Publications
Genetic Aspects of Conservation of Forest Ecosystems of NNP “Podilski Tovtry” in the Context of Sustainable Development
A critical insight from this study is that virgin and quasi-virgin forests, along with old-growth natural forests, are the most valuable for conserving forest genetic resources and biodiversity. The research emphasizes the need for systematic assessment of genetic variability to guide in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. It proposes a set of measures for EU Member States, private sectors, and citizens—supported by financial incentives—to ensure sustainable management of these ecosystems. In the context of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (NNP), the study also highlights the importance of developing tourism potential while involving local communities in environmental and recreational infrastructure projects to support the World Heritage Site 'Primeval Beech Forests and Ancient Forests of the Carpathians.' The approach integrates theoretical, scientific, and methodological frameworks from both domestic and international experiences.
Regarding the history of the inclusion of European beech forests and ancient forests in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and the problems of sustainable development in Ukraine in the region of their location
The UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe' has undergone significant evolution since its inception in 2007, expanding from a focus on the Carpathians to include diverse European regions. Currently encompassing 94 components across 18 countries with a total area of 98,125.15 hectares, this site reflects the collective efforts of Ukrainian and international scientists, such as Alois Zlatnik, Štefan Korpel, and Vasyl Komendar, who played pivotal roles in its establishment and expansion. The site's growth was further supported by key scientific conferences, publications like the monograph 'Virgin forests of the Carpathians,' and collaborations with researchers like Peter Schmidt. However, the study highlights missed opportunities due to inadequate implementation of Ukrainian government decrees aimed at conserving these primeval forests and promoting sustainable development in adjacent mountain settlements from 2009 to 2023.
Biodiversity of the Satanivska Dacha tract, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Ukraine)
Satanivska Dacha tract, a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Primeval beech forests and ancient forests of the Carpathians,' harbors remarkable biodiversity, particularly at the edge of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) distribution. The study records 163 vertebrate species, including 72 within the heritage site, with significant representation in global conservation lists such as Bern, Bonn, and Washington conventions. Notably, 135 vertebrates and 7 higher plants are protected, underscoring its ecological importance. Rare biotopes, including beech forests (Fagus woodland), and three synsozologically significant plant associations were identified. Long-term monitoring of key species like Allium ursinum and Barbastella barbastellus highlights the site's potential for self-regeneration, emphasizing the need for continued conservation efforts.
Unveiling the complex canopy spatial structure of a Mediterranean old-growth beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest from UAV observations
A Mediterranean old-growth beech forest within the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe' exhibits a complex canopy structure characterized by a bimodal height distribution, with the upper layer (h > 14 m) dominating. The study, conducted using UAV-based digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP), identified 551 gaps across 11.5 ha, most being <100 m² and clustered, reflecting natural ecosystem processes. The findings highlight the forest's high integrity compared to managed woodlands and demonstrate that low-cost UAV-DAP can generate fine-scale canopy attributes, offering a practical tool for monitoring UNESCO World Heritage sites or other old-growth forests.
A Permanent Research Platform for Ecological Studies in Intact Temperate Mountainous Forests from Slătioara UNESCO Site and Its Surroundings, Romania
A permanent research platform (PRP) established in the UNESCO-listed 'Codrul secular Slătioara' forest, Romania, provides critical insights into intact temperate mountainous forests. The PRP, spanning 2205.85 hectares and overlapping three scientific reserves, includes 193 sample plots with detailed measurements of tree species, dead wood, and flora. Preliminary data reveal a rich biodiversity, with Norway spruce, silver fir, and European beech dominating in volume, while the tallest trees reach up to 56 meters. The platform's design, featuring two levels of sampling grids, enables comprehensive ecological analysis. This PRP serves as a foundation for future research on forest dynamics, conservation, and educational activities, offering valuable data for studying intact temperate ecosystems.
Beech forests as world heritage in aspect to the next extension of the ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe world heritage site
Beech forests, first protected under the World Heritage Convention in 2007 as the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians, now span 12 European countries with 78 component parts. The latest proposed extension aims to include 30 additional sites, potentially involving 20 countries and depicting a comprehensive picture of post-glacial beech recolonization across Europe. This expansion would create a pan-European network of protected areas, fostering policy-making and knowledge exchange while addressing development pressures on these ecosystems. The study highlights the complexity and significance of this World Heritage property, focusing on Serbia's potential inclusion as its first natural site nomination.
