomes—What are the effects of the intervention? Under what circumstances are these mechanisms activated or not activated?

The CIMO model functioned as an analytical framework for diagnosing systemic communication challenges and as a strategic tool for identifying leverage points in forestry communication planning. Its application aimed to generate a design proposition—a structured, context-specific understanding of communication dynamics and their influence on public perceptions—to support more coherent and targeted communication strategies.

2.4. Problem Tree Analysis

Problem tree analysis (PTA) is a conceptual tool used in this case to identify the central problem of forestry sector communication in the Czech Republic. This structured approach facilitates the analysis of causal chains and helps prioritize areas for intervention across the sector [27,28]. The PTA was developed during participatory workshops with forest stakeholders in 2021 and is designed to map out the logic of causes and effects through a tree metaphor: the roots represent the underlying causes of communication challenges, the trunk symbolizes the central problem affecting forestry communication, and the branches illustrate the consequences that arise, such as reduced trust, polarised opinions, and public disengagement.

The PTA method ensures that these symptoms are not treated as independent problems but are instead traced back to systemic drivers. This encourages stakeholders to identify failure patterns, consider structural factors such as institutional fragmentation or incoherent narratives, and focus on deeper leverage points for strategic reform.

2.5. SWOT Analysis

A comprehensive SWOT analysis evaluated internal and external factors influencing forestry communication. A diverse expert panel of nine specialists—including academic researchers, public forest administrators, private forest owners, NGO representatives, and media consultants—was assembled to ensure a broad spectrum of professional perspectives and sectoral representation.

To enhance clarity, each factor received an alphanumeric code: S for Strengths, W for Weaknesses, O for Opportunities, and T for Threats. The factors listed in

Table 1. SWOT analysis.

Strengths (S)	Weaknesses (W)
S1: Positive Public Attitude to Forest S2: Free Public Access to Forests S3: Developed Forest Infrastructure S4: Forest Pedagogy Network S5: Ecological Role of Forests S6: Market-Based Financing S7: Sustainability Ethos S8: Advanced Technology S9: Public Involvement in Forest Regeneration	W1: Unclear Strategic Direction W2: Inconsistent Public Communication W3: Weak Response to Misinformation W4: Missed Communication Opportunities W5: Slow Adaptation to Social Change W6: Public Misunderstanding of Forestry Economics W7: Inactive or Uninformed Forest Owners
Opportunities (O)	Threats (T)
O1: High Public Willingness to Engage O2: Post-Calamity Regeneration Success O3: Leverage High Forest Visitor Rates O4: Changing Social Needs and Preferences O5: Forestry’s Climate Role O6: Modern Technological Image O7: Influential Media Figures	T1: Increasing Media Criticism T2: Declining Public Support T3: Reduced Influence in Policy T4: Decline in Competitiveness and Lower Investment T5: Poorly Informed Decisions and Legislation T6: Natural and Economic Crises

were explained in detail (see Appendix A—Detailed SWOT) using codes such as S1, W3, O5, and T2 for ease of reference. This coding system and detailed explanation of the factors were essential for interpreting strategic pairings in the TOWS confrontation matrix (

Table 2. Evaluation of the SWOT analysis using the confrontation matrix.

	O1	O2	O3	O4	O5	O6	O7	T1	T2	T3	T4	T5	T6
S1	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+	+				+	+16
S2	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+	+	+							+11
S3	+ +	+	+ +	+									+	+7
S4	+ +	+ +	+	+ +	+ +	+ +	+	+ +	+ +			+		+17
S5	+	+	+ +	+	+ +	+ +	+	+		+	+ +	+	+	+16
S6		+		+	+	+ +	+		+	+	+	+	+	+11
S7		+ +	+	+	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+	+		+	+ +	+17
S8		+ +	+	+	+ +	+ +			+	+	+ +	+	+ +	+15
S9	+ +	+ +	+ +	+	+	+ +	+ +	+ +	+				+	+16
W1		−		− −	−	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	−	−19
W2	− −	− −	− −	− −	−	−	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	−24
W3	− −	− −	− −	−	−	−	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	−	− −	−22
W4	−	− −	− −	−	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	−	− −	− −		−21
W5	−	−	−	− −	− −	− −	−	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	− −	−22
W6	− −	−	− −	−	−	−	−	− −	− −	−		−	− −	−17
W7	− −		−	−		−		−	−		− −	−	− −	−12
	+1	+7	+5	+2	+5	+5	+0	−5	−6	−5	−7	−6	−2

), allowing for precise tracking and evaluation of factor interactions.

