Poplar
2019, no. 203, p. 79-85

Original scientific paper
UDK/DOI: 630(4-12)

Forests in South-eastern Europe



Alexander H. Alexandrov 1, Ivan Iliev 2


1 Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
2 University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria

e-mail: alexandrov_38@abv.bg

Abstract

Forests in South-Eastern Europe are with the smallest area and share of forest area, least annual increment and fellings (m3/ha) and – due to historical circumstances – with least share of private forests on the continent. This region is with highest percentage of coppice stands and forest plantations but in the same time possesses relatively highest number of valuable forest genetic resources in Europe. According to countries, share of forest area is the highest in Slovenia and Montenegro and lowest – in Moldova; the highest percentage of primary forests is in Bulgaria and Montenegro. In Moldova, Montenegro and Slovenia it is relied predominantly on natural regeneration and the share of afforestation is highest in Bulgaria. The share of public forests predominates in all countries in South-Eastern Europe with the exception of Slovenia and Serbia and, of course, mostly damaged by forest fires are more southern and xerophytic parts. Total wood removals towards total forest area by 2015 are most significant in Serbia, Slovenia and Romania and firewood dominates considerably in Moldova, Serbia and Albania. The worsened health status of forests, fires and illegal cuttings, as well as vulnerability of forest populations to climate changes, are significant challenges for the forest sector and society. 



Keywords: natural regeneration, coppicing, forest plantations, growing stock, felling