EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

which only about 55 % of the height attained by the European beech in the nominated
properties on mesotrophic sites within its physiological and ecological optima. The height is
further limited by rugged terrain relief and steep slopes (Osada et al. 2004). Henceforth the
nominated properties contains examples of the maximum growth performance of European
beech with corresponding hall-like forest appearance and impact on cultural and nature
perceptions in Europe. Also, the total area of the proposed serial nomination is larger by some
100 km 2 and its management offers hope for even further reconstruction of natural beech
forests within the connecting ecological corridors. Measured by scientific publications,
research in the proposed serial nomination has generated more than 100 times more scientific
papers than that in the Shirakami-sanchi region.
Conclusions
It ensues from the comparative analysis that the serial nomination of “Beech Primeval
Forests of the Carpathians” is unparalleled either within its own biogeographical province or
other provinces in terms of:
a) Size of the beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) primeval forest areas that include all developmental
stages in their entirety;
b) Absolute dominance, vitality and growth of European beech as the leading species within
the developmental cycle of forests, only a minimum presence of other, admixed tree
species;
c) The wide spectrum of growing conditions;
d) Protection level and guarantees for current and future integrity.
Unlike on some other territories, the complex of mesotrophic nominated beech forests
exists in its physiological and ecological optimum under present climatic conditions and on
given substrates. The competitive capacity of European beech on this territory is illustrated by
the extremely rare occurrence of spruce and fir, only limited to small secluded depressions,
creating basins of cool air. The serial nomination covers the entire spectrum of site conditions
in terms of climate gradients, and geological bedrock (crystalline, carbonate, flysch and
volcanic).
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