Old growth forests: SINCA region of Romania.

Over time, old-growth forests (OGF) have experienced pressure from forest owners and farmers to protect this valuable cultural heritage resource. Nevertheless, these ecosystems encounter various challenges that endanger their existence. However, OGF is fascinating because it offers significant advantages in terms of the environment, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. This position paper explores the characteristics, dynamics, and species composition of these forests as well as the benefits and drawbacks associated with preserving old-growth forests in Romania.

OGF, also known as primary or virgin forest, is an undisturbed ecosystem that has remained untouched by human intervention for centuries. Consequently, these forests have existed without silvicultural treatment for many decades. These pristine forests are strictly protected by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage sites and safeguard these forests from any kind of activity or silvicultural practices. There are several characteristics that distinguish the OGF. First, these forests are highly biodiverse, hosting many fauna and flora species. Second, most trees in OGF exhibited significant variation in diameter and age at the same diameter at breast height (DBH). Third, primary forests contain a substantial amount of deadwood, whether it is lying or standing. Fourth, OGF is predominantly composed of shade-tolerant tree species, such as European beech (Facus sylvatica) and silver fir (Abies alba), which exhibit diverse age classes, some reaching over 500 years. Fifth, OGF displayed a pattern of species alternation across different diameter classes. And lastly, most OGF is found in hilly or sloping areas. For instance, the SINCA forest district houses OGF, which is characterized by high annual precipitation (1100 mm) and average temperatures (5–6 °C). Additionally, it is worth noting that OGF covers approximately 1-3% of Romania's land area, with a significant proportion located in the SINCA region of Romania which accounts for more than 70ha.??

It is crucial to discuss some benefits of OGF. From a biodiversity conservation perspective, OGF plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing resilience and stability against natural disasters such as heavy snow, storms, erosion, etc. It serves as a sanctuary for unique and endangered species, safeguarding them from natural disasters like erosion and providing habitats for various plants and animals. Additionally, OGF contributes to the maintenance of genetic diversity. These forests serve as biodiversity hotspots, supporting a remarkable range of flora and fauna. They serve as crucial habitats for numerous endangered species, breeding grounds, nesting sites, and migration corridors for countless organisms. By preserving OGF, we ensure the survival of rare and exceptional species.

OGF plays a vital role in carbon storage and sequestration, significantly mitigating climate change by absorbing and retaining substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. Research has confirmed that OGF functions as a carbon-neutral ecosystem. This is because it is understood that their slow growth rate and decomposition of old dead trees effectively balance out any carbon absorption. However, recent findings have challenged this notion by demonstrating that OGF can store and sequester carbon. This is attributed to favorable tree growth conditions, reduced transpiration rates in old trees, and the regeneration of new trees, all of which contribute positively to carbon storage. In addition to tree carbon storage, OGF stores carbon in forest soils and dead wood materials. These forests have been shown to effectively retain soil carbon because of their rich organic matter content. Therefore, as the focus on reducing carbon emissions intensifies, OGF has emerged as an effective carbon sink, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.

One of the key advantages of OGF is its ability to be used as a living laboratory for conducting research and as an educational tool. Furthermore, they serve as teaching grounds for young professionals and allow people to explore and become acquainted with the unique characteristics of OGF. Moreover, OGF has played a significant role in fostering ecotourism, thus attracting numerous visitors, which can boost local economies. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, communities can benefit from these forests without harming them while simultaneously protecting their natural integrity. In essence, the preservation of OGF is crucial not only for respecting and preserving indigenous rights but also for promoting the cultural heritage values associated with these naturally gifted resources.

In addition to the benefits and cultural significance of preserving OGF, there are some challenges associated with these forests, particularly from the perspective of forest owners. These forest owners put pressure on both the UNESCO body and the government to receive compensation for conserving the forests. They seek compensation because they cannot extract resources or gain personal or economic advantages from forests. Additionally, OGF in Romania faces the potential threat of non-native plant species and pest invasions, which can harm native flora and fauna. Furthermore, climate change poses another risk to these forests. Changes in the temperature and rainfall patterns can disrupt the growth and overall health status of trees, making them more susceptible to pest infestation and disease attacks. These climate-induced alterations further endanger the survival of old-growth forests. Although numerous issues exist, it is important to highlight a few key issues within the scope of this paper.

To conclude, OGF offers various ecosystem services. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these forests have experienced pressure because of the benefits they provide. Fortunately, the Romanian government implemented stringent laws to preserve and protect culturally significant sites. Therefore, appropriate interventions should be adopted to properly implement robust protection measures while promoting sustainable management practices and fostering public participation. By doing so, Romania can ensure the long-term survival of its old-growth forests, contributing to a sustainable future for both people and the environment.