Description
Huge areas of forest habitats have been illegally logged in the upper Dimbovita area, Fagaras Mountains Natura 2000 site, over the last decade. Logging tracks ploughed into the hillsides have caused tremendous erosion problems and require immediate action to prevent the further loss of top soils and the pollution of the Dimbovita River. This project is part of the CARPATHIA initiative, which has the main purpose of creating a wilderness reserve in Fagaras Mountains, fully protected. The main objective of the project is to stop further erosion on former clear-cuts and stabilize top soils. The expected results of the project are the reconstruction of forest floor on 9.5 km of ditches and planting of saplings on these areas. The beneficiaries of the project are the local communities and the focus groups are the tourists and the authorities.
Summary of project results
Starting from 1991, when first laws for restitution of forests to their former owners appeared, the public forest decreased by 50%, from 6,4 million hectares (1948) to 3,2 million (2013). In the last decade, in the upper basin of the Dambovita Valley, private forest owners (especially individuals) have started intense logging, and, with a weak intervention of the authorities, these have degenerated into illegal cuts, without any respect of the technical exploitation rules and regulations. Up to 1,700 ha of forests, mainly in the Upper Dambovita Valley, in the Natura 2000 site (ROSCI0122 Fagaras Mountains), were abusively deforested between 2004 and 2010. These illegally logged areas were also affected by soil erosion. This was caused by a network of roads for collecting wood with bulldozers and for towing the timber on the ground. Heavy rain created even deeper ravines, leaving real wounds on the forest floor. Carpathia Conservation Foundation launched an extensive action to rebuild the areas affected by deforestation and erosion, with the stated aim to preserve wildlife in the Fagaras Mountains and lay the foundation for a future national park. Through this project, the promoter aimed at restoring a minimum of 9.5 km erosion ditches and planting over 4.75 ha of seedlings, thus stabilizing approximatively 100 ha of degraded forest habitat. The project also aimed at increasing citizen’s participation and promoting the project’s activities. Therefore, a manual was drafted and it focused on erosion prevention and working in habitats affected by illegal logging. Using the available funds, 10 km of ravines were repaired, 8.5 hectares of degraded soil were prepared for planting and over 34,000 seedlings were planted, totalling approx. 100 ha. These important actions have been carried out during 118 workdays by day labourers and volunteers, who've gained knowledge regarding the effects of inappropriate forest exploitation and acquired civic responsibility to protect local nature. In many parts of Romania, the status of the forests is similar, so the project team has shared their experience through a manual printed in 500 copies for a wide distribution to administrators and forest owners, public authorities and other stakeholders.
Summary of bilateral results