Pro Silva is an European confederation of professional foresters who advocate and promote Close to Nature Forest Management Principles developed by Pro Silva, based on the processes found in natural forests as an alternative to clear felling, short-rotation tree plantations. Pro Silva membership is made up of forest owners, foresters, forestry students and others who wish to practice and learn more about close to nature forest management.
Pro Silva recognises and values the unique history of forestry and its past, current and potential contribution at local, regional and national levels. Pro Silva is convinced of the need for a greater range of management skills amongst foresters and forest owners.
Pro Silva was founded in Slovenia in 1989. Prof. Korpel, a silvicutlure professor at forestry faculty in Forestry and Wood processing University in Zvolen (now technical University in Zvolen), was one of the Pro Silva founding member.
Currently, Pro Silva associates national associations in more than 25 European countries (22 regular members and 10 so-called preparatory members) as well as several observer organizations from Europe and other continents. Pro Silva Slovakia is a regular member.