This analysis was the foundation for developing a strategic communication framework consistent with best practices in environmental communication planning [29,30].

2.6. Confrontation TOWS Matrix & Delphi Method

The SWOT results were refined through a confrontation matrix, which systematically intersected internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats to identify key strategic relationships. Based on the approach developed by [31], this framework enabled the mapping of interrelations between components of forestry sector communication.

To strengthen the evaluation process, we employed the Delphi method, which is known for its systematic approach and ability to harness the expertise of a diverse group of individuals. This structured, iterative consensus-building technique involved the same expert panel that contributed to the SWOT analysis and was central to identifying the most critical and actionable factors influencing communication in the forestry sector. The Delphi method is well-suited for facilitating expert consensus in complex domains such as policy and communication strategy [32,33].

Delphi Procedure:

• Initial Questionnaire Distribution: Experts were presented with the complete set of SWOT factors and asked to evaluate the strategic intersections in the TOWS matrix using a five-point symbolic scale (− −, −, 0, +, + +), providing qualitative commentary.
• Analysis and Feedback: The responses underwent a statistical analysis, during which modal values were calculated to determine areas of agreement and disagreement among the experts. A feedback report outlining these patterns was subsequently shared with all participants.
• Subsequent Iterative Rounds for Consensus Building: Two additional evaluation rounds were conducted to refine consensus.
• Final Analysis: Final expert ratings were consolidated, providing foundational elements essential for formulating communication goals and strategy framing (Objective C).

2.7. Quantitative Survey and Data Analysis

To quantitatively assess public perceptions (Objective D), a large-scale market media lifestyle (MML) survey was conducted, representing one of the most comprehensive public opinion studies on forestry communication to date [34,35]. The research agency Median collected the data using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method, recognised for its efficiency and capacity to reach large, demographically diverse populations [36,37]. Further details concerning the MML research can be found, for example, in [38].

The survey included a representative sample of 3600 individuals aged 12–79, drawn from the general Czech population (n = 8,874,950). The sampling strategy ensured coverage of key demographic groups, including youth (12–24 years), families with dependent children, and residents of urban areas (cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants), thereby allowing for meaningful segmentation of attitudes and perceptions toward forestry. A structured questionnaire explored how respondents characterise forestry as a field and how they perceive the current role and relevance of forestry professionals in society.

Complementing the MML survey, forest visitation trends over a five-year period (2019–2023) were analysed based on a long-term national survey tracking visitation, wild berry collection, and mushroom foraging in the Czech Republic [39]. This yielded a sufficient sample (n = 5096) to assess the frequency and intensity of forest visits across age cohorts.

Both research studies followed established ethical standards, having been conducted by the research agencies Median and Stemmark—members of the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR)—and thus adhered to internationally recognised guidelines for market and social research [40].

3. Results

3.1. The CIMO Model Approach

The CIMO model enabled a retrospective analysis of how contextual drivers, ineffective interventions, and reinforcing mechanisms contributed to the public perception crisis in Czech forestry during the bark beetle outbreak. Rather than isolated missteps, the problems reflected systemic interactions between entrenched ecological vulnerabilities, institutional fragmentation, and a lack of coordinated communication. These insights informed the development of strategic recommendations for improving future forestry communication. This model helped stakeholders visualise systemic linkages and identify weaknesses in forestry communication practice. The model is structured around four analytical quadrants—Context, Intervention, Mechanism, and Outcomes—each clarifying a different aspect of causality:

Context: Structural and institutional conditions—including climate change, regulatory frameworks, political settings, and a long-standing wood production focus—interacted with historical practices such as extensive monoculture planting and administrative fragmentation. Together, these factors shaped forestry decision-making processes, increased ecological vulnerability, and constrained the sector’s capacity for proactive communication, particularly among small forest owners.

Intervention: During the outbreak, interventions were largely absent or uncoordinated. The forestry sector failed to launch timely, coherent public outreach, and a conservative approach often hampered the implementation of the latest scientific knowledge. Small forest owners were frequently inactive, and institutional actors lacked a unified communication strategy. This quadrant highlighted not only actions taken but also critical inaction points.

Mechanism: Reinforcing processes—such as warming-enhanced bark beetle life cycles, weakened tree defences, monoculture vulnerability, and delayed, uncoordinated actions against the infestation—were central to escalating the crisis. These mechanisms, linking context to outcomes, were identified during participatory workshops, where forestry stakeholders jointly reflected on the post-disturbance situation. Participants perceived that such mechanisms were not effectively communicated to the public, which, in their view, contributed to widespread misinformation and eroded trust.

Outcomes: The resulting effects, as perceived by workshop participants, a decline in public trust, diminished institutional legitimacy, significant economic damage, and inconsistent policy responses. Within the CIMO framework, these outcomes were regarded as systemic rather than isolated failures.

This quadrant-based structure provides a strategic overview of cascading failures across institutional, ecological, and communicative domains. It underscores that the forestry sector’s communication shortcomings were embedded in broader systemic conditions. By identifying the interplay of structural constraints, delayed responses, and reinforcing mechanisms, the CIMO approach helps reveal leverage points for anticipatory, integrated communication planning.

3.2. Revealing the Central Problem Through Problem Tree Analysis

Building on the CIMO insights, a problem tree analysis (PTA) was conducted during the stakeholder workshops. Participants identified declining public perception and acceptance of the forestry sector during the stakeholder workshops as the central issue (see Figure 2). The PTA allowed participants to diagnose root causes and resulting effects systematically.

The root cause was found to be the absence of a unified communication strategy, resulting in a fragmented public image and weakened credibility. This lack of coordination reinforced additional problems such as inconsistent messaging, limited engagement by small forest owners, and inadequate communication capacity across the sector.

Despite some improved communication by larger organizations—such as Lesy ČR, VLS, and SVOL—the sector overall still suffers from uncoordinated messaging and undervalued internal communication, particularly among more than 300,000 small forest owners. The far-reaching consequences include diminished political support, declining interest in forestry education, and persistent polarised public narratives.

The PTA distinguished clearly between surface-level symptoms (e.g., negative media portrayal) and structural causes (e.g., institutional fragmentation). This diagnosis clarified the distinction between surface-level symptoms and structural causes, identifying key leverage points for targeted, strategic reform.

3.3. SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix

These insights from the CIMO and PTA analyses contributed to the SWOT analysis by highlighting relevant communication issues. However, the main impetus for conducting the SWOT was the recognised need to develop and support a coherent and strategic communication framework for the forestry sector. The specific factors identified through the SWOT are listed in Table 1, while detailed explanations of these factors are provided in the Appendix A—Comprehensive SWOT Analysis.

The SWOT diagnosis was refined using a confrontation matrix (TOWS matrix) (see Table 2), which prioritized strategic action areas by matching internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats. The analysis focused on identifying strategic pairings to determine the most critical factors that would guide the development of the communication strategy (see Table 2). Further details on the TOWS matrix can be found in [31], while the connection between SWOT analysis and crisis communication is discussed by Preble [41].

Based on the evaluation of individual factors using the confrontation matrix, the most important strengths of the forestry sector that can be leveraged in the communication strategy include:

• S1: Positive Public Attitude to Forest
• S4: Forest Pedagogy Network
• S5: Ecological Role of Forests
• S7: Sustainability Ethos

Among the most significant weaknesses are:

• W2: Inconsistent Public Communication
• W3: Weak Response to Misinformation
• W5: Slow Adaptation to Societal Change

The most prominent opportunities identified include:

• O2: Post-Calamity Regeneration Success
• O3: Leverage High Forest Visitor Rates
• O5: Forestry’s Climate Role
• O6: Modern Technological Image

The most pressing threats are:

• T2: Declining Public Support
• T3: Reduced Influence in Policy
• T5: Poorly Informed Decisions and Legislation

The confrontation matrix helped prioritise combinations of internal and external factors that should shape communication strategy development. For example, the strength represented by the forest pedagogy network (S4) should be strategically paired with the post-calamity regeneration success (O2) to build positive narratives. Conversely, inconsistent public communication (W2) and weak response to misinformation (W3) must be addressed to counteract declining public support (T2) and poorly informed decisions and legislation (T5).

