173 ISSN 2708-0404 (Online), ISSN 2708-0390 (Print). Humanities Studies. 2023. Випуск 17 (94) Problems and challenges of legal regulation and obligations of private forest owners UDC 346.26:630*92 DOI https://doi.org/10.32782/hst-2023-17-94-18 PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES OF LEGAL REGULATION AND OBLIGATIONS OF PRIVATE FOREST OWNERS GITA, BOGUŽAITĖ 1 OLEGAS, BERIOZOVAS 2 AIDANAS, PERKUMAS 3 The relevance of this study. Studies on the problems and challenges of private forest owners in the legal system are important, as forests are an essential part of natural resources with great economic, ecological, social importance. Private forests are often owned by individuals or companies, and the rights of these owners and related legal norms affect many areas, including environmental protection, economics, social welfare, and more. The main problems. Forest owners often face legal challenges related to different laws and regulations, which can be confusing and contradictory. Unclear rules and procedures regarding forest management and use can also be problematic. Challenges arise due to the intertwining of the areas of competence of different authorities. Recent legislative changes may affect the rights and obligations of forest owners, so it is appropriate to conduct a detailed analysis of the legislation. The following tasks: to analyze the legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania, identifying what legal obstacles or opportunities may arise for forest owners, in order to ensure sustainable forest management, nature protection and long-term use of forest resources. The aim of this study: to understand the legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania, which regulate the management and protection of forests, and their impact on forest owners. The paper concluded: The analysis of specific practical situations concerning the rights and legitimate interests of private forest owners presents legal challenges. Issues within this realm also emerge when making decisions about the prudent and sustainable utilization of forests. Hence, it is essential to correctly implement legal measures to avoid contravening the legal norms outlined in the applicable acts. The novelty – is related to the constantly changing legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania, which regulates the management and protection of forests. It is necessary to investigate whether there have been changes in legislation in recent years that could affect the rights and management options of forest owners. As a result, it would save time and resources for forest owners. The used methodology analysis of legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania, scientific literature. Key words: private forest, private forest owner, rights and obligations of private forest owners. Corresponding authors: 1 Kazimieras Simonavičius University (Vilnius, Lithuania) E-mail: gita.boguzaite@stud.ksu.lt ORCID ID: http//orcid.org/0009-0009-2528-8657t 2 Kazimieras Simonavičius University (Vilnius, Lithuania) E-mail: olegas.beriozovas@ksu.lt ORCID ID: http//orcid.org/0000-0003-3254-7215 3 Vytautas Magnus University (Kaunas, Lithuania) E-mail: aperkum@gmail.com ORCID ID: http//orcid.org/0009-0006-4113-7822 climate change. Private forest owners, including individuals and companies, encounter complex legal situations that can hinder their ability to manage forests sustainably. The concept of private forests and private forest owners is discussed, highlighting the diverse ownership structures and their associated rights and responsibilities. The legal landscape in Lithuania is detailed, encompassing acts like the Forest Law and Land Law that determine the rights, duties, and constraints faced by private forest owners. However, regulatory complexity, inconsistency, and environmental restrictions often create challenges. The article highlights various problems faced by private forest owners, such as bureaucracy, lack of knowledge about forest management, environmental constraints, and climate change impacts. The small size of forest holdings also poses challenges to efficiency and economic viability. Comparisons are drawn with countries like the United Kingdom, where private forest management is encouraged through involvement and adaptation to climate change. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for clear, compatible legal regulations, reduced bureaucracy, educational programs, and cooperation Introduction Statement of the problem Legal regulation, challenges, and issues pertaining to the rights and responsibilities of private forest owners in various countries, notably focusing on Lithuania, Macedonia, and the United Kingdom. The increasing diversity of non-industrial private forest owners (PFOs) in Europe has been recognized by policy makers and the forestry sector at large (Ficko, et al., 2019). Forests and wooded lands hold significant importance in the European Union. Due to their strategic value, the competition between forest products and ecosystem services has prompted the implementation of different land use strategies. Forests play a crucial role in the economy, environment, and social well-being, but they face mounting pressures from factors like