The Natura 2000 ecological network and forests in Romania: implications on management and administration

Abstract

SUMMARY The present forestry guidelines and related legislation in Romania promote the natural forest type and seek a sustained yield in terms of both timber production and other forest functions regardless the ownership and administration. Therefore, forest management could be considered compatible with the conservation requirements of the Natura 2000 network. At present, this network covers roughly 18% of the country area. It was implemented without a thorough field analysis and without a proper stakeholder consultation process. Additionally, all sites were declared protected areas although no compensation system exists for owners. The authors propose that, at least for sites covering large areas and including diverse forms of ownership, the administration is more efficient at the level of existing forest districts than at site level. They also stress that, for an efficient Natura 2000 network and a sustainable forest management, financial compensation schemes should cover all types of ownership current...