To address these priorities, a strategic approach should include:

• Coordinated messaging among stakeholders, centred around sustainability (S7) and enhanced by a modern, innovation-focused image (O6). It should also involve proactive responses to misinformation through digital tools, swift messaging, and greater transparency (W3).
• More substantial investment in public education and youth outreach through the forest pedagogy network (S4), focusing on engaging audiences via social networks.
• Framing forestry’s climate relevance (O5) and regeneration successes (O2) in a relatable way to foster public trust and support.

This integrated approach—grounded in SWOT evidence—aims to improve message consistency, strengthen public trust, and support the strategic positioning of forestry within policy and public communication frameworks.

3.4. Quantitative Survey Findings

The quantitative survey results provide insight into public perceptions of forestry across key demographic groups. As shown in

Table 3. How would you characterize forestry as a field?

	Youth 12–24 Years Old	Families with Children	People from Cities Above 20,000 Inhabitants	Aged 12–79 In Total
Forestry is a modern field that requires innovation	14.9%	15.0%	13.4%	14.5%
Forestry is a mission, an obligation to preserve natural values	39.3%	47.5%	50.8%	49.3%
Forestry is a traditional field with a slow-to-evolve approach	23.1%	18.1%	17.1%	17.7%
Forestry is an economic sector geared towards raw material production and profit	14.0%	13.2%	13.6%	12.3%
Forestry is an outdated discipline whose role should be replaced by nature conservation	8.7%	6.2%	5.1%	6.2%
Total	100%	100%	100%	100%
Sample population in units	572	1404	1624	3600
Percentage of sample population	15.89%	39.00%	45.11%	100%

, nearly half of all respondents (49.3%) consider forestry to be a mission—a responsibility to preserve natural values. However, youth (12–24 years) exhibited higher scepticism, with 8.7% describing forestry as obsolete and 14% seeing it as profit-driven.

A chi-squared (χ²) test of independence was conducted to assess differences between demographic groups. For the characterisation of forestry (Table 3), the test showed a statistically significant difference between groups (χ² = 30.93, p < 0.001).

In

Table 4. How do you perceive the role of forestry and workers in forestry at the present time?

	Youth 12–24 Years Old	Families with Children	People from Cities Above 20,000	Aged 12–79 Total
They know what to do and how to handle the situation	7.9%	7.4%	6.2%	6.2%
They are “victims of the bark beetle calamity” and they are doing their best	9.7%	10.4%	12.6%	11.8%
They are important (neutral perception)	41.4%	40.2%	41.0%	41.0%
They appear helpless	22.4%	25.5%	25.1%	25.3%
They can’t handle the situation	18.5%	16.5%	15.1%	15.6%
Percentage in total	100%	100%	100%	100%
Sample population in units	572	1404	1624	3600

, 41% of respondents described forestry professionals as ‘important’, this neutral response lacked a clear evaluative tone, neither explicitly endorsing nor criticising their role. Worryingly, 40.9% of participants combined characterised foresters as either ‘helpless’ or ‘unable to manage the situation’. Youth again stood out as the most critical demographic, with 18.5% stating that foresters cannot handle current challenges, compared to 15.6% in the general population. For the perception of forestry workers (Table 4), the chi-squared test indicated no statistically significant difference between groups (χ² = 12.22, p = 0.142).

These perceptions are further reinforced by data in

Table 5. How often do you visit the forest per year (number of respondents 5094, Czech population 18+, the year 2019–2023).

Age Group	Never Visit	Very Rarely (1–2 × per Year)	Monthly (1 × per Month)	Weekly (1 × per Week)	Very Often (Several Times per Week)	Total =100%
Elderly (65+)	20.9%	22.5%	21.7%	19.4%	15.5%	1138
Older adults (45–64)	8.8%	23.9%	29.5%	21.0%	16.7%	1730
Adults (26–44)	7.2%	22.2%	33.3%	22.0%	15.2%	1810
Young (under 25)	9.1%	23.3%	31.0%	22.1%	14.4%	416
Total	11.0%	22.9%	29.2%	21.1%	15.7%	5094

, which shows forest visitation frequency by age group. While low visitation rates among the elderly (43.4% visiting rarely or never) can be attributed to limited mobility, their positive attitudes toward forests were likely shaped during their youth through frequent, direct experiences with nature. In contrast, a similarly high rate (32.4%) among individuals under 25 suggests a broader generational shift, with opinions increasingly shaped by indirect sources such as media rather than personal experience.