Congruent patterns of functional diversity in saproxylic beetles and fungi across European beech forests
European beech forests, unique temperate ecosystems shaped by post-glacial recolonization and human activity, exhibit congruent patterns of functional diversity in saproxylic beetles and fungi. This diversity decreases from south to north, with higher elevation and temperature, while increasing with precipitation. Structural equation modeling revealed that local functional diversity is driven by regional species pool dynamics, influenced by anthropogenic and biogeographical processes. To preserve these biodiversity hotspots, conservation efforts should target a broad spatial and climatic range across Europe, including primeval forests recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
International Ecoregional Cooperation of Ukraine for the Protection and Preservation of Biodiversity
Ukraine hosts two critical ecoregions from the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Global 200 list: the European-Mediterranean Montane Forests and the Danube River Delta, both under significant threat. The study identifies 12 priority ecoregions in Ukraine, including terrestrial (e.g., Carpathian montane forests), freshwater (e.g., Dniester–Lower Danube), and marine (Mediterranean Sea) ecosystems. International cooperation has successfully protected the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians but faces challenges in annexed territories like Crimea, where unique beech forests remain unprotected. The research underscores the need for Ukraine to develop a National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) to enhance transnational biodiversity conservation efforts, highlighting both achievements and gaps in global ecoregional collaboration.
The component parts of the first nominated Natural Heritage site for the Republic of Serbia
Serbia's nomination of components for the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe' marks a significant advancement in the protection of Europe's last remnants of natural beech forests. These forests, located within Kopaonik, Tara, and Fruška gora National Parks, are notable for their scientific and conservation value, having been under strict protection for decades. The nomination aims to enhance the Outstanding Universal Value of this Pan-European property by adding significant ecological representation. If successful, this would represent Serbia's first Natural World Heritage site, strengthening local protections and raising global awareness about these unique ecosystems.
Perspektywy Ochrony Światowego Dziedzictwa w Polsce – czyli Tentative List i Propozycje Możliwych do Zgłoszenia Kandynatur na Listę Światowego Dziedzictwa
Poland's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites includes five existing candidates and proposes additional cultural and natural heritage sites. Current entries encompass Gdańsk, the Augustów Canal, the Dunajec River Gorge, an extension to the Primeval Beech Forests of Europe, and Krzemionki flint mines. Proposed additions highlight diverse heritage, including Jewish cemeteries, medieval fishponds, industrial landscapes like Nowa Huta and Żyrardów, and natural sites such as Słowiński National Park. Notable proposals also feature architectural marvels like the collegiate church in Pułtusk and Gothic vault projects, emphasizing Poland's rich cultural and natural legacy for potential global recognition.
24.000 ha de paduri primare de fag, propunerea Romaniei pentru Patrimoniul Mondial UNESCO
Romania's proposal to extend the UNESCO World Heritage List with approximately 24,000 hectares of primeval beech forests, located across eight protected areas in the Romanian Carpathians, aims to create a transnational serial property encompassing over 95,000 hectares. This initiative, supported by 13 European countries and coordinated by Austria, seeks to illustrate the ecological process of beech expansion across Europe. The selected sites were chosen to complement existing World Heritage properties and provide a more comprehensive representation of the species' distribution. The nomination, submitted in January 2016, reflects a collaborative effort to highlight the ecological significance and conservation value of these ancient forests.
Interacting effects of forest edge, tree diversity and forest stratum on the diversity of plants and arthropods in Germany’s largest deciduous forest
A groundbreaking study reveals that increasing tree diversity in forests can mitigate the negative impacts of forest fragmentation on plant and arthropod species richness, particularly in herb layers. Conducted in Germany's largest deciduous forest, the Hainich National Park, the research found that high tree diversity buffers edge effects, allowing forest specialist species to thrive even near edges, unlike in low-diversity beech-dominated stands where specialist species decline sharply with distance from the edge. Additionally, habitat generalist arthropods, especially smaller species, benefit from increased tree diversity, while forest specialists remain largely unaffected. The study also highlights the importance of considering forest strata, as edge effects are weaker in the canopy compared to the understory, and tree diversity has stronger, more direct impacts on beetle richness in the canopy. These findings suggest that diversifying deciduous tree species could help preserve regional biodiversity, though some forest species may still depend on old-growth pure beech forests, which are protected within UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Fungal diversity of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park – indicator species of nature value and conservation
A decade-long study of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe,' revealed a rich fungal diversity with 613 macromycete species recorded. Notably, 31 species are threatened in Germany, while 27 meet IUCN criteria for conservation interest, including 10 with German-scale nature value and five with European significance. The park's ecosystem, characterized by fewer tree species on poor soils compared to other UNESCO sites, is poised to develop toward near-naturalness due to its old-growth stands and relict primeval forest fragments. This study underscores the park's ecological importance as an indicator for biodiversity conservation.
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