WWF forest experts to discuss green economy in Sofia

WWF forest experts to discuss green economy in Sofia
The report of WWF „Living Forests” testifies that forests are subject to unprecedented pressure – more timber is used for energy, more land is cleared for agriculture, new roads bring new inhabitants and industry with them, and the climatic changes cause more frequent and more extreme meteorological phenomena.
“WWF experts from all over the world come to Sofia, in order that we together define new strategies for stopping deforestation and erosion globally,” says Rod Taylor, director of the WWF International Forest Programme.
“Forests are unquestionably extremely important for life on Earth. They are home to incredible animals and plants; they process huge quantities carbon dioxide and turn it into the oxygen we breathe. Rainfalls happen because of them, and then they filter the water. Timber from well managed forests is a renewable resource, which may be used for paper, wrapping material, furniture, buildings and energy. We can’t afford to lose forests,” he said.
Central and Eastern Europe continue to be priority in WWF’s work for environment protection. Solutions are being searched, which will connect fast growing industry for timber products for people’s lives with protection of the unique nature of the region. WWF works for protection of the natural heritage of Bulgaria and the other regional countries through the initiative Green Heart of Europe. WWF’s work in Bulgaria has led to FSC certification (certification for responsible and sustainable forest management) for over 400,000 hectares of forests. Last year, 4,500 hectares of Danube forests were protected after WWF and other environment protection organisations opposed a controversial legal amendment.

The new old threats for forests in Bulgaria
A new road and tunnel by Shipka in the Balkan mountain threatens to destroy a virgin forest, which is an important habitat for bears and wolves in Balgarka National Park. In Strandzha National Park, the biggest untouched forest areas with oak and beech in Southeast Europe are threatened with construction for mass tourism.

Bulgarian forests cover 37% of the country’s territory and are home to 40 of world endangered animals and plants. Less than 4% of them however are old forests. And where those forest are you can see with WWF’s new geographical information system .