Since this younger generation is also shaping future public opinion and political agendas, this highlights the urgency of strategic, evidence-based communication that engages youth as future opinion leaders and political actors, essential for maintaining long-term sector legitimacy.

Together, these findings underscore a fragmented and sometimes contradictory public image of forestry—marked by generational divides, mixed perceptions of professional competence, and varying levels of direct engagement. The results indicate an urgent need for targeted, transparent, and youth-oriented communication strategy that positions forestry as innovative, socially valuable, and environmentally essential.

4. Discussion

4.1. Interpretation of Strategic Models and Analytical Results

The development of the communication methodology was based on the CIMO logic (context–intervention–mechanism–outcome), which has proven effective in identifying key points in forestry communication. Communication can also serve as a tool for transforming context, interventions, mechanisms, and outcomes in the future. In Czech forestry, the primary challenge (C) is a fragmented sector that faces declining trust and minimal media presence. The proposed intervention (I) is a unified, strategic communication methodology that activates the mechanism (M) of shared narratives and coordinated messaging. This approach aims to achieve the desired outcomes (O): increased trust, engagement, and legitimacy.

Several studies in forest and environmental governance support the rationale for this approach. For instance, Freeman et al. [42] emphasise that communication must be framed as an inclusive social process, particularly when adapting to socio-ecological complexity. Axelsson et al. [4] also note that implementing sustainable forest management across diverse contexts requires integrating stakeholder knowledge through joint learning. These ideas align with the foundations of the CIMO logic and support its relevance to the Czech situation.

The problem tree analysis (PTA) further illustrates the central communication issue: Declining public acceptance and stakeholder engagement in addressing forest sector issues. This fundamental problem is compounded by several root causes, primarily the lack of cohesive communication, insufficient internal awareness, and a weak public understanding of forestry’s broader social and environmental roles. The PTA emphasised that this could lead to cascading effects such as slow adaptation, sectoral isolation, and adverse legislative consequences without intervention.

The SWOT analysis offered a high-level diagnostic overview of the sector’s communication capacities and risks. Among the strengths are public affinity for forests and access to institutional environmental education channels. Conversely, weaknesses include inadequate inter-organisational coordination, limited engagement with digital media, and predominantly reactive communication practices. Opportunities such as climate advocacy and intergenerational renewal stand in stark contrast to threats like misinformation and the dominance of external stakeholders. Preble [41] further reinforces that integrating SWOT analysis into crisis management is crucial, especially in sectors where misinformation and public trust erosion are major risks. These insights were further explored through the confrontation matrix, which aided in prioritising strategic responses during a crisis [43,44].

Overall, the application of the CIMO framework, PTA, SWOT analysis, and the confrontation matrix together provides a systematic foundation for designing a proactive, stakeholder-oriented communication strategy in the Czech forestry sector.

4.2. Communication Goals and Strategic Positioning

The findings presented in Section 3 revealed a notable perception gap: forests are generally regarded positively, yet forestry professionals are frequently seen as reactive or disorganised. To bridge this gap, it is essential to strategically reposition the forestry sector as not only ecologically significant but also socially responsive and professionally adept.

Only 6.2% of respondents from the general population (see Table 4) believe foresters “know what to do”, while 41% see them as “important” but do not express a clear view of their competence. Notably, over 40% perceive foresters as either helpless, unable to cope or merely victims of circumstances. This highlights the urgency of developing a long-term repositioning strategy that actively reshapes public understanding and goes beyond passive communication.

