By Silke Knebel | US Project Leader
Please see this link for the most recent newsletter:
https://www.carpathia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Field-report-July-August-2022.pdf
Our Impact
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
Forest conservation and management July & August 2022
In July and August, we were able to purchase an additional 1.2 ha of forests for protection.
Ecological restoration July & August 2022
The ongoing work in our tree nurseries and greenhouses was intensive as we prepared the next generation of forests. Weeding and watering are the most important tasks. July and August were exceptionally dry, so we had to water the plants regularly to avoid them from dying due to lack of water.
Elm seeds are germinating in one of our tree nurseries. This year’s seeds are unfortunately not as high quality as we would have liked. Despite this, we are attempting to grow a new generation of elm trees for the forests we hope to restore.
We have continued the activity of eradicating invasive alien plant species (IAS): Erigeron annuus (daisy fleabane), Conyza canadensis (Canadian horseweed) and Impatiens parviflora (small balsam). We selected 28 sample areas in which we took fixed-point photographs accompanied by botanical surveys to monitor the evolution of invasive alien plant species following their removal in Cumpana, Vâlsanului, Otic, Doamnei, Dâmboviteiand DragoslovenilorValleys.
30 plots across Zanoguta, Basaand Valea Lungaareas were monitored for the impact of the restoration activities on degraded habitats.
Volunteer employees from Zentiva helped with weeding around 16,000 mountain ash saplings, which will grow in strength until autumn when we will plant them higher up in the mountains. Mountain ash is an important species for biodiversity and its round red fruits are a vital source of food for the birds during winter.
Wildlife conservation July & August 2022
36 bison are now roaming freely in the Fagaras Mountains (as a result of our reintroduction program) accompanied by six healthy calves –one from last October and five from this year. See video here: https://www.facebook.com/ConservationCarpathia/videos/581923766719223 of the last three calves discovered while monitoring the herd. The bison were also featured in ecent video documentaries such as this one made by our partner, Mossy Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3o2tuN4rlQ
We have started repeating our brown bear census using genetic methods over 120,000 ha. By the end of August, we have already collected 267 genetic samples from scat and hair specimens. Our target is to collect 900 samples. We look forward to comparing the current results to the ones obtained in the first study in 2017-2018.
Conservation Enterprise Programs July & August 2022
The PREMS International School in Romania were curious about the life on a biodiversity farm so they visited our Cobor Biodiversity Farm which is managed and run by Foundation Conservation Carpathia and hundreds of local volunteers. To learn more about Cobor, please visit their website: https://cobor-farm.ro/.
Fruits of the Fagaras Mountains, a local food hub from local producers, are available for anyone that appreciates good food and good deeds. The local food hub is part of Foundation Conservation Carpathia's Conservation Enterprise Program which has seen tremendous success in the last few years.
September and October are the last two months you can still book a bucket list experience in one of our wildlife hides. https://travelcarpathia.com/ to learn more about traveling to Carpathia. Simon Alan Reeve, a British author, journalist, adventurer, documentary filmmaker and television presenter visited FCC's project in Romania. You can learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/100044146550674/posts/pfbid02bqVQh9HtE8279hCLZNTVkfM1Tv7KNtzaSD9GxyxLpteTWLnENxvpxhp1zQALgMWkl/
Major Events to Celebrate in Carpathia from July & August 2022
Fagaras Fest is an annual festival in the Carpathian Mountains. This year it was held from August 5-7, 2022 in Avrig, Sibiu county. Fagaras Fest helps people from all around Romania to connect, support, and understand more about the importance of the Carpathian Mountains. People participated in hikes, guided tours, a film evening to watch a new documentary film, see photo exhibitions, exoerience an adventure competition and hear local music. Through the partnership with the Romanian Post, 600 postcards were sent all overt he country from Fagaras Fest. Overall 2500 participants attended, 24 local producers and artisans came out, and 68 volunteers helped create a memorable 3-day experience for 2500 people.
Overall goals of Foundation Conservaion Carpathia
•Creating the largest forested National Park in Europe.
•Annual restoration of the original ecosystem of over 100 ha of clear-cuts.
•Protecting wildlife across a total of 96,500 ha.
•Sustainable development of local communities.
•Environmental education projects.
You are always welcome to reach out if you have any questions or updates for us! We would love to hear from you!
Many thanks,
Silke Knebel
Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC)
s.knebel@carpathia.org
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