VIRGIN FORESTS AND FOREST RESERVES IN ... - Natura 2000

COST Action E4: Forest Reserves Research Network • • Proceedings of the Invited Lecturers' Reports ⁄ p. 67 - 86
FOREST RESERVES AND THEIR RESEARCH IN ROMANIA
ABSTRACT
by Gheorghe Florian BORLEA *
A natural forest is a very good example to illustrate the concept of sustainable
development. Forest area in Romania covers 6.356,000 ha (27 % of the total land area of
the country), and the proportion of natural forests still remains important. Natural forest
composition model is the main goal of the present-day forest management plans. There
exists a tradition in nature conservation but the legislative system for nature protection in
general must be improved, and very valuable areas must be included. The concept of
forest conservation has evolved from the genetic conservation of forest tree species to the
conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. There are only few researches recorded
in natural forests here. The need of forest conservation appeared also as a reaction to the
previous extensive silvicultural methods which have dramatically disturbed the forest
ecosystems. Forest conservation has been also supported by the new legislation (The
Forestry Code /1996), and by the activity of the ‘Progresul Silvical Society’ 1 members.
INTRODUCTION
Total forest area in Romania consists of 6.366,000 ha from which 6.245,000 ha is covered
by forest vegetation (27% of total land area of the country). Previously, 70% of the
present-day territory was covered by forest (CHIRITA 1986). Romania has very important
biodiversity resources: 3,100 native species of plants, 60 native tree species, 10 groups of
natural forest formations, and 150 types of forest ecosystems (DONITA, CHIRITA and
STANESCU 1990).
Forest composition is varied. Conifers make up 31% (23% spruce, 5% fir-tree, and other
conifers 3%), beech 31%, oak 18%, other hard broad-leaved trees 15%, and soft broadleaved
trees 5%. The average growing stock is 215 m 3 /ha (36% beech), and the average
growth 5.6 m 3 /year/ha. The harvested wood volume was 24 - 27 million m 3 in 1951-1976,
22 M m 3 in 1987, and 14.8 M m 3 in 1997. Afforestation of inferior land areas was carried
out on 1,100 ha in 1996, and on 900 ha in 1997. The realisation of natural forest
composition model is the main goal of the present-day forest management plans.
* Dr. G.F.B., Forest Research and Management Institute - ICAS, Timisoara, Romania
1 Association founded in 1886 in order to promote sustainable forestry.