These results support a differentiated strategy focused on three key audience segments derived from the overall responses of the Czech population aged 12–79 (see Table 4). It is important to note that these segments—supporters, the persuadable middle, and sceptics—are not evenly distributed across subgroups such as youth (12–24 years), families with children, and residents of cities over 20,000 inhabitants. The distribution of views varies by demographic, as reflected in the respective columns of Table 4:

• Supporters (~18%): Reinforcing this segment requires consistent, transparent communication that avoids controversy or mixed messages.
• The Persuadable Middle (~41%): This group sees forestry as important but is uncertain about its effectiveness. To engage them, communication must focus on explaining foresters’ work, showcasing long-term planning, and emphasising ecological responsibility.
• Sceptics (Helpless/Negative View, ~41%): Changing perceptions here is more challenging but not impossible. Approaches should include storytelling, the use of relatable personalities, and emotionally resonant campaigns.

This segmentation supports the concept of strategic positioning, which goes beyond factual communication to address how forestry is perceived in the public consciousness. As noted in [45], positioning is not about defining foresters’ identity internally but about aligning external perceptions with values relevant to the public. This repositioning entails a deliberate strategic focus, where the goal is not merely to define foresters’ inherent identity through internal narratives but rather to shape and communicate an image that resonates with—and is validated by—the public sphere [3].

This repositioning is particularly urgent for younger audiences (12–24), who currently hold the least favourable views according to Table 3 and Table 4. To bridge this gap, the forestry sector must adopt modern, targeted communication strategies that resonate with young people’s values and media habits. This means investing in digital storytelling— using formats such as videos, social media, and podcasts to create engaging and relatable narratives—as well as participatory content creation, and strategic collaborations with credible influencers who can convey forestry’s relevance in contemporary terms. Transparency [46,47], emotional appeal [48], and the ability to link forestry to broader societal issues—such as climate resilience, wellbeing, and sustainable living [49]—are essential.

To illustrate the desired perceptual change, Figure 3 presents a strategic map contrasting the current and desired public positioning of the forestry sector:

The critical perspective held by the younger generation, often concentrated in larger urban agglomerations, represents a key long-term challenge. In the future, these individuals will co-shape public discourse, political direction, and decision-making processes related to forests and their governance. If the forestry sector fails to communicate effectively with these groups, there is a risk of further deepening public distrust and polarisation.

The observation that approximately one-third of individuals under 25 rarely or never visit forests is particularly concerning. Unlike older respondents, whose reduced access stems from understandable health-related limitations, the low engagement among youth reflects broader cultural and behavioural changes. Environmental psychology and sociology research underscores that early-life exposure to nature is critical for cultivating environmental stewardship values [50,51].

Urban lifestyles may drive this generational disconnect, reduced exposure to natural environments during childhood, and a growing sense of alienation from nature. Forests may no longer hold immediate relevance in the daily lives of many young people, who instead engage in environmental issues primarily through virtual channels. This disconnection has profound implications for the future of sustainable forest management. A weakening of personal, sensory, and emotional connections with forests among the next generation threatens to erode long-term public support for forestry interventions—whether related to biodiversity, climate change mitigation, or rural development. Moreover, it risks diminishing civic engagement and environmental stewardship more broadly.

For these younger respondents, knowledge and imagery related to forests are increasingly mediated through digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts [52,53,54]. These spaces are dominated by sustainability, rewilding, environmental activism, and nature-based leisure themes, often delivered by influencers or content creators who serve as informal intermediaries. However, communication research [30] shows that emotionally charged narratives can oversimplify scientific realities, complicating professional communication efforts. As a result, young audiences may develop emotionally charged but poorly informed impressions of forestry.

These findings underscore the urgency of rethinking how the forestry sector communicates with younger demographics. The survey confirms that forestry suffers from a fragmented and, at times, contradictory public image—marked by trust in traditional values among older generations and growing scepticism or indifference among youth. Although public attitudes remain broadly supportive, the generational divide is becoming increasingly pronounced.

