Virgin Forests in Romania threatened
The Carpathian Mountains stretches 1500 kilometers through South Eastern Europe. Although the name of the mountain range means “Rocky Mountains” it is covered with a nearly endless virgin forest home for more than 13.000 different species. Not counting bears, wolfs and other large predators, which are near extinct in the rest of Europe. Tourists who wish to experience the old-growth forest of Romania might begin at the Retezat National Park. An alpine landscape containing more than 60 peaks and over 100 deep glacier lakes, the park covers 381 Km2 . The area shelters 1190 plant species of which 130 have been listed as endagered. Wolves, bears, wild boars, lynx, wildcats, chamois and dear roam the expansive wilderness, which is only accessible on food. Part of the park is open for grazing and it is possible to encounter shepherds and buy milk and cheese on the pastures lying on the high ground.
It goes without saying that the virgin forest of Romania is under siege by loggers and logging companies bent on exploiting this nature reserve. Apart from the value of the woodland as a natural habitat it is also, however, an important part of the European fight to reduce the impact of carbon release. Accordingly the preservation of this unique woodland is high on the European agenda.
WWF are thus looking for protection for 80% of these old-growth forests in Romania. They are asking the Romanian government to ensure the safety of this land through legislation and compensation, and to assist forest owners where legislation has harmed their income. They have also launched a website and created a petition to encourage Romanian citizens to demand these changes. The campaign has the support of many international companies including IKEA and the Discovery Channel with international and national drives helping to reinforce the message for the Romanian government.
The foundation of The Prince of Wales is particularly engaged in this campaign and its implication for Transylvania. To a large extent Transylvanians descend from (amongst others) German settlers, who migrated to this area in the 12th and 13th century. Since then this minority has continued speaking German and kept its traditions. During the Ceauşescu regime, German-speaking Romanians were however given the possibility – at a hefty price – to migrate back to Germany. As a result the region is nowadays fighting an uphill battle to preserve its cultural and natural heritage as well as care for the old-age pensioners left behind in this beautiful backwater. Since the Prince first visited in 1998, he has evolved an interest in this plight of the local population. Today he owns a number of properties, amongst others a house in Viscri, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is engaged in furthering the rural tourism industry.
Read more about the campaign of WWF
Read more about the Prince of Wales’s activities in Romania
See trailers of Wild Carpathia, a film about the Carpathian Mountains featuring the plea of the Prince of Wales