EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

3.d Integrity and Authenticity
Authenticity
Because the conditions of Authenticity apply for properties nominated under criteria (i)
to (vi) only, we have still used criteria according to Biris, Veen (2005) 11 :
− natural composition and distribution of composing species
− complex structures (stratified on vertical plan and mosaic on horizontal plan), according
to the development stages (specific textures);
− diversity of sizes and ages (occurrence of very old trees);
− the occurrence of dead wood (standing or fallen), in different stages of decay.
− representative ecosystems for the main forest formations.
The fulfilment of these criteria as well as the overall scientific value of localities making
up the serial nomination “Beech Primeval Forests of the Carpathians” is widely
acknowledged within the international scientific circles (Leibundgut 1993, Korpeľ 1995,
Commarmot 2000, Dajoz 2000, Parviainen 2005). The development of concerned beech
primeval forests is in a full accordance with to-date knowledge on the population genetics of
beech (Comps et al. 2001). Beech expansion proceeded most probably along the Carpathians
ridges from the south-east. Ever since the Subboreal period beech represents dominant
deciduous tree species in the Carpathians thus forming a backbone of numerous nature
preserves. The credibility of scientific information on properties of the nominated series
secured by peer reviews of quoted papers.
Integrity
The integrity account is given according to Operational Guidelines for the
Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (hereinafter referred to as Guidelines),
Chapter II.E, paragraphs applying to properties nominated under criteria (vii), (ix), (x):
− Paragraph 87: All properties of the nominated series “Beech primeval forests of the
Carpathians satisfy conditions of integrity.
− Paragraph 88: (a) Primeval forest properties and the nominated series as a whole are
formed by unity of its abiotic and biotic components, undisturbed
biogeochemical cycles, i. e. by energy and matter exchange
between abiotic environment and organisms and complex
11 In fact, the selection criteria (admission) of the nominated primeval forests have gone beyond this by the
inclusion of undisturbed biogeochemical cycling and the primary character of forests (no secondary natural
forests addmitted) as additional criteria.
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