Achieving this positioning shift demands a system-wide approach to communication that is proactive, adaptive, and institutionally embedded. Four interlinked components are essential:

• Central coordination platform—A unifying institutional mechanism is needed to synchronise communication across diverse forestry actors. Such a platform would ensure messaging continuity despite political leadership or staffing changes, providing a stable backbone for long-term engagement. Institutional resilience stems from effective internal coordination [55].
• Audience-specific strategies—Tailored communication is especially vital for under-engaged groups such as youth and urban populations. Strategies should include digital storytelling, influencer engagement, and participatory formats to foster emotional connection and perceived relevance. Jenkins et al. [56] provide compelling evidence on the role of “spreadable media”, which leverages participatory content and influencer networks to bridge the gap between institutional messaging and audience engagement.
• Feedback loops—Public perception must be continuously monitored using sentiment analysis, surveys, and structured stakeholder dialogue. These insights should drive real-time strategy adjustments, ensuring both responsiveness and accountability. Heath and Johansen [30] highlight that feedback is essential for iterative strategic improvement, reinforcing the value of evidence-based decision-making in public relations.
• Long-term commitment—Research in both public sector reform and corporate communication highlights that sustained investment and ongoing engagement are essential for successful repositioning [57,58]. Strategic transformation cannot be accomplished through ad hoc initiatives; it demands consistent leadership, enduring institutional commitment, and alignment with broader governance and policy frameworks to achieve the objectives illustrated in the repositioning map (Figure 3).

These findings underscore that communication should be recognised as a core component of forestry governance, integral to policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and institutional resilience. A systemic communication strategy is vital for rebuilding public trust, aligning with societal values, and increasing the sector’s visibility and relevance within a rapidly evolving socio-political context.

One potentially transformative model for long-term communication innovation is the quintuple helix framework. This model advocates systemic collaboration across five key societal subsystems: academia, industry, government, civil society, and the natural environment [59]. By adopting this approach, Czech forestry actors could more effectively embed their messaging within the broader discourse on sustainability—thereby enhancing innovation capacity and reinforcing democratic legitimacy.

5. Conclusions

This section synthesises insights from the preceding sections, concisely responding to the three guiding research questions posed in the introduction. It reflects on the root causes of communication challenges and key disconnects between foresters and the public and outlines practical strategies for achieving long-term, strategic communication reform.

The research questions and their answers are as follows:

Q1. What are the underlying causes of communication challenges in forestry?

A1. Weak internal coordination, fragmented sectoral narratives, and insufficient integration of communication into strategic sector management were identified as the primary causes.

Q2. What central problem contributes to the gap between forestry professionals and the public?

A2. A significant perception gap persists: while forests are widely appreciated, forestry professionals are often perceived as reactive, disorganised, or disconnected from broader sustainability goals.

Q3. How can this problem be addressed, and what methods should be employed?

A3. The use of structured strategic tools—including the CIMO model, problem tree analysis, SWOT evaluation, and audience segmentation—can support the development of a unified, evidence-based communication strategy.

The findings reveal that communication challenges stem from weak internal coordination, a lack of shared messaging, and limited integration of public communication into sectoral strategies. The core issue widening the gap is a perception deficit: while forests are positively regarded, foresters are often mistrusted or unconvincing. This likely results from fragmented communication and the absence of a unified, long-term narrative. Resolving this requires sector-wide positioning strategies, improved audience targeting, and sustained public engagement.

Engaging undecided and younger audiences through tailored messaging is essential for long-term impact. However, lasting change demands more than isolated efforts; it calls for institutional commitment, structural coordination, and consistent execution.

Based on these findings, three implementation priorities are recommended:

• Creating a national coordination platform to align communication efforts across forestry institutions;
• Investing in digital outreach, youth-oriented engagement formats, and emotionally resonant narratives;
• Embedding communication activities into broader governance frameworks, funding mechanisms, and crisis planning structures.

Although this study focuses on the Czech Republic, the structured methodology applied and the general lessons learned have broader applicability. Other countries facing similar challenges in forestry communication may benefit from adopting comparable strategic approaches.

Limitations: This study focused on a national case study and did not include media discourse analysis or longitudinal monitoring of opinion change. Future research should explore cross-sectoral comparisons and longer-term dynamics of forestry perception in public discourse.

Future directions: Beyond these immediate priorities, systemic collaboration models such as the quintuple helix framework—integrating academia, industry, government, civil society, and the natural environment—could further enhance innovation capacity, societal legitimacy, and resilience in forestry communication strategies.

In conclusion, communication must be recognised as a core component of modern forestry governance. It serves not only to inform but also to connect, persuade, and align societal values with sustainable forest management goals.