Permanent forest planting in the Făgăraș Mountains
Făgăraș Mountains, 3 May 2021 – Several dozen Agent Green volunteers and a number of day labourers planted several hectares of new forest at the end of April 2021 in the Iezer Păpușa area most affected by illegal logging in the Făgăraș Mountains.
The planted area lies on rugged terrain at an altitude of 1400-1700 metres. Those responsible for illegal logging over approximately 300 hectares went unpunished. The land destroyed in 2008-2013 has neither regenerated naturally nor been replanted. Degradation is advanced, the soil has changed its profile and composition, and in places it has already been washed away by the weather. Fortunately, the area was recently purchased by FCC, a foundation with which Agent Green has signed a contract ensuring that this area becomes strictly protected from today. No tree or shrub will ever be cut here again. Beech saplings and conifers specific to this forest vegetation zone were planted. The action was difficult because of the weather conditions, or more precisely climate change. The snow is still unusually deep, while temperatures are exceptionally high for this time of year. Consequently, where the snow has melted and planting is possible, the ground is already very dry. Nevertheless, the organisation undertakes to maintain the saplings for 7 years. There is a risk that the spring planting season will disappear in future and planting will only be possible in autumn, in November.
“We are permanently restoring paradise where the air thieves have plundered it. We have ensured that no animal or tree will ever be disturbed here again. On paper, the site is now strictly protected, while on the ground rangers and modern technology are there to ensure its peace,” said Gabriel Păun, president of Agent Green.
The action is part of Agent Green’s campaign to increase the country’s forested area from 29% to 40%, meaning more than 3 million hectares of new forests. The organisation expects the Romanian Government to achieve this objective by 2030, with NGOs offering the state a model to follow through symbolic and strategic actions of this kind. At the same time, the organisation aims to increase Romania’s strictly protected areas from 1% to 10% of the country’s territory.
Agent Green thanks the volunteers, donors, sponsors and FCC for making this planting action possible for the benefit of nature and people. Planting will continue in autumn. Those wishing to contribute can do so here:
