Czech Republic
The Czech Republic's cross-sectoral adaptation strategy for 2015-2020, with an outlook to 2030, is coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment. The strategy is complemented with an action plan. Although adaptation of forests to climate change is not explicitly enforced by legislation, it is one of the critical actions of the National Forest Programme II, in which legislation measures are proposed. Supporting financial mechanisms include incentives and tax reliefs. The measures are also covered institutionally and informationally. Both close-to-nature and intensification management approaches are applied, including the promotion of continuous-cover forestry, natural regeneration, site-native tree species, game management, and forest protection. Special attention is paid to the water regime and improvement of water retention in forest stands [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6].
The Adaptation Strategy of the Czech Republic comprehensively presents the observed climate change, projections of future development, and expected impacts. The strategy defines the general tasks that must involve all ministries, with the government's support, to accomplish the target state of preparedness for climate change. The Adaptation Strategy of the Czech Republic also includes an assessment of the climate change impacts and proposals for specific adaptation measures, legislative and partial economic analysis, etc. The National Action Plan on Adaptation to Climate Change, which was adopted in 2017, is being implemented to achieve the specific targets focused on education and awareness-raising [3] [4] [5] [6].
The Czech Republic's National Forest Programme II aims to ensure the sustainable management of forests and their multiple functions. The programme is based on the principles of sustainable forest management, defined by the Minister of Agriculture. The programme's objectives include the protection and improvement of the forest ecosystem, the provision of forest goods and services, the promotion of the forest sector's competitiveness, and the development of the forest sector's social functions. The programme also aims to ensure the participation of stakeholders in the decision-making process and to promote the public's awareness of the importance of forests.
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic implements the National Forest Programme II. The Ministry's Forest Management Department is responsible for the development and implementation of forest policy, including the promotion of sustainable forest management, the protection of forests, and the provision of forest goods and services. The department also coordinates the implementation of the National Forest Programme II and the adaptation of forests to climate change.