Primary forests don’t just grow in the Amazon or on the islands of Indonesia; they are found in Europe too. However the last major virgin forest areas in Central Europe have been systematically removed over the last 300 years and have been replaced by ‘orderly’ farmed forests, which are oriented towards the maximum yield of wood. But in the Carpathians and in the Western Balkans in particular, large areas of virgin forest have survived – providing a global natural heritage of inestimable ecological value.
Yet these last connected primary and natural forests in Europe (except in Scandinavia) are disappearing. Greed for profit, political ignorance and large-scale corruption are threatening these forests, which have grown over hundreds and thousands of years.If they were cut down, countless rare plants and animals would lose their homes. The fight against the climate crisis would also suffer a significant setback.
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Raising awareness: For a long time, many people in Europe were unaware that real forest wilderness still existed on our continent - or how dramatic the situation had become for these last primary and natural forests. Through our public relations work, we have successfully put this conservation drama in the media spotlight and, together with our partners, to expose the grievances in the region.
Lobbying in Brussels: Thanks to our lobbying work, we were able to put the issue of primary forest protection in Romania on the agenda of politicians in EU bodies. We submitted several complaints to the European Commission and this led to the Commission opening infringement proceedings against the Romanian government. However, the case has not yet been referred to the European Court of Justice.
Forest experts check the satellite data by making spot checks on the ground. Sometimes drones are also used.
Breaking new ground: Satellite technology, artificial intelligence and human experience - the perfect mix to save the last wild forests of the Balkans? Together with nature conservation partners in seven Balkan countries and the remote sensing experts from Space4Good, we have ventured into this terrain to create a complete mapping of the primeval and natural forests of the Western Balkans using state-of-the-art technology. The next step will be to achieve the designation of new protected areas.
Mobilising people in support of primary forests: Whether it is in the forests of the Carpathians, on the streets of Bucharest or in front of the European Parliament, together with our partners in forest protection, we are organising demonstrations, events and petitions as part of our campaign against logging and planned road construction in the Balkan’s primary and natural forests. Due to massive protests, plans to expand a small forest road into a multi-lane highway through the Domogled National Park or the monstrous Svydovets ski resort in the southwest of Ukraine were also thwarted.
Only a few percent of the forest area in Europe are still in a pristine state. I am convinced that EU can afford to strictly preserve at least 10 percent of its forest cover including all all remaining primary and old-growth forests.
Matthias Schickhofer, Campaigner, Author and Photographer
Stopping timber transporters, organising demos, working to persuade people: there are many different aspects to protecting Europe’s primary forests
Join in and help us!
You too can join the large circle of those who are committed to Europe's virgin forests. We are grateful for every donation or active contribution! By doing so, you will support an independent and networked civil society in Europe that is working powerfully to protect our virgin forests. Please use your opportunities to help!
