Romania’s natural forest types – a biogeographic and phytosociological overview in the context of politics and conservation [Die natürlichen Waldtypen Rumäniens – eine biogeographische und vegetationskundliche Übersicht im Kontext von Politik und Naturschutz]

This report provides an overview of the forest vegetation and the status of its conservation in Romania. Due to a large range of climates and soils, and a long-lasting postglacial vegetation history,the Romanian forests are highly diverse and species-rich ecosystems. Approximately 150 natural types of forest ecosystems have been described. Seven zonal forest formations were distinguished: (1) foreststeppes and dry oak forests; (2) forests with Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis); (3) forests with oaks (Quercus spp.) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus); (4) beech forests: Fagus sylvatica and Fagus sylvatica mixed forests; (5) beech-fir (Abies alba)-spruce (Picea abies) mixed mountain forests; (6) spruce forests; (7) subalpine shrubland with dwarf pine (Pinus mugo subsp. mugo). On extremesites, azonal forests occur, dominated by (8) black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. banatica); (9) Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris); (10) Carpathian larch (Larix decidua subsp. carpatica) and stone pine (Pinuscembra); (11) valuable broadleaf species, including maple (Acer spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.), linden (Tilia spec). Along water courses with periodical inundations, riparian forests and shrublands occur, dominated by (12) black alder (Alnus glutinosa); (13) grey alder (A. ... mehrincana); (14) tamarisk (Myricaria germanica) pioneer copse; (15) pioneer forest with poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.); (16) riparian hardwood forest with oak, elm (Ulmus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.).
In the EU countries virgin (primeval) and old growth forests account for less than 3% of the total forest area. Most alarming is the situation of temperate virgin and old-growth forest. About 80% of them are situated in the Carpathians, mainly formed by beech, fir, and spruce. Estimations of virgin and quasi-virgin, old-growth forests in Romania range between 150,000 and 200,000 ha. Between 2001 and 2019 about 350,000 ha disappeared through illegal and legal logging. Legislation in Romania demands that production forests have to be managed sustainably, and virgin forests have to be protected. Romanian forests are also subject to European law, such as the Habitats and Birds Directives. However, there is a severe lack of enforcement at all administration levels, even in National Parks. Sanctioning activities by the EU authorities are hardly visible. It follows: (1) It must be in the interest of all of Europe to preserve and protect the last large areas of primeval forest in Europe. (2) The community of EU countries, the Parliament and the European Commission must provide clear guidelines and care for their implementation, connected with attractive, secure and long-term funding programs (compensation for non-use). (3) At a regional level, new creative ideas and concrete initiatives must integrate wilderness areas into regional value creation concepts.